Pool Cleanup After a Flood or Big Storm in the Hill Country
Hill Country storms can drop a lot of rain fast. Near the Guadalupe, Comal, and Blanco rivers, flood water can fill a pool with mud, leaves, and worse. Here is how to clean up safely and get your pool back.
Safety First
- Turn off the power to the pool equipment at the breaker before touching anything, especially if the equipment pad got wet.
- Do not swim in a pool that took in flood water. Flood water can carry sewage and bacteria.
- Watch for snakes and sharp debris in the water and on the deck.
- If electrical parts were under water, have them checked before turning them back on.
Step-by-Step Pool Cleanup
- Remove large debris like branches and leaves with a net.
- Check the equipment. If the pump motor, heater, or control panel was under water, have them checked first.
- Lower the water level if the pool overflowed, but do not drain it all.
- Clean the skimmer and pump baskets.
- Once safe, run the pump and filter around the clock.
- Clean or backwash the filter often. Mud clogs filters fast.
- Test the water. Add a large dose of chlorine (shock) to kill bacteria.
- Brush the walls and floor every day.
- Vacuum settled mud to waste if your filter allows it.
- Retest until chlorine holds and the water is clear.
After Heavy Rain (No Flooding)
Even normal heavy rain changes your water. Rain thins out chlorine and can change pH. Leaves and dirt wash in from sloped yards. After a big rain, empty the baskets, test the water, and add chlorine if it dropped.
When to Call for Help
- The pool is full of mud or turned dark green or brown.
- Equipment was under water.
- The pump runs but water does not move.
- Water stays cloudy for more than a few days.
See green pool recovery, pump repair, and drain and acid wash if mud stained the plaster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to swim after a flood got into my pool?
No. Flood water can carry sewage and bacteria. Clean, shock, and test the pool until chlorine holds before anyone swims.
Do I need to drain my pool after a flood?
Not always. Most pools can be cleaned with filtering and shock. If mud stained the plaster or the water will not clear, a drain and acid wash may be needed.
Can I run my pool pump after it was under water?
Do not run it until it has been checked. Water in the motor or wiring can be dangerous and can ruin the motor.
Why is my pool cloudy after rain?
Rain thins chlorine and washes in dirt and pollen. Run the filter, clean the baskets, test the water, and add chlorine as needed.
Need Help With Your Pool?
Tell us about your pool, and we will reply with a clear price range and next steps.
