How to Clean a Pool After Flooding

After the challenging bushfire season, Australia's east coast has faced more trouble as aggressive storms have recently caused flash floods. Understanding the toll this takes on your pool, we've developed a guide to help restore the health of your pool after such intense weather events.

Main Issues Encountered After a Storm or Flood

Storms and floods can leave the pool with a variety of contaminants and cause chemical imbalances, including dirty or muddy water, algae buildup(due to rainwater diluting chlorine), increased phosphate levels, pH and ORP imbalances, and environmental debris. Let's delve into how each of these affects your pool's chemistry.

Dilution of Pool Chemicals

Rainwater is typically acidic and can dilute the chlorine in your pool, reducing its effectiveness in sanitising the water.

Algae Growth

Floods often introduce nutrients like phosphates into pool water, which are perfect for algae growth. This algae can further consume chlorine, reducing its effectiveness.

pH and ORP Imbalances

The influx of contaminants can alter the pH balance of your pool, making it either too acidic or too alkaline, which affects the efficacy of chlorine and can corrode pool equipment.

Increased TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)

Stormwater can bring in various dissolved solids like mud and silt, increasing the TDS levels and leading to cloudiness.

Introduction of Pathogens

Floodwater usually carries bacteria and other pathogens, posing a health risk to the swimmers. This requires immediate and effective sanitisation to ensure the pool is safe to swim.

It's also crucial to ensure your pool equipment hasn't been damaged by the storm. Before you start repairing any damage caused by storms and floods, make sure to first check your pool equipment thoroughly to ensure that your system hasn't been affected. Once you're confident your equipment is working and safe to use, follow the steps below to restore your pool.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Restore Your Pool After Storms

Step 1: Cleaning Debris

Clear all debris from the pool, skimmer basket and pump basket.

Step 2: Treating Muddy Water

If the pool appears muddy, apply a pool flocculant to bind microparticles together.

Step 3: Let the Flocculant Do The Work

Leave the flocculant for 24-48 hours, then vacuum the pool floor to waste.

Step 4: Test Your Pool Water

Collect a water sample and have it tested. Floods can wash all kinds of contaminants into your pool.

Step 5: Rebalancing Pool Chemicals

Based on test results, replace any salts and minerals needed for your chlorinator to work. If it is damaged, consider using chlorine tablets in a floating dispenser.

Step 6: Phosphate Removal

Use phosphate remover to remove unwanted phosphates.

Step 7: Keep Your Pool Circulate

Leave your pump and filter running until the pool is balanced.

Step 8: Clarification Process

Use a clarifier in conjunction with your filter for 6-8 hours. Stagnant water can attract diseased mosquitoes and promote algae growth.

Step 9: Backwashing the Pool Filter

Backwash your filter. Then, check your pressure valve.

Step 10: Retesting Your Pool Water

Retest your water to ensure chemicals are adequately balanced.

Step 11: Optimise to the Best Results

Use a clarifier one last time for best results.

After a storm, following the steps outlined in this guide can significantly improve your pool's condition. However, if you experience issues with persistent water clarity, equipment malfunction, or structural damage, we recommend consulting a pool professional in your area.

How to Protect Your Pool from Incoming Storms and Floods

Invest in a Quality Pool Cover

A sturdy pool cover not only keeps debris out but also helps maintain chemical balance during adverse weather.

Clear any drainages

It's crucial to clear any drainages of leaves and other debris. This is a simple task that should not be neglected. Do not assume that rainwater will wash away the debris. Blocked drainages can cause overflows, which will eventually cause runoff to reach the pool.

Drain Your Pool a Few Inches

To prevent your pool from overflowing, it's recommended to drain it a few inches. However, avoid fully draining the pool as it can cause damage. Instead, drain it by the expected amount of rainfall and add an extra inch or two as a precautionary measure.

This guide should equip you with the knowledge and steps needed to combat storm-related issues effectively. However, if your pool remains troubled despite these effects, consulting a pool professional is recommended to pinpoint and resolve the underlying problems.