What Storms Do to Swimming Pools
Severe weather can turn even a well-maintained pool into a mess overnight. Heavy rain, high winds, and flooding can push leaves, dirt, and debris into the water. In more extreme cases, storms can introduce mud, silt, and bacteria that affect both water clarity and sanitation.
Cleaning your pool after a storm can feel overwhelming, especially if you were not able to prepare in advance. The good news is that most storm damage can be addressed by following a clear, step-by-step cleanup process. With the right approach, you can restore your pool safely and get your water back to clear.
Key Pool Cleaning Tips After a Storm
Before diving into the detailed steps, keep these core principles in mind when cleaning your pool after a storm:
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Do not drain all the water from the pool
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Remove debris from the surface and pool interior
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Clean skimmer baskets and pump strainers
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Restore power only when it is safe
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Run circulation and filtration until the water clears
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Balance the water chemistry and shock the pool
Following these guidelines helps protect your pool structure and equipment while speeding up recovery.
Do Not Drain Your Pool Completely
When storm debris leaves your pool looking filthy, it can be tempting to drain the water and start fresh. This is one of the biggest mistakes pool owners make after severe weather.
Removing all the water from your pool while the surrounding ground is saturated can cause serious structural damage. In extreme cases, hydrostatic pressure can force the pool shell to lift or shift. Even if the water looks terrible, it is almost always safer to clean the existing water rather than drain the pool entirely.
The only time water should be removed is if the water level is too high.
Check the Water Level and Remove Excess Water
Storms often raise pool water levels due to heavy rainfall. This is normal and easy to correct. Use a submersible pump, siphon, vacuum-to-waste setting, or filter backwashing to lower the water level.
In most cases, the correct water level should sit about halfway up the skimmer opening or pool tile line. Once the water level is back to normal, you can move on to debris removal.
Remove Leaves and Large Storm Debris
Start the cleaning process by removing debris from the pool surface and floor. Use a leaf net or skimmer attached to an extendable pole to remove leaves, twigs, and other large debris.
Focus on removing what you can see first. Fine dirt and dust particles will be handled later during vacuuming and filtration.
Clean Skimmer Baskets and Pump Strainers
Before restoring power to your pool equipment, clean out the skimmer baskets and pump strainer. Storm debris can quickly clog these components and restrict water flow if left unchecked.
During the cleanup process, you may need to empty baskets multiple times, especially if debris continues to circulate through the system.
Inspect Pool Equipment and Restore Power Safely
Once the storm has passed, carefully inspect your pool equipment before turning the power back on. Remove any protective coverings and check for signs of water intrusion, especially if flooding occurred.
If the equipment is dry and undamaged, you can safely restore power and begin running your circulation system. If you notice water damage or are unsure about the condition of the equipment, do not turn the power on. Consult a licensed electrician or pool professional before proceeding.
Clean or Backwash the Pool Filter
Storm debris places a heavy load on your pool filter. Before running the system for extended periods, clean or backwash the filter as needed.
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D.E. filters may require fresh D.E. media
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Cartridge filters should be removed and cleaned individually
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Sand filters may need multiple backwashing cycles
Monitor filter pressure throughout the cleanup process and clean the filter again if pressure rises significantly.
Vacuum and Brush the Pool Walls and Floor
With circulation restored and water levels corrected, begin removing fine debris from the pool interior. Vacuum the pool floor slowly, starting in the shallow end and working toward the deep end.
If possible, vacuum the waste to prevent clogging the filter. If vacuuming through the filter, monitor pressure closely and clean the filter as needed.
After vacuuming, brush the pool walls, steps, corners, and floor to loosen stuck debris. Vacuum again if necessary. This process may need to be repeated several times for heavily soiled pools.
Run Circulation and Filtration Until the Water Clears
Continuous circulation is key when cleaning a pool after a storm. Run the pump and filter until the water is completely clear. Depending on storm severity, this can take several days.
Check skimmer baskets, pump strainers, and filter pressure regularly. Empty baskets as they fill and clean the filter when pressure rises 8 to 10 PSI above the clean starting pressure.
Balance Water Chemistry and Shock the Pool
Once circulation is underway, begin balancing the water chemistry. Start with total alkalinity, then adjust pH, calcium hardness, and stabilizer levels. Stormwater can also introduce metals and phosphates, so testing for these is recommended.
After balancing, shock the pool to eliminate organic contaminants introduced by the storm. Even if the water looks clear, bacteria and algae can still be present. Use a strong chlorine shock and raise free chlorine levels to approximately 10 ppm or higher to sanitize the water fully.
If the water is extremely dirty, shocking it first and then balancing it later may be necessary.
Final Thoughts on Cleaning Your Pool After a Storm
Storm cleanup can be time-consuming, but following a structured process makes it manageable. Avoid draining the pool, clean debris methodically, monitor your equipment closely, and give your filtration system time to do its job.
With patience and proper care, your pool can recover fully and return to safe, clear water.