How to Clean a Flooded Pool

Experiencing a flooded pool can be daunting, but with the proper steps, you can efficiently restore your pool to its spotless condition. Prioritising safety and cleanliness is key. Let's explore the essential steps to recover a flooded pool.

First Steps After Your Pool Has Been Flooded

Check Pool Fencing

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Re-establish fencing and barriers, as per AS1926.3, to prevent accidental drowning, especially if the existing structures have been compromised.

Doing a Comprehensive Pool and Spa Inspection

Conduct a visual inspection of the pool area, barriers and gates, safety equipment and the pool itself for broken or malfunctioning equipment.
Have a qualified electrician inspect and repair or replace equipment or wiring that may be damaged, including power supplies, pumps, lighting, grounding, etc.
Have a qualified pool professional inspect, repair or replace the pool equipment, pump, filter, chlorinator, cleaner, heaters and other circulation or control equipment.
Inspect all inlets and outlet fittings and check the condition of the filter media.
Empty and clean the skimmer basket(s).
Remove debris, sweep, rinse and disinfect the coping and surrounds around the pool, including furniture and pool toys.

Initial Decontamination

Liquid Pool Chlorine

Add 20-30 litres of liquid chlorine to the pool. This step is crucial for preventing mosquito breeding and starting the decontamination process.

Decontamination and Draining the Pool Water

Removing Debris: Start by cleaning the skimmer baskets, sweeping, rinsing, and disinfecting the pool surroundings.
Water Treatment Decision: Assess the water's condition to determine whether to treat it with chemicals or drain the pool. Chemical treatment involves chlorine, flocculent, and clarifiers.
Draining Precautions: Consult a licensed pool professional before draining. This is vital to prevent the pool from lifting due to groundwater pressure. Note that draining may also affect construction warranties.

Decontaminating Your Pool After Flooding

Take a sample to your local pool professional

Superchlorinate the water and add water clarifiers or flocculent to help filter out debris or settle debris to the bottom. Test and adjust the water pH between 7.2-7.8.

Debris that settles to the pool bottom should be vacuumed

This reduces the risk of plugging the filter and helps to remove contaminants that will consume chlorine.

Maintain the chlorine level and circulate the water

In a spa, make sure that the jets are set at their maximum. Also for a spa, turn the aerator (blower) on and off about every five minutes while the water is circulating. This will ensure that the lines are being cleaned.

Test the chlorine level and pH

Test these in the evening and again the following morning to see if the water has maintained its levels. This will help you understand if there is substantial contamination remaining in the water requiring additional chlorine, flocculents and/or clarifier.

Have your pool tested for phosphates

Now finally, take a sample of water to your pool professional to have it tested for phosphates. High levels of phosphates will use up chlorine very quickly increasing the need for chlorine and the risk of your pool going green.

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Test for Phosphate Level

High phosphate levels can rapidly deplete chlorine and serve as a food source for algae, leading to unwanted growth and murky water. Have your pool water tested for phosphates to determine if additional treatments are needed.

If you have excess phosphates, use Zodiac phosphate remover to extract phosphates from your pool water, which is crucial in hindering algae proliferation. However, you may experience temporary cloudiness in your pool, especially if the phosphate levels are high.

For slightly cloudy water, the Zodiac natural clarifier is an appropriate choice, which aids in coagulating small particles, making them easier to filter out. For very cloudy water, try the Zodiac liquid flocculant, as it will help particles to settle at the bottom of the pool.

Cleaning and revitalising a flooded pool requires meticulous attention to safety, cleanliness, and chemical balance. By following these steps, you can ensure that your pool is not only safe to use but also inviting and enjoyable. Consult a pool professional nearby if you have more questions.