If you’ve spent a summer anywhere around Warner Robins or Middle Georgia, you know how quickly the weather can turn. It’s sunny and 95 degrees one minute, then thunder is rolling in and the wind is kicking up leaves the next. Learning how to protect your pool from storms is just part of owning one here. Here’s what our team at Mid State Pools tells customers about keeping a pool and its equipment safe when the weather gets rough.
Why Summer Storms Hit Pools So Hard
Middle Georgia sees thunderstorms almost daily from June through September, and every few years a tropical system moving up from the Gulf adds heavy rain and strong wind on top of that. A pool can end up dealing with wind, lightning, flooding rain, and flying debris all within the same afternoon. Loose furniture, uncovered equipment, and pool water that’s out of balance are usually what take the biggest hit.
Protect Your Pool From Storms Before They Roll In
A little prep goes a long way. Before a storm reaches your neighborhood, walk around the pool area and take care of a few things:
- Secure or bring in pool furniture, floats, and loose deck items
- Turn off pool equipment at the breaker if lightning or severe wind is in the forecast
- Cover or double check that your pump and filter housing are sealed up tight
- Clear your skimmers and drains so heavy rain has somewhere to go
- Bump up your chlorine a little before a big storm, since heavy rain dilutes it fast
Even fifteen minutes of prep can save you a repair bill later.
Keep a Storm Ready Kit on Hand
It helps to keep a few supplies in your pool shed or garage before storm season peaks, so you’re not scrambling when a storm shows up with only an hour’s notice.
- Extra test strips or a liquid test kit so you can check chemistry quickly afterward
- A jug of shock or extra chlorine
- Bungee cords or straps for securing loose covers and furniture
- A battery powered flashlight in case the power goes out during cleanup
- Contact info for your pool service company saved in your phone
Staying Safe While the Storm Passes
Once the thunder starts, get everyone out of the water and away from the pool deck. Lightning can travel through water and through metal rails, ladders, and diving boards, so it’s best to head indoors until the storm clears. If your power goes out, avoid running a generator near your pool equipment, and don’t try to restart your pump or heater until you’re sure the storm has fully passed.
Cleaning Up Once the Skies Clear
After the storm moves on, give your pool a once over before anyone jumps back in:
- Skim leaves, branches, and debris off the surface right away
- Check your water level, since heavy rain can push it above the skimmer line
- Test your pH and chlorine levels and rebalance as needed
- Inspect your pump, filter, and heater for water intrusion or storm damage
- Watch closely for algae over the next few days, since diluted chlorine gives it room to grow in our summer heat
A quick post storm routine like this keeps small problems from turning into bigger ones.
When to Call In the Professionals
Some storm damage is easy to spot, like a torn pool cover or a piece of patio furniture that ended up in the deep end. Other issues, like a pump that took on water or a liner that shifted in high wind, are harder to catch on your own. If your water turns green and won’t clear up, your equipment won’t power back on, or you notice new cracks in the decking after a rough storm, it’s time to bring in a professional.
Mid State Pools has been helping Middle Georgia families take care of their pools for years, storms included. If a recent storm left you with questions about your equipment, your water, or your deck, give us a call or stop by our Warner Robins showroom. We’re happy to take a look and get your pool back to normal before the next round of summer fun.
