Pool Recovery After a Hurricane

Here in Texas, it’s fair to say that we are used to turbulent weather conditions. In fact, we’re second only to Florida when it comes to hurricanes. 

As well as causing damage to homes and local communities, hurricanes can also have a detrimental effect on backyard pools. 

With this in mind, if your pool has become damaged following a hurricane, it is important that you follow the appropriate recovery steps to get back to enjoying your pool safely. 

How can hurricanes affect swimming pools?

Hurricanes can negatively affect in a number of different ways.

Perhaps the worst damage it can cause is the destruction of your pool equipment. Pipes, filters, and electrical equipment can all become damaged beyond repair during a severe hurricane. Pool structures can also suffer but, usually, inground pools will be better protected due to the way they are built.

Pool water can also be removed and replaced as the storm surges across your pool, and it’ll likely be left containing mud, plants, trash, and other debris that the hurricane has swept into the water. 

Undoubtedly the biggest hazard after a hurricane is electrical damage. Severed wires, exposed connections, and broken electrical panels can be extremely dangerous so all power must be switched off before you inspect or begin clearing up your pool. If you spot any electrical applications that look out of place, you should seek a qualified electrician to assist.  

Cleaning your pool after a hurricane

Once the storm has passed, you may have some significant cleaning up to do. 

As mentioned above, you must always ensure all electrical equipment is turned off before starting to avoid any electrical hazards.

Once your pool’s power has been turned off, you can begin.

Remove dirt and debris 

Use a net or a skimmer to remove large pieces of debris and items from the pool surface. This might include branches, leaves, large amounts of mud or sand, and maybe even dead animals like fish or birds. 

You can then use a pool vacuum to get rid of any remaining small bits of dirt and debris on the pool floor or walls.

Clean and backwash filters

Your pool’s filter will almost certainly need to be cleaned or backwashed after a hurricane as it may be full of dirt. 

Make sure to consult your filter’s manual to ensure you are doing so correctly. 

Check the water level

During a hurricane or severe storm, your water level may increase due to heavy rainwater. Check the water level and drain it to the appropriate level. Usually, halfway up the skimmer opening is the optimum water level. 

Alternatively, you may need to refill the pool if the hurricane has removed significant amounts of water.

Balance your water chemistry 

After a storm, your water chemistry is unlikely to be at a safe level to swim in, and you will probably need to balance and sanitize it. 

Use testing strips to check the water’s chemistry levels and adjust accordingly. 

Ideal levels are:

• pH – 7.2-7.6

• Calcium hardness – 200-400 ppm

• Chlorine – 1.0-3.0 ppm

Turn on the power and run filtration systems

Finally, once you’ve cleared everything up, you can turn the power back on and run your pool’s filtration and circulation systems.

Wait until the water has run clear before you start to use it again.

If your pool has suffered the effects of a hurricane and you need support, Backyard Paradise Luxury Pools is here to help. Our expert team can provide you with weekly pool maintenance and pool renovation services, so get in touch today to find out more.