Muddy pool cleanup for flooded pools needs to be done correctly to avoid damage to the pool equipment and the shell of the pool. This guide provides a method for removing contaminants such as mud, dust, clay, leaves and other organic/inorganic matter from a flooded pool.
Step 1: Check the pump, filter and other mechanical parts for damage and remove all visible debris
If there is any damaged equipment, contact the manufacturer for assistance or replacement parts. Remove all visible debris from the pool water.
Step 2: Use Power Floc™ Maxi
To drop dust and clay (that has clouded the pool) to the bottom. Follow label instructions, then vacuum to waste. Continue to run the pump/filter to clean the water.
Step 3: Remove phosphates and clarify water
Add Phos Kill® to remove phosphates (food source for algae) followed by Polysheen Plus™ or Super Clear Clarifying Tabs™ to clarify the water. Or just use Pool Complete®, which is a three-in-one phosphate remover, oil remover and clarifier.
Step 4: Test for metals and treat accordingly
To keep metals in solution and prevent permanent staining use Pool Magnet™. Then add Quick Clear™ to remove metals. Always recheck for metals after the initial treatment.
Step 5: Correct any chlorine demand and treat accordingly
Turn on your salt system or begin adding chlorine as normal. Pay close attention to how long your chlorine lasts by regular testing. It is likely you will have trouble maintaining the proper chlorine level, add shock doses of Burn Out Extreme® as per the label instructions until the chlorine residual can be held at 3 ppm. Multiple doses of an oxidiser may be required re-establish correct chlorine levels.
*If sewage and septic systems have been affected by flooding, refer to “Flooded Pool – Sewer and Septic Contamination Technical Information Bulletin” to protect your system from harmful bacteria growth
Step 6: Treat pool with algaecide
The chlorine is now working hard at killing bacteria. But, as algae grows, it uses up chlorine and the only solution is to add more - a vicious cycle. Break this cycle by following the heavy infestation label dose of MSA™ Extreme or Polygard™ Concentrate. Once a stable chlorine residual has been achieved, revert to a maintenance dose of algaecide.
Step 7: Manage chlorine residual with Optimiser®
The chemicals just added to restore the pool will have affected the water balance. Check and balance the pool as needed. Using Optimiser assists this by making all other chemicals (present in the water) work more efficiently, as well as being an algae suppressant. Optimiser also conditions the water, making it much gentler on hair and skin.
Step 8: Use a clarifier one last time once the water is balanced
The addition of one last Super Clear Clarifying Tab, Polysheen Plus, Pool Complete or Pool Tonic, will most likely be needed to really bring the lustre back to the water.
*The above information is supplied by BioLab Australia Pty Ltd / BioLab Limited and represents its best interpretation of available technical information at the time of preparation. The sole purpose is to supply factual information to BioLab’s customers. It is not to be taken out of context nor used as support for any other claim not made herein.