When a storm has been and gone, you may be left with a pool that resembles a swamp. You are not certain if the green water and what is floating in it calls for an easy cleanup or is indicative of a bigger problem. Then there is the question of whether your equipment has been damaged by the outage.
We at PB Pool Doc put pools back in order for our clients in Palm Beach and Broward counties after the kind of inclement weather South Florida is known for. Give us a ring at (561) 934-5597 to have one of our professionals make an assessment.
Tropical storms and hurricanes can wreak havoc on a backyard pool. Here in South Florida we are accustomed to them. But any post-storm trouble is usually remedied if you are on top of it. What follows are the issues we come across once the skies have cleared.
Debris Overload
You will see plenty of detritus in the pool, much of it from high winds off your own property and your neighbor’s. In the aftermath of a storm you can put in an appearance of:
- Branches, leaves and palm fronds
- Screen enclosure fragments and shingles from the roof
- Pool toys and patio furniture
- Mulch, rocks, sand and mud
Letting heavy debris lie on the bottom too long will do damage to your pool surface, scratching or staining it. Remove the larger pieces and you will be sparing yourself some trouble later.
Cloudy or Green Water
Rain can upset the chemical balance of your pool in short order, diluting the chlorine and lowering the pH while introducing contaminants. In this climate algae is quick to make its presence felt when the chlorine drops.
In as little as a couple of days the water will go from cloudy to a murky green. The way to stave off an algae bloom is to put the chemistry right. We consider it routine to balance the water on a service call; all the standard chemicals are included.
An Overflowing Pool
With enough rain the water will be pushed past the tile line. An overfilled pool is no small nuisance as the skimmer is rendered ineffective and cannot do its job of pulling off surface debris.
That said, do not be tempted to drain the pool completely. The ground is so saturated in South Florida that hydrostatic pressure can cause an empty pool to pop right out of it. A professional should be called to lower the level with due care.
Power Issues and Equipment Damage
Flooding and loss of power are tough on your gear. The pump, filter, heater and automation are all vulnerable. Some things to be on the lookout for:
- Motors making a hum but not running
- Pumps that refuse to turn on or prime
- Breakers that will not stay reset
- Any leaks or odd sounds at the filter
- Standing water in the equipment area
If flood water has gotten to your equipment, leave it off until it is inspected; a waterlogged motor is a safety hazard and will be ruined if you try to run it. Should your equipment need it, our in-house department is set up for repairs, upgrades and inspection.
Filters and Baskets Clogged
The debris has to end up somewhere, typically in the filter and your skimmer and pump baskets. This chokes off circulation and makes it more of an ordeal to clear up the water, not to mention the strain it puts on the pump. They are the first thing to be dealt with in a cleanup.
Surface Stains
Organic matter and metal will stain if allowed to sit in the water. Screws or nails from an enclosure that has seen better days are often to blame. To protect the finish and plaster of your pool, get to these stains before they become a chore to take out.
Back to Normal
There is enough to contend with in the wake of a hurricane without having to add your pool to the list. Let us handle it. As the preeminent residential pool maintenance firm in South Florida, PB Pool Doc has a 10-step process for getting your pool in shape in both Palm Beach and Broward county. There are no long-term contracts with us, and we can provide financing and a free estimate.
For assistance after the next storm, contact us at (561) 934-5597. From 8:30 to 5 Monday to Friday our people are available to put your backyard in swimming condition.