What Should I Do After a Storm to Clean My Pool?

After a storm, your pool may look like it’s been through a battle. Leaves, twigs, dirt, and even debris from nearby trees or structures can quickly make your pool appear uninviting. Cleaning your pool after a storm is essential to restoring its cleanliness and ensuring the safety of swimmers. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what you should do to clean your pool after a storm, keeping it in top condition.

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Before diving into pool cleaning, take a moment to assess any damage to your pool area. Check for:

☑️Electrical Hazards: Ensure that your pool’s electrical equipment, such as the pump, filter, and heater, are undamaged and safe to use. If you suspect any electrical issues, turn off the power and contact a professional.

☑️Visible Debris: Walk around the pool area to assess the amount of debris that has accumulated. This includes leaves, branches, dirt, and any large objects that might have been blown into the pool during the storm.

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Start by removing large debris that has fallen into the pool. This can include:

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☑️Twigs and Branches: Use a pool net or leaf rake to scoop out any branches or large twigs. Make sure to check the pool’s corners, as debris can gather there.

☑️Leaves and Large Debris: For any large piles of leaves or dirt, you may want to use a skimmer net to scoop them out of the water.

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Removing this debris first is crucial to prevent clogging the pool’s filter system later on.

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Once the large debris is removed, skim the surface of the pool for any smaller debris that may still be floating. Use a fine mesh skimmer net to remove smaller leaves, insects, or dirt particles. The goal is to remove anything that could contribute to poor water quality or clog the filter.

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After a storm, your pool filter will likely be working overtime to clear the debris from the water. Check and clean the filter to ensure it continues to run smoothly.

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☑️Backwash Your Filter: If you have a sand or DE (diatomaceous earth) filter, backwash it to flush out any debris that may have clogged the filter.

☑️Clean or Replace Filter Cartridges: If you have a cartridge filter, take it out and hose it down to remove any debris trapped in the filter. If it’s severely clogged, you may need to replace it.

Once most of the debris is removed, it’s time to vacuum the pool to remove smaller particles that may have settled on the bottom. Use a manual vacuum or an automatic pool cleaner to thoroughly clean the pool. Vacuuming helps restore water clarity and ensures that all debris is removed.

After cleaning the pool, you’ll need to test the water chemistry to ensure everything is in balance. A storm can dilute the pool’s chemicals, throwing off the pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels. Here’s what to do:

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☑️Test the pH Level: The pH should be between 7.4 and 7.6 for proper chlorine efficiency and swimmer comfort.

☑️Test and Adjust Alkalinity: Total alkalinity should be between 80 and 120 ppm (parts per million) to prevent pH fluctuations.

☑️Add Chlorine or Shock the Pool: After a storm, you may need to shock the pool to kill any bacteria or algae that may have been introduced. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for shocking and ensure the chlorine levels are within the ideal range of 1.0 to 3.0 ppm.

To ensure that your pool stays clean and clear after the storm, run the pool pump and filter for an extended period. The pump will circulate the water, helping to remove any remaining particles from the pool. Running the filter for 24 to 48 hours after a storm can help clear out fine debris and ensure that the water stays clean.

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If the pool water remains cloudy or contains fine particles that the filter is struggling to capture, you may want to add a pool clarifier or flocculant. These products help bind small particles together, making them easier for the filter to catch. Use these products according to the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid overuse.

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After a storm, your pool’s water level may have been altered due to rainfall. Ensure that the water level is at the correct height—usually at the midpoint of your skimmer opening. If the water level is too high or low, it can affect the performance of your skimmer and filter.

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