Storm Damage & Your Pool: What to Do After Severe Weather

When severe weather rolls through our community, the damage can go far beyond fallen branches and flooded yards. Your pool can also take a beating from heavy rain, high winds, lightning, debris and power outages.

Whether you have an above ground pool or an in-ground pool, Valley Pool & Spa is here to help you get your backyard—and your water—back in shape.

Most importantly, if your home or property has been impacted by a major storm, take care of your family and property first. Once it is safe to do so, you can turn your attention to your pool.

Above Ground Pool Storm Damage

Above ground pools can be particularly vulnerable to high winds, falling branches and debris. After a storm, carefully inspect your pool before getting back in or turning the equipment on.

Look for:

• Torn or damaged liners
• Bent or damaged walls or supports
• Debris inside the pool
• Damage to the filter, pump or other equipment
• Water levels that are unusually high or low
• Damage around the pool that could affect its stability

If the pool wall, frame or supports appear damaged, don’t enter the pool or attempt repairs yourself. Contact the service department at Valley Pool & Spa to assess the damage.

If the pool itself appears structurally sound, remove large debris carefully and begin cleaning the water.

In-Ground Pool Storm Damage

In-ground pools can also experience problems after severe weather. Heavy rainfall can dilute your pool chemicals, introduce contaminants and cause the water level to rise. Flooding can be especially concerning because floodwater may carry dirt, bacteria and other contaminants into your pool.

After the storm, inspect:

• Pool equipment and electrical connections
• Pump and filtration systems
• Pool lights and other electrical components
• Automatic covers and cover mechanisms
• Skimmers and drains
• Coping, decking and surrounding areas
• Fencing and other structures around the pool

Be Careful Around Pool Equipment

Safety comes first. If your pool equipment or electrical components were exposed to standing water or flooding, do not turn them on until they have been inspected by a qualified professional.

Never enter a flooded area where electrical hazards may be present.

How to Clean Up Your Pool After a Storm

Once the area is safe, you can begin the cleanup process.

1. Remove Large Debris

Use a pool net to carefully remove leaves, branches and other debris. Avoid using your pool vacuum on large objects that could damage the equipment.

2. Check the Water Level

Heavy rain can dramatically increase your pool’s water level. If necessary, bring the water level back to the appropriate operating range—but avoid draining a pool without professional guidance, particularly after significant rainfall or flooding.

3. Get Your Water Tested

Stormwater can dramatically change your pool’s chemistry. Rain can dilute chemicals while debris and contaminants can introduce additional problems.

Bring a water sample to any Valley Pool & Spa location for FREE water testing.

Our team can test your water and help you determine what adjustments are needed to get your pool chemistry back where it belongs.

4. Clean Your Filter

Your filtration system may be working overtime after a storm. Clean or backwash your filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, and inspect the system for damage.

5. Balance Your Chemicals

Don’t simply add chemicals based on what you think your pool needs. Testing first allows you to determine the proper treatment and avoid wasting chemicals—or creating an unsafe swimming environment.

6. Give Your Pool Time to Recover

If the water is cloudy, contaminated or significantly out of balance, don’t rush back into the pool. Proper filtration, cleaning and chemical treatment may take some time.

What If Your Pool Was Flooded?

If floodwater entered your pool, do not assume that adding chlorine alone will make the water safe.

Floodwater can contain dirt, bacteria and other contaminants. The appropriate cleanup process depends on the severity of the flooding and the condition of your pool and equipment.

Start by removing debris and contacting Valley Pool & Spa for guidance. Bring us a water sample for FREE testing at any of our locations, and we’ll help you determine the next steps.