Cleaning Pools After a Wildfire

Wildfire season is here and pool professionals have plenty to be concerned about. Here are some cleaning tips after the fire is out.

This summer wildfires significantly affected the pool industry. After this sad ordeal, pool experts discovered better ways to prevent and deal with such unexpected situations.

As a pool professional, it is essential to do your best to protect yourself from when servicing pools. The best way to do this is to know what to expect during wildfire season.

Pool professionals should carry protective clothing and equipment at all times. When working, carry gloves and respiratory masks at all times. An inflammable blanket and safety flares also help pool operators handle emergencies.

Wildfires undoubtedly interfere with the quality and pressure of water. Contrary to popular belief, a hose is not always effective in the case of a wildfire. More often than not, fire brigades use pumps to source water from the pool to protect your home.

Therefore, pool owners should consider buying pumps for these specific pumps. Such pumps usually facilitate a water flow of 150 gallons per minute. Subsequently, they are effective in soaking down the home quickly.

It is always dangerous for pool companies to try saving pools by going past an emergency barrier. Remember, fire can travel to any side when there is a strong wind. Create multiple escape routes in the property to keep everyone safe.

Fire fighting chemicals and debris can cause serious pool maintenance issues for professionals.

What happens after a wildfire? Large fires make pools dirty. The pool is likely to have leaves, smoke, ash, and branches after the fire. Also, fire extinguishing chemicals may still be presen. These substances can adversely affect the filter. A dirty pool is likely to attract extensive breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Pool owners should take time preparing their pool for a wildfire as well as time cleaning it after one.

Typically, expect a lot of ash in your pool after a fire. A build-up of ash on the pool filter can lead to an almost limestone cement type of coating on the filtering equipment. Ash coming from buildings also contains toxic substances like lead that can pose a danger to your health. Additionally, it is essential to note that ash repels water. Thus, it is tough to get rid of ash in the pool. Enzyme-based products are the best for removing ash.

One of the substances you are most likely to find in pools after a fire are fire suppressant chemicals. According to experts like Orenda Technologies who’ve seen their fair share of wildfires over the years, flame retardants can be up to 10% fertilizer. Many of these fire suppressants contain di-ammonium phosphate.

According to Jeffery Johnston of Quality Clear Pools, the flame retardant that is dropped from the air is called PHOS- CHEK Fortify. The brand name Phos-Chek stems from it’s active ingredient, ammonium phosphate (made of 85% water, 10% fertilizer and 5% minor ingredients). Key words here are phosphate and fertilizer. “When these two elements enter the air and find their way into your pool, it puts a very high sanitizer (chlorine) demand on your pool, AKA food for algae.”

Wildire Cleaning Tips

Tips for cleaning a swimming pool after a wildfire.

PoolMagazine.com

• Remove debris A.S.A.P.

• Brush pool surface completely.

• Skim debris with a net.

• Perform a complete pool equipment inspection.

• Check that your filter is clean and functioning properly.

• Use a quality chlorine-free oxidizer to super-chlorinate your pool to 20 parts per million (ppm).

• Use aclarifier to assist in clearing ash from the pool filter.

• Enzyme products can also help break down non-organic matter.

• Once your chlorine level falls lower than 5 ppm, test it again and treat with phosphate remover if necessary.

• Backwash the filter if necessary throughout this process.