Wildfire Aftermath: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Restoring Pool Water Quality

When wildfire smoke blankets the Toronto area, your backyard oasis can quickly become a murky mess. Ash, soot, and debris don't just affect air quality – they can seriously impact your pool's water chemistry and filtration system. Here's your practical guide to getting your pool back to crystal-clear condition.

Immediate Assessment: What You're Dealing With

Before diving into cleanup, assess the contamination level:

• Light contamination: Slight discoloration, thin film on surface
• Moderate contamination: Visible debris, cloudy water, strong odor
• Heavy contamination: Thick ash layer, dark water, clogged skimmers

Step-by-Step Cleanup Process

Step 1: Remove Large Debris (Don't Skip This!)

• Use a leaf net or pool skimmer to remove leaves, ash clumps, and visible debris
• Work systematically from one end to the other
• Pro tip: Do this BEFORE running your filtration system to avoid clogging

Step 2: Skim the Surface Thoroughly

• Use a fine mesh skimmer to remove the thin film of ash
• Work in overlapping patterns
• This may take 2-3 passes – be patient and thorough

Step 3: Brush Pool Walls and Floor

• Use a pool brush to loosen ash that's settled on surfaces
• Pay special attention to corners and steps where debris accumulates
• Brush toward the main drain to help with removal

Step 4: Shock Treatment and Chemical Adjustment

• Test your water chemistry first (pH, alkalinity, chlorine levels)
• Add a heavy shock treatment – typically 2-3x your normal amount
• Adjust pH to 7.2-7.6 range for optimal cleaning effectiveness
• Important: Let the shock work for at least 8 hours before swimming

Step 5: Run Filtration System Continuously

• Run your filter 24/7 until water clears (typically 3-5 days)
• Backwash or clean your filter every 12-24 hours during this period
• Consider using a clarifier to help bind small particles

Step 6: Monitor and Maintain

• Test water chemistry daily during recovery
• Continue regular skimming as ash may continue falling
• Replace filter cartridges if they become heavily clogged

When to Call the Professionals

Contact BonaVista LeisureScapes if you experience:

• Water that won't clear after 5 days of treatment
• Equipment damage from debris
• Unusual chemical readings that won't stabilize
• Staining on pool surfaces

Prevention for Next Time

• Invest in a quality pool cover for emergency use
• Keep extra filter cartridges on hand during fire season
• Monitor Toronto's air quality alerts and cover your pool proactively

Essential Products for Wildfire Recovery

Having the right products on hand makes cleanup much easier:

• High-quality shock treatment
• pH adjusters and alkalinity balancers
• Pool clarifier for stubborn particles
• Extra filter cartridges

Need help with your pool recovery after wildfire contamination? Our team at BonaVista LeisureScapes has the expertise and products to get your backyard oasis back to perfect condition. Visit us at 105 Vanderhoof Ave. Unit 4, Toronto, or call (416) 645-6980.