DOYLESTOWN, Pa., Sept. 14, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- When it comes to preparing for extreme weather, homeowners must take special care to protect one of their most valuable assets. Outdoor pools, home spas and the furnishings that go with them are important investments in the overall value of a property, but without diligent care they may actually cost owners more than they anticipated. From floods and droughts to summer heat and winter weather, Mother Nature’s worst requires special attention to pool maintenance. With knowledge of weather threats and a bit of preparation, pool owners can protect their outdoor recreation areas and decrease the need for costly repairs.
Hurricanes
Hurricanes pose numerous risks to pools, from heavy rains and flooding to strong winds and damage by airborne storm debris. Despite the temptation felt by many pool owners, it is vitally important not to drain a pool in these circumstances. Not only will draining increase the chances that the interior sides and flooring are damaged in the storm, but in rare circumstances a rising water table caused by flooding may actually “float” an in-ground pool. Several proactive steps that can be taken during a hurricane or period of intense rain include removing all freestanding objects and items such as pool toys from the vicinity, as well as turning off the power to electrical pool equipment.
Winter Weather
Freezing temperatures and powerful storms make winterizing an outdoor pool an absolute necessity. Temperatures dipping below the freezing point can cause the water in a pool’s plumbing, pumping and filtering systems to freeze and expand—breaking pipes and causing damage to vital equipment. Properly “winterizing” pool equipment, removing freestanding items from around the pool, lowering the water level and installing a cover are important steps to ensure that a pool is safe during the coldest months of the year and ready to be used again the following summer.
Intense Heat and Sunlight
While sweltering summer heat is a prime motivator that drives people to own and use pools, sustained heightened temperatures can also have a negative effect on the quality of pool water if not properly cared for. Intense heat and high levels of sunlight can encourage the growth of algae and other microorganisms. Nevertheless, preventing the development of algal blooms is quite simple. Maintaining recommended chlorine levels at all times and ensuring that filter elements are clean and properly functioning will go a long way in averting this problem. Furthermore, making sure that pool water is properly circulating using timed filtration cycles will prevent the growth of most algae. In extreme circumstances, specialized algaecide can be used to offset rapid growth.
Droughts
Extended periods of drought highlight the need to conserve water resources, which puts pressure on pool owners when refilling their pools or conducting general maintenance. Far from a negative, this offers an opportunity to ensure that all pool practices are environmentally friendly. Investing in variable speed pumps and efficient filtration equipment, checking for leaks, and using a solar blanket at night to cover the pool and prevent evaporation can ensure that the enjoyment offered by a swimming pool does not come at the cost of harming the environment.
“Outdoor swimming pools are always at risk from extreme weather events, such as temperature fluctuations and severe storms,” said Tom Casey, Vice President, Sales at Anthony & Sylvan Pools, the country’s premier in-ground swimming pool and spa builder. “By anticipating potential weather threats and acting against them beforehand, pool owners can drastically reduce the potential for damage and stay one step ahead of Mother Nature.”
Owning a pool is a worthwhile investment, but one that requires regular care and attention. By anticipating extreme weather events and taking precautionary steps, all owners can ensure their pool’s longevity and enjoy it for years to come.
About Anthony & Sylvan Pools
Since 1946, families have been trusting Anthony & Sylvan to design and build their dream in-ground swimming pools. Our team of designers and craftsmen have created thousands of backyard retreats. We constantly strive for complete customer satisfaction, use the best materials for the job and uphold rigorous standards. With pools built for over 370,000 families, we must be doing something right.
Our company’s products and services have expanded to include Retail and Online stores offering the finest chemicals, equipment and other pool supplies and pool opening, closing and maintenance services, as well as Renovations and Modernizations services, which restore and upgrade pools and a Backyard Products Division which offers fences, covers and other finishing products.
Customer reviews of Anthony & Sylvan can be found on websites such as consumeraffairs.com, bbb.org, facebook.com and Google. Please join our online communities at https://www.facebook.com/anthonysylvan and http://twitter.com/anthonysylvan to view beautiful pools, receive expert advice, enter sweepstakes and contests, and receive other offers and information.
The entities doing business as Anthony & Sylvan Pools include Anthony & Sylvan Pools Corporation, Anthony & Sylvan Corp. and Anthony & Sylvan Pools North Carolina LLC. Anthony & Sylvan’s statewide licenses/registrations: #SPB.0000089 and #HIC.0501976(CT); #2006201521(DE); #410512000233(DC); MHIC#129792(MD); #13VH01546700(NJ); #0023414(NV); #68766(NC); #006381(PA); #2701011419A(VA RFC/ELE); and #WV030223(WV).