Mike Sterling
With area temperatures in the triple digits during the summer months, it is refreshing when a monsoon blows through the Valley.
Monsoon storms range from minor dust storms, to a visible wall of dust hundreds of feet in the air, which generally is called a haboob. In addition to the dust, the Valley usually is hit with heavy winds, beautiful thunderstorms and heavy rains.
Inspect your pool after the storm has passed, even if you have weekly maintenance from a pool company. Here are some suggested preventive measures:
- Check the skimmer and pump baskets for yard debris. Clogged baskets prevent enough water from flowing to the pump. This can cause the pump to run too hard or even to stop working.
- Filters may need to be backwashed if they are coated with heavy dust from the storm.
- With all of the organic matter and yard debris likely to have blown into your pool during the storm, the chlorine is working overtime to break it all down. It is best to skim your pool surface to remove excess debris. If your chlorine level is too low, you could get an algae bloom overnight.
- Check to make sure your pool cleaner is running. There will be lots of debris at the bottom. This needs to be cleaned out.
- Keep up with yard maintenance. More yard debris in your pool results in more chemical imbalances.
Sterling Pools is offering a free pool inspection during the month of July. Please call Mike Sterling at (480) 241-4206, or send an email to msterling1@gmail.com.