Hurricanes and severe storms can be devastating to outdoor structures, particularly pool cages. To minimize expensive damage and ensure your pool area remains safe, it is crucial to prepare well before the storm hits.
In this guide, we break down the 6 essential steps recommended by TD Screen FL to fortify your pool cage against high winds and flying debris.
1. Inspect Structural Integrity
Before the storm season arrives, perform a thorough inspection of your pool cage’s frame. You need to identify any weak points that high winds could exploit.
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What to look for: Check for loose screws or bolts, signs of rust, or visible cracks in the metal structure [00:28].
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Action: If you find structural issues, contact a professional immediately to make the necessary repairs. A compromised frame is far more likely to fail under stress [00:34].
2. Clear the Area of Loose Items
One of the biggest threats to a pool cage isn’t just the wind itself, but what the wind picks up.
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Remove hazards: Clear out all pool toys, patio furniture, potted plants, and any other loose items inside or near the cage [00:43].
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Why it matters: These objects can become dangerous projectiles (flying debris) during a storm, tearing through screens or denting the aluminum frame [00:49].
3. Secure the Screens
Your screens are the first line of defense. If they are loose or damaged, wind can get inside the enclosure and increase pressure on the structure.
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Repair tears: Patch any holes or tears you find.
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Reinforce: Ensure the screen is securely fastened to the frame. You can use hurricane straps or clips to provide extra holding power against strong gusts [01:09].
4. Trim Nearby Vegetation
Trees and large bushes near your pool cage can cause catastrophic damage if branches snap off.
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Pruning: Trim back any tree limbs or branches that hang over or sit close to the pool cage [01:17].
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Prevention: This simple step prevents heavy limbs from falling onto the structure and crushing the frame or screen panels [01:24].
5. Install Protective Shutters or Panels
For maximum protection, consider adding a physical barrier.
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Shielding: Installing shutters or storm panels over the pool cage windows/openings helps deflect high winds and debris, significantly reducing the load on the screen material itself [01:33].
6. Protect Pool Equipment
Don’t forget the machinery that keeps your pool running.
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Power down: Turn off all pool pumps, heaters, and filtration systems [01:41].
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Cover up: Use a tarp to cover the equipment. This adds a layer of protection against water intrusion and flying debris [01:41].
Final Thoughts
By following these steps—checking structural integrity, removing loose items, securing screens, trimming trees, installing shutters, and protecting equipment—you can significantly minimize potential damage to your pool cage.
Always prioritize safety and stay informed about local weather updates and evacuation orders [01:54].
Source Video: How to prepare your pool cage for a hurricane or sever weather event