How to Fix a Brown Pool After Rain

How to Fix a Brown Pool

Unfortunately, your regular pool cleaning chemicals, such as chlorine and algaecides, won’t restore your pool water to its original state. If your pool water is looking brown, though, don’t fret. The good news is that there is always a solution to repairing your brown pool water problem.

Correcting High Metal Content

As mentioned above, it’s possible your pool is brown because of higher-than-normal levels of iron present in the water. The quickest way to determine if your pool water contains too much iron is to have it tested at your local Poolwerx.

If the pool water test reveals high levels of iron, the best course of action is to use a sequestering agent. Run your pool pump as usual and retest the water in 24 hours.

Cleaning the Pool After Heavy Rain or Floods

It is a known that heavy rainfall and flood can destroy your pool water, however to mimise the effects of heavy rainfall or flooding we recommend the following:

Empty skimmer and pump baskets. If you don’t, the accumulated debris in the pool will clog the baskets and reduce the water flow.

Remove large debris and leaves from the water. They will influence the pool’s water chemistry and potentially stain your pool’s surface.

Check all of your pool equipment. Inspect all of your equipment thoroughly. Power disruptions may lead to the resetting of chlorinators and timers, whereas lightning strikes can cause damage to pumps and chlorinators.

Clean the filter. Remember to backwash and rinse the filter. Once complete, make sure to thoroughly clean the cartridge. How to maintain a pool filter.

Shock the pool. Use pool shock to remove any contaminants in the pool.

Test your pool water. Remember to test your pool water to ensure it remains perfectly balanced.

Watch our video on How to Clean a Pool After a Storm for more information.

Preventing a Brown Pool

Now you know how to clean a brown pool, but let’s get into how to prevent them. Below is a list of tips and tricks you can use to avoid brown pool water.

Storm Prep

First and foremost, we recommend keeping an eye on the weather forecast. This will help you better prepare for an incoming storm. In addition, you’re going to want to:

• Keep your pool water full. This will help support the pool’s structural integrity.

• Remove any loose items from around the pool.

• Turn off any electrical equipment you have running to your pool. This will avoid any power surges.

• Treat your pool with chlorine and algaecides to help combat any potential pollutants.

Pool Covers

Pool covers protect the water from debris, minimising contamination. Using a pool blanket to cover your pool during a storm can help prevent the water from turning brown.

High-Quality Pool Equipment

High-quality pool accessories and equipment can help keep your pool water in tip-top shape. We recommend investing in the following:

Filtration Equipment

Filtration equipment is an essential component of pool maintenance that helps to keep the water clear and safe to swim in. Filtration equipment works by removing debris, dirt, and other contaminants from the water as it passes through the pool filter. Filtration equipment includes sand filters, cartridge filters, and diatomaceous earth filters. These filters work by trapping particles as water flows through them, ensuring that the water in the pool remains clean.

Sanitisers

Sanitisers are chemicals that kill bacteria and other harmful microorganisms in the pool water, helping to keep the pool safe and healthy for swimmers. The most commonly used pool sanitiser is chlorine, which is added to the water in various forms, such as tablets, granules, or liquid. Chlorine works by breaking down the cell walls of bacteria and other microorganisms, effectively killing them and preventing their growth.

Oxidisers

Oxidisers are chemicals that help to break down organic matter in the pool water, such as sweat, body oils, and other contaminants that can cause the water to become cloudy or discoloured. The most commonly used oxidiser is shock, which is a highly concentrated form of chlorine that is added to the pool water to break down organic matter. Shock also helps to restore the chlorine levels in the pool water, ensuring that it remains safe and healthy for swimmers.

Pool Pumps

Pool pumps are used to circulate the water in the pool, which helps to distribute the chemicals and keep the water clean and clear. The pump pulls water from the pool and pushes it through the filtration system, where it is cleaned and then returned to the pool. Pool pumps are available in two main types: single-speed pumps and variable-speed pumps.

Variable-speed pumps are more energy-efficient and allow pool owners to adjust the speed of the pump to suit their needs, while single-speed pumps operate at a consistent speed.

Regular Pool Maintenance

Regular maintenance is essential for preventing a brown pool. It involves maintaining the correct water balance, cleaning the filtration system, skimming and vacuuming debris, brushing and scrubbing surfaces, regular shock treatments, and monitoring for early intervention.

By consistently performing these maintenance tasks, you can keep the pool water clean, balanced, and free from contaminants that contribute to discolouration, ensuring clear and inviting water.