If you’re new to desert living it may come as a surprise that Arizona is going into its monsoon season. It’s that time of year when dust storms (haboobs) torrential rainfall, flooding and cooler temperatures are with us — for a brief period of time. Post-monsoon pool clean up is crucial, especially if you didn’t have time or weren’t home in time to protect your swimming pool from the impending storm.
Monsoon rains, wind and dust can wreak havoc on a swimming pool. Rain may be a welcome sight in Arizona, but the swimming pool service contractors from SwimRight Pool Service & Repair understand that monsoon rain can push the water chemistry out of balance. The wind and rain and debris also have the potential to damage the swimming pool and damage the equipment.
Post-monsoon pool clean up
Preparation prior to the storm’s arrival and proper post storm clean up are important to ensure the pool is protected and the water chemistry is balanced and that there is no harmful bacteria in the water.
Before a storm
If you’re home and know a storm is planned, your pool contractor urges you to take these steps.
- Don’t drain the pool. Even if there is a chance of flooding, it’s better to have your pool overflow than have it float if you’ve drained it.
- Tie down or store pool toys and furniture. Do not toss furniture into the pool to keep it from blowing away. High winds can toss the furniture around and damage the pool’s interior.
- Turn off and disconnect the electricity to the pool.
- The organic contaminants carried in on the wind and rain can negatively impact the water’s cleanliness — don’t swim until the pool has been thoroughly cleaned and/or shocked.
- Cover the pool. A mesh safety cover will prevent too much debris from getting into the pool water but won’t be damaged by the weight of it.
Post storm pool clean up
If you’re not comfortable with the pool equipment and working with electricity call a pool contractor and let him inspect all components before you turn anything on and run the risk of an electrical shock.
- Remove large pieces of debris from the cover. If you didn’t get a cover on, remove the large pieces then skim off smaller ones.
- Check the pump and skimmer, if they are dirty and full of water, clean them before running the filter or pump
- Check the pump motor for water damage. If it’s dry, turn the power on and start running it. If it is wet, do not turn the power back on and give us a call.
- Once the power’s been restored and the equipment is operational, the pool can be vacuumed. If the pool water is cloudy and you can’t see the bottom, be extremely cautious as you may inadvertently vacuum up items that can damage the vacuum.
- Chances are the water will need to be superchlorinated before it’s swimmable.
- Run the pump and filter for at least ten hours following the post storm clean up.
If you don’t work with a swimming pool service contractor on a regular basis, be prepared for a wait to get on the schedule for a post monsoon pool clean up. Be patient.
