With the risk of fire and fire damage becoming increasingly prevalent in Southern California, it’s important that we spread the word about guidelines that are in place for the maintenance of pools that have been affected by smoke and ash contamination or fire damage. Pool owners should take care to monitor their pools or hire someone to maintenance their pool before using it again to be sure that the proper steps have been taken and that it is safe to use.
These are the guidelines recommended by the National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) and the Department of Environmental Health:
- Clean skimmer baskets of debris and skim water surface of pool with pool net to remove floating debris.
- Brush sides and bottom of pool to loosen contaminants. Vacuum pool.
- Backwash and clean filter, discharging waste to municipal sanitary sewer only. Connected to a septic tank system, discharge the backwash to a pervious surface (gravel, lawn, open space) to allow for infiltration without erosion. Backwash to the storm drain system (alleys, driveways, streets, storm drains) and creeks is prohibited by law.
- Check pH and adjust to between 7.2 and 8.0.
- Check free chlorine level and adjust to minimum of 2.0 ppm.
- Ensure the recirculation system is operating properly by checking filter pressure and/or flow meter.
- Reopen pool to bathers when pH levels are 7.2 to 8.0 and free chlorine is level 2.0 ppm.
- Due to the amount of smoke and ash in the air, these steps may need to be repeated after cleaning the filters.
- Draining of pools is not recommended. If you must drain the pool, contact the stormwater program of your local jurisdiction for guidance. In general, pool water must be dechlorinated to 0.0 ppm chlorine and have a pH between 7.2 and 8.0 if it is drained.
As we said, you may feel much more comfortable hiring a swimming pool service company, like our own, to come service and clean the pool. A professional swimming pool service company can also check for damage to the pool, surrounding area, and pool systems. Hiring a professional is a great alternative, however you should be careful to check for their business license and learn more about their pool service and maintenance experience. The key is safety and going with a company who is skilled and informed of proper procedures.
Have any questions or thoughts? Comment below! Would you like to contact us with your pool needs? Give us a call at 805.428.0132 today.