It’s All About The Chemicals That You Use

In the last two months, the Gulf Coast and the Caribbean got struck with high-category hurricanes.  Harvey got the best of eastern Texas while Irma came two weeks later and hit Florida.  But it would be the Antilles Islands that got the worst of the storms. The Antilles islands were hit by not just one hurricane but two.  Exactly 14 days after Hurricane Irma hit the Antilles Islands, Hurricane Maria hit the islands to make things even worse.

We can’t deny that much of the Gulf Coast, the southeastern United States, and the Caribbean were exposed to Mother Nature’s weather tantrums.  Let’s not forget that swimming pools can get flooded and damaged by hurricanes and/or tropical storms.

The majority of swimming pools in these areas may get damaged or overflow due to flood waters containing saltwater, salt, sand, algae, phosphates, to even more serious contaminates like sewage.  Recently, Puerto Rico got an array of plagues due to flood water like conjunctivitis, cholera, human scabies, and leptospirosis, which causes the shutting down of major organs and even death.

It is most recommendable to drain your pool and refill it with fresh water.  In cases where it’s not possible to do so or there is no critical damage, you can use chemicals, filters, and flocculation to clean the water of all contamination.

Pool equipment must be inspected and verified first.  Electrical devices and cables are the most important pool equipment to be inspected.  It is recommended to hire a company that can test and repair, or replaced, as needed.  Also, it is important to check the filter before attempting to clean dirty water in pools.

Steps to Clean Your Pool After a Storm

In order to clean your pool you must do this:

1. Remove as much debris as possible.
2. Make sure all skimmer and pump baskets are free of debris to ensure good water circulation and filtration.
3. Chlorinate the pool (minimum 20 ppm).
4. Maintain pH balance between 7.2 to 7.4.
5. Add a two-stage clarifier after adding the chlorine.
   1. Add the proper amount of the first stage formula as the filter system operates.
   2. After 6 hours (or one turnover rate of the filter), add the second stage of the two-part clarifier and continue running the pool filter.

The pool should clear completely within 24 hours after the second stage of clarifier is added.  Clean the filter after 24 hours. If the existing system is damaged, it can also work with a portable filter system.

Once the water is clear, test for phosphates and use a phosphate remover if necessary.  Once the levels are down to 200 ppl, add a good algaecide to eliminate all types of algae.  This cleaning method ensures that the pool water is clean.

At Platinum Pools we care for our clients.  If you have any questions regarding regular maintenance or you need pool system maintenance, call us at 281.870.1600