Storms and floods can affect your pool’s structure, equipment and water chemistry. This guide explains how to inspect, clean and manage the pool safely before reopening it.
What should you do first after a storm or flood affects your pool?
Keep people and pets away from the pool area until you have checked for hazards. Heavy rain can bring debris, dirt, soil, mud and floodwater into the pool. Floodwater can also dilute chemicals and make the water appear brown or murky.
Do not swim while the water is contaminated or the pool equipment has not been checked. A professional pool technician can inspect the pool and equipment after a significant storm or flood.
Avoid draining the pool straight away. Obtain a professional assessment first, particularly if floodwater has affected the pool or surrounding ground.
For broader preparation advice, read our guide to storm season preparedness for Queensland body corporates.
How can you safely check pool equipment after flooding?
Submerged or wet electrical equipment can create an electrical safety risk. Do not approach or operate equipment affected by floodwater. Turn off and isolate the electricity before approaching it, then arrange for a qualified professional to assess the equipment. Do not use wet or damp electrical items.
This may include pumps, pool lights, filters and other equipment near the water. If you are unsure whether equipment is safe, keep away from it and seek professional assistance rather than trying to restart it.
How should you remove debris and inspect the pool?
Once the rain has passed and the area is safe, remove large leaves and debris from the pool. Empty the skimmer and pump baskets if it is safe to do so and the equipment has not been affected by flooding.
Pool filters can become clogged after a flood, so arrange an inspection before cleaning, operating or replacing filter equipment. Damaged filters may need to be replaced, but obtain an assessment first.
Check the pool surrounds, fencing, gates and access points for damage or anything that could allow unsupervised entry. Queensland pool safety laws require pool owners to maintain compliant barriers, keep gates closed and keep the pool area clear of objects children could use to enter the pool.
You can also read about common pool safety compliance issues for strata complexes.
How do you test and clean pool water after heavy rain?
Test the pool water after heavy rain or flooding. This will help determine the next safe cleaning step, particularly if the water is cloudy, discoloured or visibly contaminated.
Do not add chemicals based on guesswork or follow a treatment procedure without checking the product instructions and obtaining suitable advice. The correct response depends on the condition of the water, the type of equipment and the effect of the storm or flood.
Remove visible debris first. Arrange professional advice if the water remains murky or the pool has been contaminated by floodwater. Our guide to maintaining a healthy pool includes further general maintenance information.
When is it safe to swim again?
Keep everyone out of the pool until the water has been assessed and confirmed safe and chemically balanced. The pool equipment should also be confirmed safe to operate, with no visible hazards around the pool area.
Take the time needed to make this decision. If the pool has been affected by floodwater, a pool technician can advise on the inspection, cleaning and testing needed before swimming resumes.
What should body corporates check for shared pools?
For a shared pool, the committee should restrict access while the pool, equipment and surrounding barriers are checked. Arrange suitable contractors where electrical equipment, structural damage or contaminated water requires specialist attention.
The body corporate should also check that gates close properly, the pool area is clear of climbable objects and the barrier has not been damaged. These checks support the ongoing pool safety obligations that apply to shared pools.
A pool safety certificate relates to whether the pool complies with the pool safety standard when it is inspected. It does not confirm that storm- or flood-affected water has been treated or is ready for swimming. Pool safety certificates for shared pools are valid for 1 year and must be displayed near the main entrance, gate or door accessing the pool.
Safe reopening after a storm or flood depends on checking the area, isolating affected electrical equipment, removing debris and obtaining suitable water and equipment advice. If your body corporate needs help coordinating the next steps, contact StrataCare at reception@stratacare.com.au.
