After the Storm – Essential Pool Cleanup Guide
When a storm sweeps through, it can leave your pool looking like a mess. Between debris, dirt, and water contamination, your backyard oasis needs some extra attention to get back to its sparkling clean state. At Precision Pools, we understand the unique challenges a storm presents, and we’re here to help guide you through the recovery process.
1. Safety First Before jumping into cleanup, it’s important to ensure your pool and the surrounding area are safe. Here are some steps to take:
Check for Electrical Hazards: If you’ve experienced severe weather, inspect your pool equipment for any water damage. Turn off power to the pool before any inspection or cleaning.
Remove Large Debris: Branches, leaves, and other debris can clog your filtration system. Use a skimmer or pool net to gently remove any floating debris from the surface of the water.
Assess Pool Structure: Ensure your pool structure, tiles, and walls haven’t been damaged.
2. Skim and Brush the Pool After removing larger debris, spend time skimming the pool's surface to get rid of smaller particles. Don’t forget to brush the pool’s walls and floors to loosen any dirt or algae clinging to the surface. The more thorough the cleaning now, the easier it will be to restore balance later.
3. Clean the Pump and Filter Your pool’s filtration system is going to be working overtime after a storm. Remove any debris from the pump and filter baskets, and backwash or clean the filter as needed. This step is crucial in maintaining good circulation and preparing the pool for chemical treatment.
4. Test and Balance the Water Once the debris is cleared out, it’s time to test the water’s chemistry. A storm can throw off your pool’s pH, chlorine, and alkalinity levels. Use a reliable water testing kit or bring a sample to your local pool store for analysis. Be sure to:
Adjust the pH levels to between 7.4 and 7.6.
Ensure chlorine levels are between 3.0 and 5.0 ppm.
Balance alkalinity to 80-120 ppm.
5. Shock the Pool It’s likely that your pool water contains contaminants like dirt, leaves, and possibly even bacteria from the storm. Shocking the pool with a heavy dose of chlorine helps eliminate these contaminants. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on the correct amount for your pool size.
6. Run the Filter Continuously After shocking, it’s important to keep the filtration system running for at least 24 hours. This will circulate the treated water, remove any remaining particles, and help your pool clear up faster. You may need to backwash the filter again during this time if it becomes clogged with debris.
Conclusion Storms can take a toll on your pool, but with a little elbow grease and some help from the professionals, you can bring it back to life. At Precision Pools, we’re here to offer guidance, services, and products to ensure your pool stays in pristine condition all year long. Don’t hesitate to contact us after a storm – we’ll make sure your pool is ready for sunshine in no time! https://www.uff.ufl.edu/gatornation/swimming-pools-and-hurricanes/
Call to Action
Need assistance with post-storm cleanup? Contact Precision Pools (813) 338-3998 today for expert service and a personalized cleanup plan tailored to your pool's needs.