How to Prepare Your Pool for a Cyclone
Preparing your home for a major weather event is stressful for homeowners and many are preparing for potential disruptions to their properties as Cyclone Alfred approached South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales. With intense winds, torrential rain and flooding predicted for the area, paramount to take deliberate, strategic steps to protect your valuable investment in your Nexus Pool.
At Nexus Pools, we fully appreciate the importance of your fibreglass pool, which is why we’ve curated this detailed guide to help you prepare your pool for the cyclone. Regardless of whether you’re faced with gusty winds or deluging rainfall, the right measures will ensure that your pool emerges unharmed and ready for use when the weather is calm.
Consider the tips shared throughout this guide on how to prepare your pool for a cyclone, the dos and don’ts and what to expect in the aftermath of the storm.
Ensure Your Pool Area is Secure
Prior to the cyclone’s arrival, begin removing any loose items surrounding your pool area. Pool rollers and covers, pool toys, outdoor furniture, decorative objects, and plants can become dangerous projectiles in powerful winds, potentially damaging both your fibreglass pool and its surrounding environment. Removing debris is also critical to prevent pool water contamination.
Switch Off All Pool Equipment
It is vital to turn off your pool’s pump, filter, and any other electrical systems to protect them from power surges, lightning strikes, or flooding. Disconnect all electrical components or turn off isolation switches for heaters, lighting, and saltwater chlorinators. If possible, place valuable equipment in a secure location to safeguard them from water exposure.
Reminder: Consult your Nexus Pools warranty guide, as well as the manufacturer’s handbooks for your equipment, to ensure you are fully covered in the event of cyclone-induced damage.
Reduce Your Pool’s Water Level
The heavy rainfall associated with cyclones can lead to overflowing pools. To reduce the risk of overflow, lower your pool’s water level to mid skimmer level. This will allow the pool to accommodate any excess rainwater without compromising its structural integrity. While fibreglass pools are less susceptible to cracks compared to other pool types, lowering the water level is still an essential precaution.
Review Your Home Insurance Policy
Take the time to verify whether your home insurance covers pool damage in the event of a cyclone. Some policies may exclude pool coverage or have specific exclusions for storm damage. Confirming this in advance will spare you any unwelcome surprises. Engage with your insurer to ensure your pool is fully covered in the case of storm or cyclone damage.
Prune Foliage Near Your Pool
Not only should you focus on the pool itself, but you must also attend to the surrounding environment. If trees or shrubs are located near your pool, trim them back well before the cyclone’s arrival. Falling branches and debris can cause considerable damage to your fibreglass pool or create an unwanted mess. Use this opportunity to clear away any potentially hazardous vegetation.
Pro Tip: After trimming, take the extra step of inspecting the ground around your pool for fallen leaves and branches, and remove any debris to maintain a pristine environment.
Fortify Surrounding Pool Fences and Gates
High winds can compromise unsecured pool fences and gates, which may pose safety hazards. Ensure that all pool fencing and gates are securely locked and fastened. Check for any loose panels or damaged sections that could be dislodged by the winds. If necessary, reinforce the fence temporarily with additional support to ensure it remains firmly in place throughout the storm.
Collect Maintenance Supplies
Prepare for post-cyclone maintenance by ensuring you have the essential pool supplies on hand. You may need extra chemicals, filters, and cleaning tools to restore water balance and remove debris from your pool after the storm. Stock up on pool shock, algaecides, and a reliable pool brush so that you are ready to address any water contamination.
Safeguard the Surrounding Area of Your Pool
To further safeguard your pool, reinforce the area surrounding it. If your pool is accompanied by a deck or landscaped area, clear away outdoor furniture, large pots, and decorative items. These objects may become hazardous projectiles in the storm. If feasible, move larger items such as planters and outdoor seating into a secure location, such as a garage or shed.
Have a Plan for Post-Cyclone Cleaning
In addition to preparing your pool before the cyclone, it is equally important to devise a plan for post-storm clean-up. Once Cyclone Alfred has passed, begin by removing debris, inspecting your pool for any damages, and tidying the surrounding area. Evaluate your filtration system, water chemistry, and pool equipment to ensure everything is in working order.
Post-Storm Tip: Refer to your Nexus Pools warranty handbook for guidance on how to report and address any potential damage covered under your warranty. Swift action can prevent further damage and expedite the repair process.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing Your Pool for a Cyclone
Never Empty Your Pool
While it may seem sensible to drain your pool to avoid overflow, doing so can result in severe structural damage due to hydrostatic pressure. This pressure can cause the pool to shift or even float, leading to costly repairs. Fibreglass pools are designed to remain filled with water, and draining them can cause warping or cracking.
Don’t Keep Your Pool Pump Running
Leaving your pool pump or other electrical equipment on during a cyclone exposes it to electrical hazards. Power surges and flooding can damage sensitive equipment. Always disconnect or engage your isolation switches to the power supply to your pool equipment well in advance of the storm.
Don’t Leave Items in the Pool
Remove pool covers, pool toys, inflatables, and floating objects from the pool before the storm. These items can be damaged or swept away, creating additional hazards. Storing them safely will make post-cyclone clean-up much easier.
Preparing your pool for a cyclone is a crucial endeavor to protect your valuable investment and maintain its pristine condition through the storm. By considering the essential steps outlined in this guide, you will significantly reduce potential risks and be fully prepared for whatever the storm may bring. Remember to lower the water level by 10-12cm below the skimmer (never empty the pool entirely), trim any nearby trees, and ensure all electrical equipment is safely disconnected or isolation switched are off.
Equally vital is avoiding common missteps, such as draining your pool or leaving your pump running. These simple oversights can lead to expensive repairs and unnecessary complications. By taking the necessary precautions, you can protect your pool and rest easy knowing that you’ve diligently safeguarded your fibreglass pool against Cyclone Alfred.
Should you have any uncertainties throughout the process, feel free to reach out to Nexus Pools for expert advice and assistance. Additionally, staying informed on the latest weather updates by following the Bureau of Meteorology and their live updates on Facebook is always a wise practice.
By proactively preparing, you’ll ensure your pool remains secure throughout the storm and is ready for you to enjoy once the cyclone has passed. Remain prepared, stay safe, and rest assured that Nexus Pools is here to support you during cyclone season and beyond.
