How to Clean Your Pool After Spring Storms

Spring storms in North Carolina can wreak havoc on your backyard—especially your pool. After the wind, rain, and flying debris settle, many pool owners are left wondering: What now?

If you’ve invested in a beautiful custom pool from Triangle Swimming Pools, you want to keep it looking—and working—its best. This step-by-step guide will walk you through how to safely clean your pool after a spring storm, so it’s ready for sunny days ahead.

Step 1: Remove Surface and Bottom Debris

Heavy winds usually leave leaves, branches, and dirt floating on the surface or sunken to the bottom of your pool

What to do:

• Use a leaf skimmer or net to collect floating debris.

• Use a manual pool vacuum or leaf rake for larger debris on the bottom.

Step 2: Empty Skimmer and Pump Baskets

Storms push debris into your pool’s circulation system, potentially clogging baskets and straining your pump.

What to do:

• Turn off your pool’s power.

• Empty both skimmer and pump baskets.

• Rinse them with a hose and replace them securely.

Step 3: Test and Balance the Water

Rain can alter your pool's chemical balance, throwing off pH, chlorine, and alkalinity levels—leaving your water cloudy or vulnerable to algae.

What to do:

• Use test strips or a digital tester to check pH, Free chlorine, and Alkalinity.

• Adjust as needed with pool-safe chemicals (Add chlorine or shock treatment, raise pH with soda ash, and balance alkalinity with baking soda)

  
  

Step 4: Run the Pool Filter Continuously

After rebalancing the water, your filter needs time to circulate and clean it thoroughly.

What to do:

• Run the filter for at least 24–48 hours.

• Backwash or clean the filter if pressure builds up.

• Replace cartridges if needed.

Step 5: Watch for Algae

If the pool turned cloudy or green after the storm, you’re likely dealing with algae.

What to do:

• Brush the pool walls and floor thoroughly.

• Shock the water again if needed.

• Add an algaecide, following package directions.

Step 6: Inspect for Storm Damage

Your pool may have taken a hit you didn’t see coming—like a damaged liner, cracked tile, or broken fixtures.

What to do:

• Visually inspect the pool surface, coping, and tiles.

• Look for loose or missing parts.

• If you're unsure, consult a pool care professional.

Post-Storm Pool Care Checklist

✅ Remove debris

✅ Clean skimmer and pump baskets

✅ Test and balance water

✅ Run filtration 24–48 hours

✅ Brush walls and vacuum

✅ Shock the pool if needed

✅ Check for algae

✅ Inspect for visible damage

At Triangle Swimming Pools, we specialize in designing and installing beautiful custom pools across North Carolina. We want every homeowner to get the most out of their pool—rain or shine. If you have any questions, contact us - we are here for you!