Australia is no stranger to extreme temperatures, bushfires, wild dust storms, hail and torrential rain. Recently, we’ve experienced them all! Harsh weather elements not only impact the environment, wild weather also affects your swimming pool.
If you own a swimming pool, here are some handy hints to care for your pool after an extreme weather event.
Test the water
Testing your pool water is crucial, and should be done as quick as possible. Make sure there is plenty of chlorine. If chlorine levels are too low, algae blooms can grow and cause your entire pool to turn green. Fierce weather conditions play a huge role in chlorine loss.
- Rainwater can dilute the chemicals in your pool and create a pH imbalance.
- Winds and floods introduce leaves, twigs and other organic matter to your pool. This will cause the chlorine to deplete quicker.
- Severe heat will evaporate water from your pool. With water loss comes chemical loss.
Dust, dirt and ash
If you live near a bushfire affected area, or have just endured a dust storm, a pool flocculant can help clear up your pool. Also known as floc, this chemical works by gathering up the dirt or ash particles floating in the pool, and sending them to the bottom. Once the particles have settled onto the pool floor, they can then be vacuumed.
- For small amounts of dirt or ash, you may not need to use a flocculant. Jim’s Pool Care suggests first trying a strong clarifier such as Lo-Chlor Miraclear Liquid, or Lo-Chlor Ultra Kleer Plus 4-1.
- For larger amounts of dirt or ash, or for cloudy water, floc the pool with Lo-Chlor Maxi-Floc Plus.
- If you’re in a hurry, a product such as Maxi-Flow Plus uses a combination of polyaluminium chloride and a patented polymer resin. This will send the debris to the pool floor within 6-12 hours. Other flocs usually take up to 48 hours.
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Prevent Phosphates
Phosphates are introduced to the pool by way of dirt, ash, twigs, bark, bugs, and fertilisers from the garden. Phosphates are the main food source for algae. We may not be able to stop the weather conditions that cause phosphates to enter the pool, however we can try our best minimise phosphates. Jim’s Pool Care recommends using a long-term preventative algaecide such as Lo-Chlor Pool Algaecide. If you already have a large algae infestation, use Lo-Chlor Tropiclear Pool Algaecide.
The best, and easiest, way to care for your pool is to turn to the professionals. Jim’s Pool Care has trusted, experienced pool technicians Australia-wide. To find your local expert call Jim’s on 131 546.
Related Jim’s Group Blogs:
– Why You Should Engage a Professional To Maintain Your Swimming Pool.
– How To Fix Green Pool Water.