Pool Safety Tips After a Storm Or Flood
The effects of excess water after a storm or flood can have a significant impact on your pool’s structure and water chemistry. This article is a good guide on what you should be doing before you commence the clean-up of your pool post flood. hould be doing before you commence the clean-up of your pool post flood.
Along with the usual culprits that accompany heavy rain, such as debris, dirt, overflow and contaminates, La Niña weather and floodwaters bring additional long-term consequences – such as diluting your pool chemicals, increased risk of mosquito-borne viruses or adding excessive mud and dirt to your pool, which can lead to it turning brown.
If you’ve been affected by the recent significant weather event, it’s important to know what to do before you commence the clean-up of your pool. And remember, it’s not just about getting your pool healthy but also about ensuring the safety of you and your community.
Here’s the Poolwerx guide on how to clean your pool after a storm or flood:
1. Assess risk
If your pool equipment has been submerged by water, contact an experienced professional and do not go near it. It’s important that all electrical equipment is turned off and fully isolated before approaching it, especially if it’s been submerged by water.
2. Contact a Professional
After a flood or storm, it’s important to engage a professional pool technician to help inspect your pool and equipment for damage.
If your pool has turned murky and brown, or if any pool equipment has been submerged by water, it can be tempting to drain the pool but it’s important to note that draining your pool may not always be the best solution in the first instance. Draining it too soon may cause further flooding or overflow, impact your pool’s structure, or damage your equipment.
Contact your local Poolwerx and our experienced pool technicians can come out and assess the situation.
3. Assess Equipment
Electrical pool equipment that has been through a storm or flood poses a safety risk if not handled correctly. As mentioned above, please ensure all power is turned off before you go near the equipment and contact a professional before approaching it.
Your pool filter receives a workout during a weather event such as a flood which may also cause it to become clogged. Skimmer and pump baskets will need to be emptied and filters should be soaked in a filter cleaner until the scum loosens and can be wiped away. If you have a sand filter, this will require backwashing in order to remove the contaminants and should only be done so once flood water has dissipated completely.
Any damaged filters will need to be replaced.
If you’re unsure what to do and where to start, your local Poolwerx is here to help. We are only a phone call away.
4. Remove large leaves and debris
Once the rain has passed, you can begin to clean the pool – but you’ll want to act fast, if left for a prolonged period, large debris may influence the water chemistry and will potentially stain your pool’s surface. For more information on how to treat your pool after a storm, head to our blog here.
5. Test Water Chemistry
Next, test your pool water. Your local Poolwerx offers free water testing and our experienced staff will be able to offer recommendations that are best suited for your pool. For more on how often you should test your pool water, read our blog here.
Handy tip: Always take a water sample at elbow depth to get an accurate water chemistry reading – especially after heavy rain.
Murky Pool Clean Up
Heavy rainfall can lead to water runoff into your pool containing dirt, soil and mud. If your pool is looking brown, and murky, try adding a Flocculant such as the Vitalyse Fast Floc. Perfect to use after rainstorms this concentrated formula binds dirt and mud particles together and drops them to the bottom of the pool floor where they can easily be vacuumed.
For more information on how to fix a brown pool after rain, storms and floods head to our blog here.
Although cleaning up a pool after a big weather event can be a difficult task, it’s important to remember the pool safety tips we’ve outlined and not swim in the water until it’s chemically balanced.
Article Contributed by Poolwerx
Leave a Reply
Thank you for sharing your pool safety tips after a storm or flood. It’s important to be aware of the potential dangers associated with pools during and after severe weather events, and your article provides some valuable advice for pool owners.
As you’ve noted, heavy rain and flooding can cause significant damage to pools and surrounding structures. In addition, these events can also create hazards like electrical shock or bacterial contamination.
The tips you’ve provided for inspecting and cleaning the pool after a storm or flood are helpful. Removing debris, testing the water for bacteria and chemicals, and ensuring that electrical components are safe are all important steps in preventing accidents and maintaining a healthy pool environment.
I appreciate the emphasis on safety that you’ve included in your article. It’s essential to take precautions when dealing with pools, especially after severe weather events. The advice to stay out of the pool during a storm and to hire a professional for repairs is particularly critical.
Overall, I think your article provides valuable information for pool owners who may be dealing with the aftermath of a storm or flood. Thank you for sharing your expertise, and for promoting pool safety.
I recently came across your blog post titled “Pool Safety Tips After a Storm or Flood” on SmartStrata.com, and I wanted to commend you for providing essential information and practical tips for maintaining pool safety in the aftermath of a storm or flood. Your article addresses an important aspect of post-disaster recovery and emphasizes the significance of taking appropriate measures to ensure the safety of pool areas.
Your emphasis on prioritizing safety and conducting a thorough assessment of the pool area after a storm or flood is commendable. By highlighting the potential hazards that can result from these events, such as electrical dangers, structural damage, or contamination, you raise awareness about the importance of addressing safety concerns before resuming pool activities.
I appreciate your guidance on inspecting the pool and surrounding areas for any visible damage or debris. Your recommendations to clear the pool of debris, check for structural issues, and ensure proper filtration and disinfection are crucial steps in restoring the pool to a safe and usable condition. By providing these practical tips, you empower readers to take proactive measures in ensuring the well-being of pool users.
Your reminder to have a professional inspection of the pool and its equipment is vital. Engaging the expertise of a qualified pool technician can help identify hidden damages or potential issues that may not be apparent during a visual inspection. This additional step ensures thorough evaluation and enhances overall pool safety.
Additionally, your emphasis on the importance of water quality testing and treatment after a flood or storm is crucial. By highlighting the potential for contamination, bacterial growth, or chemical imbalance, you underscore the need for proper disinfection and pH adjustment to maintain a safe swimming environment. Encouraging readers to follow recommended guidelines and consult with pool professionals reinforces the significance of water quality management.
To enhance the article, you could consider providing information on preventive measures that homeowners or property managers can take to minimize potential damage to pool areas during storms or floods. Suggestions such as securing pool covers, clearing the pool of loose objects, or installing flood barriers can help readers proactively protect their pools and minimize the impact of severe weather events.
Moreover, you might want to address the importance of regular maintenance and ongoing monitoring of pool areas to ensure long-term safety. Emphasizing the need for routine inspections, equipment maintenance, and adherence to safety guidelines can help readers develop a proactive approach to pool management and prevent potential hazards.
Overall, your article on pool safety tips after a storm or flood provides valuable guidance and emphasizes the importance of prioritizing safety in post-disaster situations. By addressing potential risks, offering practical tips, and promoting professional inspections, you contribute to fostering a safe and secure pool environment.
Thank you for sharing this important information and for your commitment to promoting pool safety in the aftermath of storms or floods.