Post-Cyclone Pool Recovery Checklist: Getting Your Pool Back in Shape After Cyclone Alfred
When a cyclone rips through the Gold Coast - as Cyclone Alfred did - our beautiful region can experience significant wind and rain damage. High-speed gusts, heavy downpours, and potential flooding can wreak havoc on swimming pools, leaving homeowners worried about debris, water contamination, and damaged equipment. The good news? With a clear, step-by-step plan, you can restore your pool to its sparkling, safe condition in no time.
At Ashmore Pools, we’ve seen our fair share of post-cyclone cleanups over the past three decades. Below, we’ve assembled a friendly, no-fuss checklist to help you confidently navigate your pool’s recovery. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get your pool back to its best - safely and efficiently.
1. Prioritise Safety Before Anything Else
Check Your Surroundings
Before focusing on the pool, survey your property for downed power lines, loose roof tiles, and fallen branches. If any electrical hazards are present, call a licensed professional before heading near the pool.Turn Off Pool Equipment
If it’s still running, switch off the pool pump, chlorinator, and other electrical components at the circuit breaker. This minimises the risk of electrical damage or hazards if water has found its way into your equipment areas.Wear Protective Gear
Put on gloves, sturdy footwear, and if needed, safety glasses. Even small cuts or abrasions can become an issue if you handle water with debris or contaminants.
Ashmore Pools Tip: If you suspect structural damage around or under your pool - like cracks in the decking or walls - stop everything and consult a professional. Safety is the key priority.
2. Start With a Quick Visual Inspection
Once you’ve established that your pool area is safe, it’s time for a preliminary inspection:
Look for Large Debris
Fallen branches, tiles, or outdoor furniture can damage the pool surface or clog skimmers. Make mental (or written) notes of any big items to remove carefully.Assess Pool Water Clarity
The water might look murky or brownish if loads of leaves and dirt have been blown in. While it might be unsettling, don’t panic - cloudiness and discoloration are common after major storms.Check the Water Level
Cyclone rains can raise the water level, sometimes overflowing the pool’s edge. On the flip side, intense winds may blow water out (though this is rarer). Knowing where your water stands helps with the upcoming cleaning steps.
3. Remove Debris From the Pool and Surrounds
Debris removal is your critical first step to preventing further complications:
Skim and Scoop
Use a pool skimmer net or a leaf rake to remove branches, palm fronds, and leaves from the water surface. Work slowly and steadily so you don’t stir up more sediment.Empty the Skimmer and Pump Baskets
Leaves can quickly block water flow, putting added strain on your pump. Clearing out your skimmer and pump baskets ensures the filtration system can work more effectively once you turn it back on.Check Surrounding Decking
Pick up any scattered debris from the pool deck, coping, or nearby landscaping. A clean perimeter reduces the chance of dirt getting kicked back into the pool.
Ashmore Pools Tip: For particularly heavy debris, be cautious not to overload your skimmer net. Removing large items a piece at a time might take longer but can prevent damage to your equipment or your pool’s finish.
4. Restore Proper Water Levels
If your pool water is too high, it could interfere with skimmer function or cause system overflow. Conversely, if water levels are too low, your pump may suck in air, risking potential damage.
Drain Excess Water
If the waterline is above the middle of the skimmer opening, you may need to drain some water. Temporarily switch your filtration system to the “waste” or “drain” setting (if you have a multiport valve) or use a submersible pump if you’re comfortable doing so.Always ensure drainage water is directed to an area that won’t flood your yard or violate local regulations.
Top Up If Needed
If the pool’s water level is below the skimmer opening, use a garden hose to top it up. Keep an eye on it - overfilling is easy if you’re distracted.
5. Inspect Your Pool Equipment Thoroughly
High winds, driving rain, and floating debris can damage pool pumps, filters, and more. Give each component a close look:
Pump & Motor
Wipe away any visible dirt or leaves. Check the motor’s vents for blockages. If there’s standing water in the pump area or any unusual sounds, contact a professional before powering it back on.Filter System
Whether you have a sand filter or a cartridge filter, open it up and see if it’s flooded or clogged. A storm can force a lot of sludge into the filter, so backwashing or cleaning might be necessary.Chlorinator or Salt Cell
For saltwater pools, ensure the salt cell is free of debris. Storms can knock salt and other minerals out of balance, so you’ll likely need to reassess salt levels once the system is up and running.Heater & Accessories
If you use a pool heater, check for any visible damage. Clean out leaves or dirt from air vents to prevent overheating.
Ashmore Pools Tip: If your pool equipment has been submerged by floodwaters or you suspect internal damage, do not switch it on. Schedule an inspection with a qualified technician. Electrical safety always comes first.
6. Turn the System Back On - Gradually
After you’ve cleared obvious obstructions and your equipment looks intact, it’s time to switch things back on:
Prime the Pump
If your pump lost its prime, remove the pump lid, fill the pump basket with water, and re-secure the lid before turning it on.Listen for Unusual Noises
Once the system fires up, keep an ear out for grinding or humming. Any odd sounds might point to mechanical damage.Monitor Water Flow
Ensure the pressure gauge on your filter returns to a normal range after a few minutes (often around 10–15 psi for many sand filters, though it can vary by brand/model). If it spikes quickly, there could still be debris or a clog.
7. Test Your Pool Water Chemistry
Now comes the nitty-gritty: checking whether the water is safe to swim in. Post-cyclone conditions frequently dilute sanitiser levels and throw off pH balance.
Use a Reliable Test Kit or Strips
Look for quick readings on pH, alkalinity, chlorine (or bromine), and if applicable, salt levels.If the pool is particularly murky, do this test before you add clarifiers or flocculants, so you know your baseline.
Check pH & Alkalinity First
High rainfall often lowers pH, making the water more acidic. Bring your pH up (if needed) to a neutral range (7.2–7.6).
The recommended alkalinity range is usually 80–120 ppm. Adjust accordingly with alkalinity increaser or decreaser.
Evaluate Sanitiser Levels
If chlorine or bromine is severely depleted, you’re at risk of bacterial growth. A quick reading will show whether you need a shock treatment.
Assess Calcium Hardness (and Salt if Needed)
Storms can throw your calcium hardness off, especially if fresh rainwater dilutes the pool. Likewise, if you have a saltwater system, check to ensure it’s still in the proper salinity range (typically 2,700–3,400 ppm, but consult your system manual).
Ashmore Pools Tip: If you don’t have a solid testing kit on hand, bring a water sample to our Ashmore Pools store. We’ll test it and guide you through the best chemical adjustments to get your pool back in balance.
8. Shock the Pool (If Needed)
If the sanitiser level is almost non-existent or your pool water is greenish, a shock treatment is usually the quickest fix:
Choose the Right Shock Product
Chlorine-based shock is common and fast-acting. For saltwater pools, make sure your shock product is compatible and always follow the label instructions.Pre-Dissolve the Shock
To avoid bleaching the pool surface or your liner, dissolve your granular shock in a bucket of water before pouring it around the perimeter.Run the Pump Overnight
Keep your filtration system running for 8–12 hours straight to allow the shock to circulate thoroughly. This also helps clear out any suspended particles.Retest After 24 Hours
Shocking can spike chlorine levels. Wait at least a day, then test again to ensure sanitiser levels are back in a safe range (typically 1–3 ppm for chlorine).
9. Clean the Pool Floor & Walls
Post-cyclone storms can deposit a film of silt, sand, or dirt on pool surfaces:
Brush the Walls & Floor
Use a pool brush to loosen any algae or dirt clinging to surfaces. Brushing also helps circulate chemicals more effectively.Vacuum Thoroughly
After brushing, use a manual vacuum or an automatic pool cleaner to pick up debris from the bottom. If the water is very cloudy, you might vacuum to “waste” (via your multiport valve) so the dirty water doesn’t recirculate.Backwash or Clean Your Filter
Once you finish vacuuming, your filter may be loaded with debris. Backwash sand filters or rinse cartridge filters according to manufacturer guidelines.
Ashmore Pools Tip: Don’t skip the brushing step! Many Gold Coast pools struggle with rapid algae growth in humid, post-storm conditions. Brushing and maintaining proper chemical levels help prevent stubborn algae infestations.
10. Monitor & Fine-Tune Over the Next Few Days
Returning your pool to perfect condition isn’t always a one-and-done affair - especially if Cyclone Alfred dumped tons of debris. Keep an eye on your pool for a few days to ensure it stays stable:
Daily Quick Checks
Test sanitiser and pH levels daily until they remain consistent.
Inspect skimmer and pump baskets for leaves or bits of debris.
Filter Maintenance
If water clarity improves slowly, it could be your filter needs another backwash or the cartridge requires a second rinse.
Algae Watch
Greenish tinge or slimy walls? That’s an early sign algae might be taking hold. If you notice anything, brush and boost your sanitiser levels right away.
Keep Pump Running
Run your pool pump a bit longer than normal (8–10 hours per day) to expedite filtration and clearing.
Common Post-Cyclone Pool Issues
Flooded Pump or Filter
If floodwaters reached your equipment, do not switch it back on until a professional inspects it.Electrical Outages
Power surges during or after a storm can damage electronic components in salt chlorinators or automated systems.Chemical Imbalance
Overdilution from heavy rain can drastically reduce free chlorine or salt levels, leading to rapid algae growth if not corrected.Cracks or Structural Damage
Large falling branches or hail can crack tiles or damage pool coping. Keep an eye out for any new cracks or loose pieces.
A Quick Word on Preventative Measures
While we can’t prevent cyclones, a bit of foresight can minimise damage:
Secure Outdoor Items
Store or tie down patio furniture, umbrellas, and pool toys to prevent them from ending up in the water.
Trim Overhanging Branches
This reduces the likelihood of large debris falling in.
Update Your Pool Cover or Enclosure
A high-quality pool cover can help prevent excessive debris, though extremely high winds can still cause damage.
When to Call a Professional
At Ashmore Pools, we pride ourselves on giving practical, down-to-earth advice. But sometimes, professional help is simply the safest or fastest route to a full recovery.
Call us if:
You see structural damage or major cracks around the pool’s walls or deck.
Your pump or filter won’t turn on after flooding.
The water chemistry remains unbalanced or cloudy despite your best efforts.
You need assistance with advanced repairs or specialised equipment.
Remember: Every pool is unique, and our team has spent over 30 years helping Gold Coast homeowners tackle even the trickiest post-cyclone issues. We’re here to lend a hand.
Bringing Your Pool Back to Life - Together
Cyclones like Alfred can turn a once-inviting backyard oasis into a leafy, murky mess. Fortunately, with the right approach and a bit of patience, you can get your pool clean, safe, and ready for swimming again. Whether you’re skimming debris, balancing chemicals, or double-checking your pump, these steps ensure you’ll come out on top.
Still feel like you’re swimming upstream? Don’t hesitate to reach out. Ashmore Pools has decades of local experience, top-of-the-line pool supplies, and a friendly, down-to-earth team ready to support you. Give us a call, shoot us a message, or visit our store. We’ll help you face the aftermath of Cyclone Alfred head-on - so you can get back to enjoying your pool and the beautiful Gold Coast lifestyle.
Stay safe, stay proactive, and remember that your neighbours at Ashmore Pools are always here to help.
