How To Handle The Effects Of Flooding On Your Inground Pool

In the summer months, extreme weather can increase across the United States, including in the Westport, CT and surrounding areas. This can include heavy rain and wind – both of which can lead to flooding. Homeowners know the risks that flooding can pose to the inside of your house, but what about the outside?

More specifically, if your home has an inground pool, how can flooding and harsh weather affect this area of your property? Since a swimming pool is already filled with water, additional runoff from flooding isn’t going to hurt anything, right? Actually, that’s not the case. Let’s look closer at the damage flood water can do to your pool to help you prepare for future flooding.

What Does Flooding Do to Inground Pools?

When floodwaters reach your backyard and begin their way to your pool, the most important thing to watch for is simple contamination. Floodwater is not normal water. It contains a plethora of contaminants like dirt, mud, waste, and other pollutants that you do not want to enter your treated pool. While these issues can be filtered out, the extra work can cause strain on your filtration system, which could lead to eventual burnout.

Floodwater can seep between the lining and pool wall, causing the liner of your pool to lift out of place. This appears worse than it actually is. As floodwater recedes, the liner will return to its original place. The absolute worst-case scenario for flooding and your pool is that the ground becomes so saturated the pool structure becomes compromised and lifts out of the ground, and shifts position.

How to Prepare for Flooding

The simple fact is that you can’t stop the weather or flooding, but there are a few precautions that can be taken if flooding is likely.

1. Any electric pumps or filters should be shut off. Any electrical shorts can cause electrical shock or electrocution.
2. Make sure there is proper drainage away from your pool and property.
3. Remove any loose toys, rafts, and pool equipment so it is not carried away by floodwaters.
4. Verify that your insurance policy covers flood damage and that your pool is included in the coverage.

After the Flood

Once the flooding is over, and it’s time to clean up, follow these steps to make sure your inground pool is properly cared for.

1. Do not drain the water. Instead, use a skimmer and a vacuum to remove any debris from the pool.
2. Do drain the water back to its normal level.
3. Shock and retreat the water, testing it to make sure all levels are balanced.
4. Run the filtration system until the water is clear!

While flooding is never a fun issue to deal with, Riverside Restoration Inc. is here to help with any flooding problems homeowners in Westport, CT and surrounding areas might have. Call our team today for more information about our flood damage remediation services. Our team is available 24/7 for emergency services!