Well, we had some major rain a few days ago. We live on a slight slope so we get a good amount of run off from other yards above us. Unfortunately, it was enough to crest the deck at 6" - 8" above ground level and flood into the pool. I went from a crystal clear pool to a swamp in a matter of minutes. I'm not exactly sure what to do from here. I've been vacuuming and letting my robot run. The robot used to be able to only run about 5 minute before it was full, but its getting better. The dirt in the water just keeps settling overnight. The first day or two I couldn't see anything, but now I'm able to see my ledge and some steps. I also cleaned out my filter last night as it was filthy. I'm curious if anyone has any suggestions as to what I should be doing about chemistry? Should I be adding chlorine or is that just a waste with as much dirt and debris that is in there? I would prefer not to be fighting an algae breakout directly after cleaning the pool if at all possible.
Flooded pool
- Thread starter bzeller
- Start date
What a bummer. I don't think anything is more destructive to nice pool water than an overflow from the surrounding landscaping.
I think you are doing everything correctly. Keep that filter cleaned whenever your psi rises 25% above "clean" pressure and keep your robot running. Manually vacuuming may be a bit more effective than the robot.
If it was my pool, I would put some chlorine in it even if it wasn't clear. I would suggest bringing the FC up to about double the normal FC (based on your CYA level) and then jusy keep adding enough chlorine to keep it between normal FC and double normal FC.
That will help your pool clear quite a bit faster I think and prevent algae from getting a foothold.
I think you are doing everything correctly. Keep that filter cleaned whenever your psi rises 25% above "clean" pressure and keep your robot running. Manually vacuuming may be a bit more effective than the robot.
If it was my pool, I would put some chlorine in it even if it wasn't clear. I would suggest bringing the FC up to about double the normal FC (based on your CYA level) and then jusy keep adding enough chlorine to keep it between normal FC and double normal FC.
That will help your pool clear quite a bit faster I think and prevent algae from getting a foothold.
Thanks for the feedback! Yes, it sucks.
Curious about these shock packets at Home Depot? What does it add other than chlorine? For $3.99 a packet for 20K gallons, it looks like a cheaper alternative right now than adding a bunch of bleach and I think my CYA is low anyway due to the rain.
On a positive note, my hardness levels were a bit high at 400 - 450. Now down around 250!
Curious about these shock packets at Home Depot? What does it add other than chlorine? For $3.99 a packet for 20K gallons, it looks like a cheaper alternative right now than adding a bunch of bleach and I think my CYA is low anyway due to the rain.
On a positive note, my hardness levels were a bit high at 400 - 450. Now down around 250!
Could be CYA or it could be calcium that it adds. What does it say on the ingredients list?
That's tri-chlor. You can read what it adds to your pool in Pool School.
pool-school/types_chlorine_pool
pool-school/types_chlorine_pool
Well, finally getting back to normal! We are told that rain was a 10-20 year flood. If it occurs any more often than that I'm going to have to do some research on additional drainage!
So how did you finally get it cleaned out- just bleach and time or did you use those packets? How are your test results now?
Ran my pool cleaner and filter A LOT. I did use the packets, mostly because the flood of water knocked my CYA below recommended levels. I'm using a floater with pucks right now since CYA is still on low side. TA was down around 40 so added about 4 lbs of baking soda which brought it to about 70 a couple days ago. Only positive is my CH went from 440 to 250.
FC - 3
TA - 70
PH - 7.5-7.6
CYA - 35-40
CH - 250
FC - 3
TA - 70
PH - 7.5-7.6
CYA - 35-40
CH - 250