Living in Florida means embracing the beauty of sunny days and occasionally bracing for the impact of hurricanes. As hurricane season approaches, preparing your property becomes a top priority. Beyond stocking up on essentials like water and batteries, securing your pool and screen enclosure is crucial to minimize damage. Here are some key tips to protect your lanai or screened-in enclosure when a hurricane warning is issued:
Maintain Your Landscaping: The Most Important Step
First and foremost, flying debris is a primary cause of hurricane-related damage. Therefore, regularly trim trees, remove dead branches, and secure fragile bushes. Proactive landscaping significantly reduces the risk of yard debris puncturing your screen enclosure during a storm.
Secure and Store Loose Furniture and Items
Moreover, remove all unsecured items from your pool and patio areas. Items like umbrellas, grills, and furniture can become hazardous projectiles in high winds. Hence, store them indoors to prevent damage to your property and screen enclosure.
Check Your Enclosure’s Hardware
Additionally, the integrity of your screen enclosure hinges on its hardware. Ensure it is constructed with corrosion-resistant fasteners, as Florida’s high humidity can accelerate rust formation. Strong fasteners are essential for withstanding the force of strong winds.
If You Have a Pool
Do Not Cover Your Pool
Although it may seem counterintuitive, covering your pool can actually increase the risk of damage. High winds can rip off pool covers, and flying debris can puncture or tear them, leading to costly replacements.
Don’t Empty Your Pool
Resist the urge to drain your pool before a hurricane. Draining the pool can lead to damage from hydrostatic pressure beneath it. Heavy rains during a hurricane cause the ground to become saturated and the groundwater level rises. If the groundwater level matches your pool’s level, an empty pool could float or pop out of the ground. Therefore, keep your pool full to help it withstand the pressure from groundwater and wind.
Give Your Pool an Extra Shock
To keep the water clean, add extra chlorine before the storm hits. Additionally, add algaecide to prevent an algae bloom. After treating the pool, run the pump for a few hours to circulate the chemicals effectively.
Turn Off Your Pool Equipment
Water and electricity are a dangerous combination, especially during floods. Before the storm’s arrival, power down all pool equipment, such as pumps, chlorinators, and lighting. Disconnect these from power sources to prevent electrical surges.
Conclusion
Preparing your pool and screen enclosure for a hurricane involves proactive measures that can significantly reduce potential damage. By ensuring sturdy construction, maintaining landscaping, and securing loose items, you protect your property from the unpredictable forces of nature.
Florida’s Gulf Coast residents looking to enhance their hurricane preparedness with robust screen enclosures should consider contacting Commercial Residential Aluminum at 855-CRA-CAGE for a free estimate.
Our custom-built solutions, featuring ChannelLock SMB patented technology, are designed to withstand Florida’s challenging weather conditions, including hurricanes. Stay safe and prepared this hurricane season!
