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Storms are a common occurrence, be it in the form of a thunderstorm, a tornado, or a hurricane, and they all have the potential to wreak havoc. Storms can cause a lot of damage to your property, especially if you happen to own a swimming pool. Cleaning your pool after a storm can be quite a daunting task, and you may feel overwhelmed just looking at the condition of your pool. However, it’s best to start the cleaning process right away to prevent the further deterioration of its condition. Follow these basic steps when cleaning your pool after the storm has passed.

Removal of Debris and Leaves

Getting rid of debris and fallen leaves and branches is the first step in the cleaning process. You can use a skimmer or a leaf-net with an extendable pole to help remove the leaves and floating debris out of the pool. It’s advisable not to use your hands to remove debris as the water might be contaminated with bacteria. You can use a pair of plastic gloves as a precautionary measure. 

Clean and Clear Pump Strainer and Skimmer Baskets

Once the debris has been removed from your pool, you need to empty the pump strainer and skimmer baskets and clean to eliminate debris accumulation. 

Check Electrical Equipment

You need to check all the electrical equipment and turn off their power supply if this has not been done already. Check if the equipment is dry and if the equipment is showing any signs of water damage. If all is perfect, then you can turn on the equipment for circulation and filtration. However, if there are visible damages and the presence of water in the equipment, it is advisable not to turn them on. 

The best thing to do in this situation is to call an electrician or a professional and check the equipment out. Do not turn the equipment on as you might cause further damage.

Examine Water Levels

Sometimes a storm accompanied by heavy rain ends up causing flooding, leading to a rise in the water levels of your pool. After a storm, you should check the water levels of the pool and empty the excess water with the help of a sump pump or a siphon. 

Vacuum and Brush

Use a pool vacuum or an automatic vacuum to vacuum the dirt and debris lying on the pool floor. It’s advisable to first start at the shallow end and then move to the deeper side. Once the vacuuming process is over, start brushing the pool floor and walls to get rid of stagnant dirt and bacteria. Keep vacuuming until the water is clean and clear.

Balancing Pool Water Chemistry

Once the pool has been vacuumed and brushed, it’s the right time to add chlorine to the pool. This will prevent the growth of algae and bacteria in the pool water and keep it hygienic. Once the chlorine levels are stable, you can start balancing the water chemistry within the pool. Make sure you adjust your alkaline, pH, and CYA levels. As the chemical levels have been balanced, you can run your filtration system.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

We understand cleaning your pool is a daunting process, but someone has to do it, right? To help you out in the process, here are a few mistakes you should avoid making:

• Avoid draining your pool into wet soil.
• Use your pool cleaner only when you have removed all the larger debris, otherwise you’ll end up clogging your cleaner. 
• Turn on your pool equipment only after cross checking its electrical system and components.

Contact your Local Pool Care Experts

Got a question about how to properly care for your pool now that the storm is over? Be sure to contact a trusted local pool service company for guidance.