How to protect your pool cover from storms

The pool cover, whether above-ground or submerged, is an essential piece of equipment for the safety, cleanliness, and sometimes the thermal management of the pool. It relies on an electric motorization integrated into a more or less sophisticated control system. However, during storm periods, this motorization becomes particularly vulnerable, especially due to power surges. These phenomena, often underestimated, can seriously damage the motor, the control box, or the associated automatic systems. Here are the main risks to know and the concrete ways to permanently protect your installation.

Surges: a silent but destructive threat

A storm generates electrical disturbances in the atmosphere, which can induce transient surges in electrical installations. These sudden increases in voltage, often due to a nearby lightning strike, travel up through the power lines (230 V or 24 V) and can irremediably damage electronic components.

The roller shutter motor, often housed in a humid environment (dry pit, bracket, or even submerged in the shaft), is particularly exposed. Connected boxes, home automation systems, or programmable timers are also sensitive to these surges. A simple voltage spike can burn out the electronic board, block the limit switches, or disable communication with the motor.

The concrete risks of a storm for your pool cover:

In the event of a surge related to a storm, several failures can occur:
– Total blockage of the cover: the motor stops responding, commands are inoperative.
– Disrupted limit switches: the slats no longer stop in the right places, which can put strain on the axis and cause mechanical damage.
– Deterioration of the control box: management boards or power relays can burn out or no longer deliver power to the motor correctly.
– Risk of short circuits in the cables in the event of humidity or infiltration following a violent storm.

These malfunctions can not only immobilize the cover but also jeopardize the safety of the pool, particularly in public or residential pools with children.

Should you leave the cover open or closed during a storm?

In the event of a storm, it is recommended to leave the cover closed, provided it is already in the closed position before the start of the event. A closed cover protects the pool from debris, avoids accidental falls due to wind or rain, and limits water pollution.
On the other hand, you should never initiate opening or closing during the storm, as this starts the motor at a time when electrical risks are high. Furthermore, a power cut during movement could block the slats in an intermediate position, which complicates its restoration.

If a storm is announced but has not yet started, it is preferable to:
– close the cover,
– cut the power at the control box via the circuit breaker,
– and leave the assembly powered down until the end of the episode.

Best practices for protecting your installation

1. Install a surge protector in the electrical panel
   This is the basic protection: a surge protection device (SPD) is installed directly on the panel that powers the pool. It diverts surges to the ground and protects all downstream connected equipment. This is an essential preventive measure, especially in storm-prone regions.
2. Protect the cover control box
   Some Coverdeau boxes can be equipped with ultra-fast fuses or circuit breakers that cut the power in case of an anomaly. It is recommended to add, if not already done, a specific upstream protection for the motor line.
3. Disconnect the motor line in case of weather alert
   In highly exposed areas or if no surge protector is installed, it is advisable to manually disconnect the motor cable or the associated circuit breaker during an announced storm episode. This physically cuts the power and isolates the motor.
4. Check the quality of the grounding
   A correct grounding (resistance less than 100 ohms) is essential for the protection devices to be effective. It must be checked regularly, especially on older installations.
5. Secure submerged or underground boxes
   Submerged covers require increased vigilance: if water seeps into a technical pit due to intense rain, it can promote short circuits. Ensure the tightness of seals, cable glands, and connection boxes. Coverdeau resealing kits are available for aging installations.

In short

A storm can seriously damage a pool roller cover, especially the motor and the automatic control systems. Surges are the main danger, but they can be anticipated. By installing an adapted surge protector, securing the power lines, and manually isolating the equipment in case of an alert, you provide long-term protection for your installation.

Coverdeau recommends the installation of specific protections on all pool cover motorizations.

For any questions, do not hesitate to contact our technical advisors;