Throughout hurricane season, Central Florida frequently experiences heavy rains, strong winds, and potential flooding. It’s crucial to understand how storms can affect your pool or spa, impacting water chemistry through rainwater and debris. Properly caring for your pool before and after severe weather helps maintain its condition and safety. Here’s a helpful guide to getting your pool back to pristine condition following any significant storm.
Post-Storm Pool Clean-up Guide
1. Skim Leaves and Debris
Immediately remove floating debris from the pool surface and bottom using a skimmer or leaf net on an extendable pole. Focus on larger debris first; smaller particles will be handled later. Prompt debris removal prevents staining and algae growth, which thrives on storm-borne pollen and plant matter.
2. Clean Out Skimmer Baskets and Pump Strainer
With the system power off, thoroughly clean skimmer baskets and the pump strainer to avoid clogs. Storms typically deposit significant debris into these areas, potentially obstructing water flow if not cleared promptly.
3. Check Electrical Equipment and Restore Power
Before restarting your pool equipment, inspect for signs of water damage. If any water damage or safety concerns are visible, do NOT attempt to turn equipment back on. Instead, call an electrician. Only restore power if everything is dry and intact.
4. Clean and Backwash the Pool Filter
Storms introduce dust, dirt, and small particles into your pool water, necessitating thorough filter cleaning. Follow your filter manufacturer’s guidelines for proper cleaning or backwashing. For DE filters, replace the DE media; for cartridge filters, consider cleaning or replacing cartridges.
5. Adjust the Water Level
Heavy rains often lead to high pool water levels, causing surface skimmers to malfunction and risking flooding of equipment. Adjust water levels using the discharge line at the equipment location. Pools by Bradley Quick Tip: Your pool’s water level should align with the mid-tile line for optimal operation.
6. Vacuum and Brush Pool Walls and Floor
With the pool equipment operational and water levels adjusted, vacuum the pool thoroughly. Consider vacuuming directly to waste to prevent filter clogging. Brush pool walls and floors to dislodge debris. Repeat until water clarity improves significantly.
7. Shock and Balance Water Chemistry
Even clear water can harbor microscopic contaminants. Shock your pool, elevating chlorine levels to approximately 10.0 ppm. After chlorine reduces to around 3.0 ppm, balance your water chemistry:
- pH: 7.4-7.6
- Total Alkalinity: 80-120 ppm
- Calcium Hardness: 200-250 ppm
8. Run Circulation and Filtration Systems
Keep your circulation and filtration systems running continuously until the pool water clears, which could take several days. Regularly monitor and clean the skimmer and pump baskets, checking filter pressure and backwashing as needed.
Need Help After a Storm?
Reach out to Pools by Bradley with any post-storm pool care questions—whether or not we built your pool! Our family-owned company, established in 1996, is dedicated to helping Central Florida residents maintain beautiful pools year-round. We’re proud to be rated among the top 50 pool builders nationwide and repeatedly recognized as Orlando’s “Best Pool Company” by Orlando Magazine. For custom pool design, construction, or expert advice, contact us today at 407-323-7946 (Lake Mary) or 386-410-7946 (NSB), or reach us online.
