How to Clean Your Pool After a Storm

Here in Arizona, we’re fortunate to have pretty predictable weather on a regular basis.  However, in September, we get into the monsoon season.  High winds and rain can throw dirt and debris into your clean pool water.  Below are tips on how to clean a pool after one of these rainstorms or dust storms.

1. Skim, Brush & Vacuum
This helps your system by removing bigger debris and stirring up dirt to make it easier for the system to filter out. Even if you had your pool covered during the storm, pull it off and take a look – there’s undoubtedly going to be an assortment of leaves, dirt, and possibly even large branches in your water.

2. Check the Water Level
If the water level is above the skimmer, you’ll need to drain some water. Simply backwash the sand filter or just open the drain to let the water out.

3. Check Skimmer Baskets
Clean out the skimmer baskets and your pump strainer to prevent any clogging of you pool system.

4. Check pH and Alkalinity Levels
Acid rain can cause your pH to drop. However, this is what alkalinity’s job is. When rain tries to lower the pH, the alkalinity will take the big hit. That means, your alkalinity levels might see a more drastic change than your pH levels, which is a good thing — thank you, alkalinity.

5. Inspect Your Equipment
Before turning your pool’s power back on, check you equipment.  Look at the pump motor and see if there is any water or water damage.  If dry, turn it back on and begin running your pool’s circulation and filtration system.  If wet or damaged, do NOT try to dry the equipment yourself and do NOT turn your equipment on.  Contact a pool maintenance company or electrician and have them inspect the equipment.

6. Shock and Balance If Necessary
Shocking your pool isn’t necessary, although, it’s not a bad idea either. If you get an extremely heavy rain fall, you could shock your pool for good measure. This will help fight off any contaminants that the rain may have brought to your pool.

7. Run the Pump and Filter
Run your circulation and filtration system for a minimum of 10 hours to ensure proper and thorough water sanitation.

Of course, you should avoid swimming in your pool during an thunderstorm because of lightning, and you should probably just avoid swimming during the rain for this reason alone.