00VILLA GUIDE
Villa checks after a sandstorm
A sandstorm deposits fine sand everywhere a villa breathes or moves: AC condensers, pool water and filters, roof drains, gate tracks, sliding door channels and outdoor sensors. Most of it is a cleaning job. Left in place, though, sand blocks drains before the next rain, clogs filters and wears moving parts.
01PART
Air conditioning and roof equipment
Condenser coils catch sand and dust, which reduces their ability to reject heat. A gentle clean restores performance. On the roof, sand collects around drains and against equipment plinths, where it holds water when it eventually rains.
- Look at condenser coils for sand build-up.
- Clear roof drains and outlets.
- Check tank lids and vents for sand ingress.
02PART
Pool and water
Pools collect a heavy load of fine sand, which settles on the floor and overloads the filter. Vacuuming and filter cleaning are needed, sometimes more than once. Water tanks with poorly sealed lids may also have sand in them.
- Skim and vacuum the pool.
- Watch filter pressure and clean the filter.
- Check tank hatches seal properly.
03PART
Gates, doors and sensors
Sliding gates and doors run in tracks that fill with sand, making motors labour and doors stick. Safety beams and photocells covered in dust may stop gates closing or lights switching correctly.
- Sweep gate tracks and sliding door channels.
- Wipe safety beams and photocells.
- Test gates and garage doors through a full cycle.
04QUESTIONS
- Can I hose down the condenser?
- Gently, with power off, on ground-level units; roof units are better left to a technician.
- Why does my gate not close after a storm?
- Dust on safety beams or sand in the track are common causes.
- Does sand harm the pool?
- It overloads the filter and can cloud the water until removed.