Why storm-care matters?

Even in regions like Cairns where freezing isn’t the concern, storms with heavy rain, wind and debris still pose major risks to pool water quality, equipment and safety. 

A storm can:

• dilute or upset your chemical balance
  
  
• introduce organic matter, leaves, sand or soil into the pool
  
  
• overload filters or damage pumps
  
  
• lead to algae blooms or cloudy water shortly afterwards

Acting fast gives you a competitive advantage as a pool owner — you’ll avoid extra expense, minimise downtime and get back to enjoying your pool.

Immediate safety & response steps

Before worrying about clarity, do the basics:

• Do not use the pool until you’re sure equipment and wiring are safe.
  
  
• Turn off power to pool-equipment if there has been flooding or water has entered electrical boxes.
  
  
• Clear large debris from around the pool rather than letting it fall in.
  
  
• Wear protective gear (gloves, boots) when dealing with water and debris.
  These first steps protect you, your equipment and your investment.
  
  

Clearing debris & running the system

• Remove large debris

Use a net or skimmer to remove leaves, branches, soil or any flood residue from the surface. Clear the skimmer and pump baskets immediately to avoid blockages.

• Run the pump and filtration system continuously

For the next 24 hours run the system nonstop to help circulate the water and gradually flush out the fine suspended particles. If the filter becomes clogged (pressure rises, flow slows) clean or backwash it.

• Vacuum and brush the pool

Once heavier particles are removed, brush the pool walls and floor and vacuum any settled debris. This prevents organic load from becoming a nutrient bed for algae.

Water-testing & chemical balancing

Storms often upset your pool chemistry. Key targets:

• pH: Aim for 7.2 – 7.6
  
  
• Total Alkalinity (TA): 80 – 120 ppm (adjust upward if it’s low)
  
  
• Free Chlorine: 1–3 ppm for normal use. After a storm, you may need higher.
  
  
• Stabiliser / Cyanuric Acid (CYA): Check to see if it’s been diluted.
  Kick-off the process by using a reliable test kit — or bring a sample into Allan’s for a free test at the Manunda or Edmonton store.
  
  

Shock and clarify

If you detect low chlorine or cloudiness:

• Apply a shock treatment in the evening (less sunlight loss).
  
  
• Run filtration for at least 8–12 more hours after shocking.
  
  
• If cloudiness persists, use a clarifier or flocculant to help fine particles bind and be removed by the filter.
  
  
• Retest next day and adjust as needed.
  
  

Chemicals & where to shop

Find your sanitiser, pH adjusters and clarifiers at Allan’s Pool Shop’s Pool & Spa Chemicals page.
For example: Allan’s Pool Shop – Pool & Spa Chemicals

Equipment, filters & pump care

• Check skimmer baskets and pump baskets every few hours until the system is stable.
  
  
• If filter pressure is higher than usual, backwash or clean the filter: this helps the system cope with the extra load.
  
  
• Inspect the pump motor, chlorinator and any electrical boxes — if you suspect water ingress or damage, turn them off and call a technician.
  
  
• Consider upgrading your heater (to extend swimming season once recovery is done). For example: Hayward S.Line Pro Fi Heat Pump from Allan’s. 
• Maintaining quality equipment now avoids big claims/repair bills after the next big event.
  
  

When to call a pro or partially drain

Call a professional if:

• Equipment (pump, heater, wiring) has been submerged.
  
  
• You detect electrical faults or smell burning when you switch the system back on.
  
  
• Algae continues to bloom despite your best efforts.
  
  

Consider a partial drain when:

• The pool has been badly contaminated (e.g., floodwater with silt, sewage-runoff).
  
  
• Your water chemistry is severely off and rebalancing is impractical.
  
  
• Be aware: Draining has risks (structural, regulatory) and needs to be done properly.
  
  

Product recommendations — integrated naturally

Rather than a standalone list, here are product suggestions when they’re needed:

• After debris cleaning: Use a clarifier or floc product. (See Allan’s “Algae & Clarity Solutions” within the Chemicals page)
  
  
• For shocking & sanitising: Choose a trusted shock/chlorine product from Allan’s stock.
  
  
• For filtration overload: If your pump struggles, consider upgrading to a variable-speed pump or high‐capacity filter — see their full product range at Allan’s Products page.
  
  

For extending the season: Once the immediate recovery is done, installing a good pool heater means you won’t only “recover” — you’ll upgrade. For example the Hayward S.Line Pro Fi Heat Pump.