How to Clean Your Pool After a Storm

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 further deterioration of its condition. Follow these basic Houston pool maintenance tips when cleaning your pool after the storm has passed.

Check Electrical Equipment

You need to check all the electrical equipment and turn off their power supply if if there are any perceived problems. Check if the equipment panel is dry and if the panel is showing any signs of water damage. Also empty any debris in the pump baskets before trying to start the pumps. You might have to reprime the pumps if there is not enough water in the pump to start it correctly. If all is perfect, then you can turn on the equipment for circulation and filtration.

However, if there are visible damages to any of 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 pool 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.

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. 

Filter Clean

Caring for your filtration system, consisting of the main filter pump and filter, is an important part of the pool cleaning process. If the storm carried a lot of dirt into the pool or your pool developed algae spores, a good filter cleaning is necessary. 

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. Keep repeating these steps (vacuuming & brushing) over the next few days 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 balance your chemicals by adjusting the alkaline, pH, and calcium levels.

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.

Best Pool Maintenance in Houston

Do you have a question about how to properly care for your pool now that the storm is over? Be sure to call the best pool maintenance company in Houston to speak with a professional pool care expert and learn more about the benefits of hiring pool maintenance professionals to handle all of your pool care needs.