Post Helene pool cleanup. Where to start?

Aug 22, 2016
43
Martinez, GA
Our home got rocked by Helene and, best I can tell, we got quite a lot of storm water runoff in the pool. The day before the storm the pool was fine, the next morning it was dark, couldn't see the bottom, and had plenty of pine branches and leaves in it. We were then without power for about a week and I still have not run the pump yet until I have a chance to at least attempt to clear out whatever debris I can. It's been warm and sunny since then, so algae is now growing. I considered just draining it, but was concerned with how saturated the ground is. I called a few of our local pool companies, but they're already stretched too thin and our issue simply isn't one they can get to, which I totally understand since several neighbors had whole trees destroy their pools.

I'm wondering where to start. Saltwater pool, about 30K gal, pleated filters. I'll bypass the heater before I do anything. Not sure what our salt level is now, but before the storm it was relatively low at 2800. I'd read about drainless water replacement by allowing fresh water to displace the salt water, but I don't know if there's a certain salt level I have to be at for that to be effective. Any advice is much appreciated.
 
What is your fresh water situation? Are you on clean municipal water or well water?

Do you have a large supply of liquid chlorine available?

Read Draining - Further Reading
Sorry for the delayed reply, internet is still pretty spotty. We're on clean municipal water and haven't had any interruptions. I don't have a "large supply" but I'm wondering what would constitute a large supply? Pool is approx. 30K gal (my bio may have a different volume). At this point, since we went without power for an extended period and I've been hesitant to crank up the pump, the pool looks very very green, so there's likely a lot to kill off. Other advice I got, and you can tell me if this is sound, was to (1) clear out whatever debris we can first, (2) clean pleated filters, (3) and then repeat pumping for 24h, clean filters, pump 24h, clean fitlers....etc. When it looks like suspended debris is clearing out, SLAM as you normally would.
 
Your location says Martinez. Which Martinez? If you're in Milton's path, might as well wait for that one to pass.
Georgia. It's Augusta. For now we're not in Milton's path and with all my heart I pray that we don't end up in it. I'm not sure I can stomach a second round of this. And not that you asked, but whenever it comes up I feel like it's worth noting, I am very well aware of how fortunate I am at this point, almost two weeks out, to be worrying about pool water and not about repairing or rebuilding my home. I really don't want to come off as dismissive or unaware of the scale of the destruction around me. Our area was decimated and it's heartbreaking. I feel a bit guilty to be worrying about a pool, but if that's something I can fix on my own right now, I at least hope I can do it right.
 
Chlorine and filtering is what it takes to clear your water for as long as it takes.
 
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