Storms can cause significant damage to one of your home’s most valuable features — your swimming pool. Whether it’s a summer thunderstorm, a hurricane, or a tropical storm, the aftermath often involves debris, algae growth, discoloration, and even structural damage. Clearing up your pool after a storm requires more than just a quick skim and scrub. A thorough, methodical approach is essential for restoring water quality, ensuring safety, and maintaining the integrity of your pool equipment.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to effectively clean your pool after a storm, from safety tips and equipment checks to water chemistry restoration and long-term maintenance strategies.
Step 1: Assess the Damage and Prioritize Safety
Before reaching for the pool net or turning on the filter, take a few moments to assess the condition of your backyard and pool area. Safety must always come first. Following a storm, especially a severe one, can leave hidden hazards like loose wiring, broken glass, or unstable structures.
Check for Visible Debris and Contaminants
Start by removing large debris such as branches, leaves, and other floating objects from the water and deck. This is best done manually with a skimmer net and gloves. Be cautious with any sharp or heavy objects to avoid injury or further damage to the pool surface.
Inspect for Structural Damage
Walk around your pool and look for cracks, leaks, or broken tiles. If you notice any structural issues, do not refill or use the pool until it has been inspected by a professional. In some cases, severe weather can compromise the integrity of the pool’s shell, causing water leaks or even potential collapse.
Ensure Electrical Safety
If any electrical pool equipment such as pumps, lights, or heaters were submerged or exposed to water, turn off the circuit breaker before inspecting or attempting repairs. Electrical components should be completely dried and checked for corrosion before being reconnected to power. When in doubt, consult a licensed electrician.
Step 2: Begin the Cleaning Process
Once the area is safe and you’ve identified any potential hazards, you can begin the process of physically cleaning your pool after a storm.
Skim and Remove Debris
Use a leaf net or mechanical skimmer to remove floating debris. Make sure to clean the skimmer basket regularly to prevent clogging. For debris that has sunk to the bottom, use a vacuum or leaf rake to collect the material.
Brush the Pool Walls and Floor
Brushing the walls and floor of your pool helps loosen algae and dirt that may have adhered to the surfaces. Use a pool brush with bristles suitable for your type of pool (nylon for vinyl, stainless steel for concrete).
Vacuum the Pool
After brushing, vacuum the pool thoroughly. If there is a large amount of debris, consider using a manual vacuum or setting the filter to the “waste” setting (if applicable) to avoid clogging the filter with excessive particles.
Step 3: Check and Restore Pool Chemistry
After a storm, rainwater dilution, debris, and contaminants can drastically affect your pool’s chemical levels. Testing and balancing your water is crucial to prevent algae blooms and ensure safe swimming conditions.
Test the Water Chemistry
Use a high-quality test kit or take a water sample to your local pool supply store for an in-depth analysis. Key parameters to check include:
- pH level
- Chlorine (sanitizer) levels
- Alkalinity
- Calcium hardness
- Cyanuric acid (stabilizer)
- Total dissolved solids (TDS)
Adjust pH and Alkalinity
The ideal pH range for most pools is between 7.4 and 7.6. If your pool’s pH is too low, use soda ash (sodium carbonate) to raise it. If it’s too high, use muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate to lower it. Similarly, maintain total alkalinity between 80–120 ppm for optimal chemical balance.
Shock the Pool
After a storm, your pool should be shocked using a high dose of chlorine or non-chlorine shock to eliminate bacteria, organic contaminants, and algae. Heavy rainfall often increases the presence of phosphates and nitrogen compounds, which feed algae, so shocking is essential for preventing a green pool days later.
Follow the instructions on the shock label and ensure proper ventilation. Do not swim in the pool until chlorine levels return to a safe range (1–3 ppm).
Step 4: Run the Filtration System and Circulate the Water
Once physical cleaning and chemical adjustments are complete, your next step is to get your filtration system running effectively to circulate and clean the entire volume of your pool.
Inspect the Pool Equipment
Before starting the filter, check the pump, filter system, and heater (if applicable) for any damage or clogs. Be careful when restarting equipment that may have been exposed to water or power surges.
Backwash or Clean the Filter
If your filter was running during the storm or has been used to vacuum a large volume of debris, it may need to be backwashed (for sand or diatomaceous earth [DE] filters) or cleaned (for cartridge filters). A clean filter ensures better circulation and improved clarity.
Run the Pump for an Extended Period
After shocking the pool and cleaning the filter, run the pump continuously for at least 8–12 hours, or longer if the pool was severely affected by the storm. Good circulation is key to distributing chemicals and filtering out contaminants. If power outages were an issue during the storm, be sure your generator or alternative power source is sufficient to keep the pump running long enough.
Step 5: Address Algae Overgrowth and Stains
If your pool has turned green or developed noticeable algae patches after the storm, stronger intervention may be necessary.
Identify the Type of Algae
Algae can come in different colors, including green, black, mustard (yellow), and pink (which is actually bacteria). Each type may require a specific treatment:
| Algae Type | Characteristics | Recommended Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Green Algae | Cloudy green water or patches on walls/floor | Super chlorination, algaecide, and brushing |
| Black Algae | Dark, spot-like growths that are deep-rooted | Scrubbing with stainless steel brush, algaecide, and chlorine |
| Mustard Algae | Yellow patches often mistaken for dirt | Algaecide and extended chlorine treatments |
| Pink Algae | Pinkish slime often found on steps or corners | Shock treatments and antibacterial algaecide |
Clean Stains After Storm Damage
Storm-borne debris such as metal objects or tannin-rich leaves can leave unsightly stains on your pool’s surface. Use a stain remover or ascorbic acid treatment to safely lift stains from concrete or vinyl surfaces.
In some cases, you may want to apply a stain prevention product to reduce future staining, especially if your pool is surrounded by trees or experiences frequent storm exposure.
Step 6: Restore Clarity to Murky or Cloudy Water
If your water appears cloudy even after thorough cleaning and chlorination, it may indicate filtration problems, chemical imbalance, or the presence of tiny suspended particles.
Try Clarifiers or Flocculants
Pool clarifiers help bind tiny particles together so they can be filtered out more effectively. Alternatively, flocculants cause particles to sink to the bottom for manual vacuuming. Choose one product based on your filtration system and how much labor you’re willing to invest.
Pool Clarifier vs. Flocculant: Comparison
| Product | Action | Best For | Application Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clarifier | Clumps particles for the filter | Clearing mild cloudiness quickly | Several hours with circulation |
| Flocculant | Causes particles to settle at the bottom | Severe cloudy water with poor filtration | Overnight settling followed by vacuuming |
Ensure Proper Sanitizer Levels
Maintaining a residual sanitizer like chlorine or bromine will keep microorganisms at bay and prevent the return of cloudiness or algae growth.
Step 7: Monitor and Maintain Post-Storm
Once your pool is clean, clear, and balanced, it’s important to maintain the results and prevent recurring issues.
Rebalance Chemicals Daily if Necessary
For the first few days after a storm, test chemicals twice a day and adjust levels as needed. Pools recovering from storm damage may take up to a week to stabilize completely.
Keep the Filter Clean
Depending on the load taken on after debris removal, you may need to clean the filter multiple times in the first week. This ensures optimal filtration and water clarity.
Run the Pump on a Regular Schedule
Once stabilized, aim to run the pump for 8–10 hours daily, or more in hotter conditions, to maintain circulation and filtration efficiency.
Step 8: Prepare for Future Storm Events
After spending time clearing a pool post-storm, consider implementing proactive measures to reduce damage in future weather events.
Invest in a Pool Cover
Using a solid safety cover during storms or hurricane season significantly reduces the amount of debris and contaminants that entering the pool, making cleanup faster and less intensive.
Trim Trees and Remove Loose Yard Items
Regular yard maintenance ensures fewer branches, leaves, and outdoor items (like furniture or decorations) will be thrown into the pool during a storm.
Install Robust Drainage Systems
Good backyard drainage prevents excessive runoff from stormwater and keeps dirt, fertilizers, and contaminants from entering the pool.
Create an Emergency Plan
Know how to shut off your pool’s power source, store delicate equipment indoors, and conduct a basic cleaning routine for post-storm conditions.
Conclusion: A Storm-Resilient Pool Requires Proactive Care
Clearing a pool after a storm is a multi-step process that requires patience, attention to detail, and knowledge of water chemistry and equipment function. While it can be time-consuming to clean up after the damage, the process becomes much easier with organization, proper tools, and a safe approach.
By following these steps — assessing safety, physically cleaning, restoring chemistry, running the filtration system, and addressing algae or stains — you can restore your storm-affected pool to a sparkling, safe condition. More importantly, by preparing ahead of time with covers, safety plans, and landscape strategies, you reduce the impact of future storm events and maintain your investment in both equipment and aesthetics.
Remember, the key to successful post-storm recovery is consistency. After the cleaning is done, continue to monitor your pool’s condition closely to ensure it remains clear, balanced, and enjoyable — rain or shine.
What should I do first when cleaning a pool after a storm?
After a storm, the first step is to ensure safety. Turn off the pool’s electrical system to avoid any risk of electrocution, especially if there’s standing water around the equipment or if the area seems compromised. Inspect the pool area for structural damage, gas leaks, or large debris that may pose a threat before you start cleaning. This precautionary step helps prevent further damage or harm during the cleanup process.
Once the area is deemed safe, begin by removing large debris such as branches and leaves using a net or skimmer. Avoid vacuuming right away, as this could clog the filter or damage the system if the water is heavily contaminated. It’s also essential to check the water level—storms can cause the pool to overflow or introduce dirt and contaminants, so adjusting the water level may be necessary before proceeding with filtration and chemical balancing.
How do I remove debris and leaves from my pool after a storm?
The most effective way to remove debris and leaves from your pool after a storm is by manually skimming and netting. Use a leaf net or manual skimmer to remove large objects floating on the surface before they sink and settle at the bottom. Also, consider using a pool cover or tarp to help corral floating objects, which makes it easier to collect and remove them efficiently without spreading them around the pool.
Once the larger debris is removed, you can use a pool vacuum to clean up finer particles and residual dirt that may have settled on the pool floor. If the water is extremely cloudy or dirty, it may be better to wait until after you’ve partially cleaned and clarified the water using filtration and chemicals before vacuuming. This approach prevents unnecessary strain on your pool pump and filter system, ensuring a more successful cleanup.
How long will it take to clear a cloudy pool after a storm?
Clearing a cloudy pool after a storm is largely dependent on the extent of contamination and the size of your pool. If the water is heavily laden with fine particles, dirt, or algae, you may need several days of active filtration and chemical treatment before it clears up. Expect cloudiness to begin improving in 24–48 hours after proper treatment, but full clarity may take longer, particularly if filtration systems are under strain.
One strategy to expedite the process is using a pool clarifier or flocculant, which helps clump suspended particles together so your filter can remove them more easily. Running the pump for as many hours as possible and backwashing the filter as needed can also help reduce the time it takes to restore clarity. Be realistic about the conditions and be prepared to adjust your chemical levels frequently during this process.
Why is the pool water green after a storm, and how can I fix it?
Green pool water after a storm is usually a sign of algae overgrowth, which occurs when chlorine levels drop during extended pump downtime or poor circulation. Rainwater can also introduce nutrients into the pool, encouraging algae growth. In addition, debris and organic matter from the storm may act as a food source for algae, which can quickly cloud the water and make it unsafe for swimming.
To fix green water, begin by shocking the pool with a high dose of chlorine. Make sure to choose a shock type compatible with your water balance and filter system. Brush the walls and floor of the pool to dislodge the algae so that it can be filtered out. Run the pump continuously for 24–48 hours, backwashing the filter as needed, and test the water chemistry regularly. Consider using an algaecide in addition to chlorine to treat resistant algae strains effectively.
Do I need to drain my pool after a storm?
In most cases, draining your pool after a storm is not necessary unless the water is extremely contaminated or contains a large amount of sediment or pollutants. If the water is simply cloudy or contains a moderate amount of debris, it’s best to clean it through filtration and chemical treatment, as completely refilling the pool can be costly and time-consuming. Also, for inground pools, draining the pool can lead to structural issues, especially in saturated ground conditions.
When considering draining, consult a professional to evaluate the risks and potential damage to your pool. If you do choose to drain, ensure the water is safely disposed of away from landscaping or structures. If not entirely draining is necessary, partially lowering the water level with the pump or pool service tools might help before resuming cleaning and recovery procedures. It is always best to preserve as much clean water as possible when recovery is feasible.
How can I balance the chemicals after a storm?
After a storm, the pool’s chemical balance is often disrupted by rainwater, debris, or groundwater infiltration. Start by testing the water using a reliable test strip or kit to determine pH, alkalinity, chlorine, and cyanuric acid levels. Restoring alkalinity and pH should come first, as these levels affect the efficiency of chlorine. Adjust the pH to 7.2–7.6 and total alkalinity to 80–120 ppm before dealing with chlorine levels.
Next, adjust the chlorine levels to ensure effective disinfection, targeting 1–3 ppm after the water has been cleared. If metals were introduced from the storm, use a metal sequestering agent to prevent staining. Avoid adding multiple types of chemicals at once since this can cause imbalances or chemical reactions. Be prepared to retest regularly and make adjustments as needed while the filtration system works to stabilize the environment.
How can I prevent damage to my pool during future storms?
To prevent damage to your pool during future storms, begin by maintaining your pool equipment and landscaping. Ensure that trees near the pool have trimmed branches, which can help reduce the amount of debris introduced during wind or storms. Secure loose items like pool chairs or extension covers, and consider using a mesh safety cover to keep large amounts of debris out while still allowing rainwater to pass through.
Before a storm, lower the water level slightly below the skimmer to avoid overflow and potential electrical issues. Turn off the pool equipment and power sources if there’s a risk of flooding or lightning. In regions with frequent storms, installing a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) for pool equipment can reduce electrocution risks. Taking these proactive steps can minimize cleanup and damage after weather events while extending the life of your pool system.