Rain and Sun over pool equipment

[HardTrance9]

Hello all,

Could anyone tell how bad or recommendable is to have the pool equipment enclosed or under some sort of shade?

If it's enclosed, would need to have enough ventilation and would prevent direct rain and sunlight hit on the equipment.

But if it's only a shade, it will mainly cover it from the the sun, but not rain. How bad rain could be?

Here only rains from August to October (hurricane threats) and then there is only a lot of wind and sun from October to March and from April to August less wind but lots of sun..

Any recommendations? past experiences? potential damages? Or it doesn't matter because the equipment material/build is very strong/good?

We are trying to know if we should put some sort of protection for two pool machinery stations?

Some pics..

The other one, just lacks of a roof...

 

[polyvue]

Could anyone tell how bad or recommendable is to have the pool equipment enclosed or under some sort of shade? If it's enclosed, would need to have enough ventilation and would prevent direct rain and sunlight hit on the equipment.

But if it's only a shade, it will mainly cover it from the the sun, but not rain. How bad rain could be?

Here only rains from August to October (hurricane threats) and then there is only a lot of wind and sun from October to March and from April to August less wind but lots of sun..

Any recommendations? past experiences? potential damages? Or it doesn't matter because the equipment material/build is very strong/good?

Though pool equipment is built of materials that will hold up quite a few years outdoors and in the worst weather, the Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight, wind and rain, and temperature (hot, cold and fluctuations) will all contribute to damage. Metal will rust, polymers (plastics) will degrade, crack, delaminate; adhesives will fail; concrete will fail... nevertheless, equipment pads for residential pools are usually built outdoors. So, if cost was not an issue, it would be desirable to construct a roof over the equipment with freestanding or connected walls, leaving lots of room for ventilation and room for repairs. Some owners build a shed or enclosure around the equipment (retrofit) or locate the equipment in an existing out-building or room.

Probably the best low-cost protection is an overhang or roof.

 

[PoolGuyNJ]

I agree that a roof will do it. You're not in a local where temps range from freezing to broiling. A roof will deflect most of the rain and the direct rays of the sun.

Scott
PoolGuyNJ

 

[HardTrance9]

Ok many thanks for your comments. Very useful as always Polyvue and PoolGuyNJ...

Here it's very common to have somewhat wooden roof's... cut long wood "branches", stick them together so light won't go through, etc. This "wood" type (branches from a tree) is very resistant against sun, termites, etc., but won't keep all the rain out..

Will consider budget from the owner and space/practical solution too... For instance, the pool without walls on the pic, has little space to build some walls besides the equipment, and wouldn't look that good (owner's request)..

thanks! Will let you know what happens... if there are any other comments please post.. Thanks again

 

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I have the same concern at HardTrance 9. Does anyone have any photos of overhangs or roofs?

 

[PoolGuyNJ]

Thatched roofs are great and green to boot!

 

[HardTrance9]

I have the same concern at HardTrance 9. Does anyone have any photos of overhangs or roofs?

Well some months ago we did the wood work and what a DIFFERENCE vs. the sun. The equipment now doesn't leak at all. The sun for sure caused the PVC or plastic materials to loosen up for sure and we always had to fix leaks here and there. As for the rain, well nothing we can really do for now.

Here are some pics to give you an idea of what was done...

 

[LauleaHere&There]

Very helpful! I, too, have wondered about protecting the pump/filter/etc.

 

[PoolGuyNJ]

How far is the heater from that window? Looked a little close. Heaters do give off CO2 and open windows near by to let it in would not likely be an approved in my area.

I do like the shade for the systems and that air can still get in.

The rain won't hurt it unless it get flooded.

Scott

 

[HardTrance9]

How far is the heater from that window? Looked a little close. Heaters do give off CO2 and open windows near by to let it in would not likely be an approved in my area.

I do like the shade for the systems and that air can still get in.

The rain won't hurt it unless it get flooded.

Scott

Those windows are almost never opened. Behind the heater there is no wall. But good to know about the potential CO2 levels. Yes the shade does help for air flow too and goes with house looks too (rustic).

Hector