Hayward Team April 11, 2025

We know that many residents of areas affected by storms have to first assess damage and determine next steps for cleanup.

If you experience high winds and flooding, we know you will have many competing priorities and it may be some time before you turn your attention to your swimming pool.

When your main priorities are settled, you don’t want to let too much time pass before you evaluate the storm’s impact on your pool.  Floodwater can contain elements you don’t want in your pool, such as sand, algae, phosphates, and sewage.

We’ve shared a few tips on how to clean your pool following a storm.

 

  1. Remove Visible Debris:
    Use a net or skimmer to remove large debris like leaves, twigs, and branches from the surface of the water.  
    Empty and clean the skimmer basket to prevent clogs and ensure proper functioning.  
    Check the pump basket and clear any accumulated debris.
  2. Check and Restore Power & Equipment:
    Ensure all pool equipment is safe from damage and that the power is restored.
    If there was flooding, check for any water damage to the equipment and electrical components.  
  3. Clean and Backwash the Filter:  
    Run the pump and filter to circulate the water.  
    Backwash the filter if necessary to remove any accumulated debris, especially after a major storm.  
    If you have a sand filter, you may need to set it to "pump to waste" to lower the water level if needed.  
  4. Brush and Vacuum:
    Brush down the pool walls and floor to dislodge any dirt or debris.
    Use a vacuum to remove finer particles and debris from the pool bottom.  
  5. Shock the Pool:
    After cleaning, shock the pool with a non-chlorine shock to sanitize the water and kill any bacteria that may have been introduced by the storm.
    Shocking also helps to break down organic matter and clarify the water.  
  6. Test and Balance Water Chemistry:
    Test the pool water to ensure it is properly balanced and to adjust the chlorine levels.  
    Rainwater can lower the pH, so you may need to add a pH increaser.  
    Based on test results, add any necessary chemicals like chlorine, alkalinity, or calcium increasers.  
  7. Run Pump and Filter to Clear:
    Continue to run the pump and filter for several hours, or even overnight, to ensure the water is clear and sanitised.
    If the water is still cloudy, consider using a clarifier to help bind the particles together so the filter can remove them.