Forest wildfires have been a major concern across the nation this summer. Many have been astonished by the impact to air quality in our communities. You may be surprised to discover that ash and smoke from forest fires can impact your pool systems too! Here are a few important steps you can take to maintain your pool system during wildfire season.
Manage Ash In Your Filtration System
When airborne ash makes its way into your pool, it can put a strain on your filtration system. Follow these tips to keep your filtration system working properly:
- Angle your return jets downwards, this will push the clean filtered water to the bottom of the pool and allow more ash to be skimmed off the top more quickly.
- To keep water clear, consider using clarifying tablets (sand filters only), or a filter cleaning product.
- Ash may impact your filter pressure. Make sure to backwash sand filters and rinse cartridge filters if there is an 8 psi or greater increase.
Image courtesy of Pool magazine
Keep Sanitizer Levels Between 3-5 ppm
Raising your chlorine or bromine levels is a good idea if you are noticing ash in your pool. Test your pH everyday during a wildfire event to maintain appropriate bromine/chlorine levels. You will likely need to add a little more sanitizer than normal to maintain your system's target pH.
Forest fire conditions are also likely to increase phosphate levels in your water. Test your levels regularly and use a phosphate remover as needed.
Consider Additional Products to Keep Water Clear
With all the added particulate from smoke and ash, you may want to consider adding some additional products to your pool's water while wildfire conditions persist.
- Algipro is an excellent option to clear up any algae that may develop due to added phosphorus from airborne ash.
- Filter Cleaner can help maintain your filter when it's working overtime.
- IPG pH Minus can assist in quickly restoring desired ph levels to ensure your sanitizers work efficiently
RELATED ARTICLES
How To Protect Your Pool During Forest Fires
A morning soak in your hot tub is the best way to start your day. Experience the benefits of stress relief, relaxation, mental clarity and more!
Extend Your Pool’s Swimming Season
Swimming season doesn’t have to be so short! There are things you can do to extend the life of your pool and maximize the swimming season.
Top 10 Hottest Pool Toys & Accessories
Looking to make the most out of your pool this summer? We explore the hottest pool toys and accessories and they’re all affordable, durable, and safe!
Salt Vs Chlorine: Which Is Better?
The two most popular cleaning systems for pools are salt water and chlorine. But which is better? We have a look at the pros and cons of each system.
The Ultimate Pool Liner Buying Guide
Pool liners generally last 8-10 years. We go over some important things to consider when replacing your liner like colour, pattern, texture, and thickness.
Pool Recovery After Harsh Winter Weather
Sudden drops in temperature, heavy snow, ice, and high winds can all contribute to pool damage.
How Covid-19 has impacted pool supplies
Getting your pool ready for the off-season every year can be a real pain. Let’s make it easy, while saving money. Here are all the amazing benefits of a safety cover.
Pool closing guide: how to properly winterize your pool
Getting your pool ready for the off-season every year can be a real pain. Let’s make it easy, while saving money. Here are all the amazing benefits of a safety cover.
Is a safety cover worth it?
Getting your pool ready for the off-season every year can be a real pain. Let’s make it easy, while saving money. Here are all the amazing benefits of a safety cover.
What caused the chlorine shortage of 2021?
Here are some of the best ways to reduce your chlorine usage and get the most out of your supply.
How do I decorate around my pool?
Where do you get started with decorating around your pool? We’ve got some expert tips to make your entire backyard shimmer and shine this summer.
The best pool equipment products for 2023
Looking to upgrade you pump, filter, heater, chlorination system or pool cleaner? We’ve put together our list of the the best equipment in 2021.
7 pool opening mistakes you can learn from
We’d rate pool opening as a moderately difficult DIY task. These pool opening mistakes are frustrating and can be costly. Read on to learn what not to do!
Yes, you can add steps to a pool. Here’s how.
We cover three of the most common inground pool stairs, from simple drop-in stairs to custom vinyl-over steel steps that completely transform your pool.
Compare pool liner colors in water
When you’re looking at a sample book or surfing the web it’s hard to compare pool liner colors in water—and it matters. This post gives a helping hand.
Pool makeover ideas
Bliss out at home this summer with these pool makeover ideas. The photos will spark your imagination and the write-ups will help you achieve the look.
Vinyl pool liner FAQs
How much does a new pool liner cost? What causes pool liner wrinkles? What’s the most popular liner colour? Here are 13 pool liner FAQs and the answers!
See a stunning pool renovation from start to finish
These pool renovation before and after pics show us taking an inground pool from sad to stunning with a new liner and in-wall stairs. See for yourself!
