Cleaning Pools After Bushfires

When nature unleashes its fury in the form of bushfires, pool owners and service professionals face a unique challenge that goes far beyond typical maintenance routines. From New Zealand's Tongariro National Park to Australia's coastal communities, wildfires are becoming an increasingly common reality that leaves swimming pools filled with ash, debris, and contaminated water. But here's the thing – with the right knowledge and approach, even heavily impacted pools can often be restored without the costly process of complete drainage and refill.

The Current Fire Reality: From New Zealand to New South Wales

Recent fire activity across Australia and New Zealand highlights just how widespread this issue has become. In New Zealand's Tongariro National Park, fires have consumed over 320 hectares (790 acres), following another blaze just a month earlier that burned through 1,000 hectares. Meanwhile, on Australia's Central Coast, just north of Sydney, 16 homes have been lost to fires covering 129 hectares, with 80 blazes still burning across the region.

This is something I only actually heard about this morning, but there has been fires down in the Tongariro National Park. Up to an hour ago, it was 320 hectares, which are burnt... It's huge for New Zealand. And it's, yeah, it's devastating for what it is.

— Shane, Talking Pools Podcast

For pool service professionals, these events represent more than just cleanup jobs – they're emergency restoration projects that require specialized knowledge and equipment. The good news? With proper techniques, many fire-damaged pools can be saved.

Real-World Experience: Lessons from Australia's Fire Seasons

Leigh from the Talking Pools Podcast has firsthand experience dealing with fire-damaged pools, having worked through some of Australia's most devastating fire seasons. His insights provide valuable guidance for pool professionals facing similar situations.

We were basically in the centre of Armageddon. And so all around us was burning... We did deal with some pools on the outer areas of our service area that were heavily impacted. Houses destroyed, pools left behind or equipment destroyed. And we did have to go through the rectification work or the restoration work with those.

— Leigh, Talking Pools Podcast

The 2019 fire season was particularly brutal, affecting vast areas of New South Wales and Victoria. But it was the 2018 Tathra fire that provided some of the most concentrated damage – and valuable lessons. In this small coastal town of just 1,600 residents, over 100 homes were affected by fire, with 65 completely destroyed and 39 heavily damaged. That's roughly 10% of all homes in the township.

The Restoration Process: Equipment and Techniques That Work

When it comes to actually cleaning fire-damaged pools, the approach varies significantly depending on the level of contamination. For pools that weren't in the direct fire path but are filled with ash, the restoration process can be surprisingly manageable.

We actually did manage to do it in a lot of cases without draining the pools. Obviously, for those pools that were in the direct line of fire, they're a different kettle of fish... But the ones even in the areas where they weren't in the direct line of fire, they were heavily impacted with ash, our own pool included.

— Leigh, Talking Pools Podcast

The key tools for successful restoration include:

• Robotic pool cleaners: Essential for removing settled debris and ash from pool floors and walls
• Clarifying products: Alum sulfate tablets help bind fine particles for easier removal
• Coagulants and clarifiers: These chemical treatments help clump together microscopic particles
• Flocculation products: Reserved for the most heavily contaminated pools

The process typically involves multiple filtration cycles, careful chemical balancing, and patience. Heavily impacted pools with significant debris may require partial or complete drainage, but many can be restored through intensive filtration and chemical treatment.

Prevention and Preparation: The Static Water Supply Solution

One of the most important lessons from Australia's fire experiences involves preparation rather than cleanup. The concept of static water supply (SWS) placards has emerged as a critical tool for both fire prevention and community protection.

We have static water supply placards that we can put at the front of our property when we have a pool in our backyard. So SWS on the placard, pop it out on your front letterbox or on your something prominent at the front of your property. And it alerts the fire brigade to know that you have a static water supply that's in your backyard that they can use for emergency situations.

— Leigh, Talking Pools Podcast

The importance of this system became clear during the Tathra fires, where the fire brigade struggled to access adequate water supplies. Surprisingly, despite the water shortage, no pools were drained to fight fires – simply because firefighters didn't know where they were located.

Following this experience, many pool owners have taken additional steps:

• Installing diesel-powered firefighting pumps that don't rely on electricity
• Positioning equipment near pools for quick deployment
• Ensuring clear signage directing firefighters to water sources
• Maintaining adequate water levels even during peak fire season

Professional Considerations and Safety Protocols

For pool service professionals responding to fire-damaged properties, safety must be the top priority. Fire-damaged areas may contain hazardous materials, unstable structures, and contaminated water that requires special handling.

Key safety considerations include:

• Personal protective equipment: Proper masks, gloves, and eye protection when dealing with ash-contaminated water
• Water testing: Comprehensive chemical analysis before beginning restoration work
• Equipment decontamination: Thorough cleaning of all tools and equipment after each job
• Disposal protocols: Proper handling of contaminated filter media and debris

Pool equipment may also require special attention. Heat damage can affect pumps, heaters, and control systems in ways that aren't immediately apparent. Electrical systems should be thoroughly inspected by qualified technicians before restoration work begins.

The Business Impact: Planning for Fire Season

Fire damage restoration represents both a challenge and an opportunity for pool service businesses. The work is specialized, often urgent, and requires specific equipment and expertise. However, it also provides an essential service to communities recovering from natural disasters.

Smart business planning for fire season includes:

• Equipment stockpiling: Maintaining adequate supplies of clarifiers, flocculants, and replacement filter media
• Staff training: Ensuring technicians understand fire damage restoration protocols
• Insurance coordination: Developing relationships with insurance adjusters and understanding claim processes
• Community partnerships: Working with local fire departments and emergency services

The regulatory environment is also evolving, with increasing emphasis on water conservation and environmental protection. Companies that can demonstrate responsible practices in fire damage restoration may find themselves with competitive advantages as regulations tighten.

Looking Forward: Preparing for the Next Fire Season

As climate patterns continue to evolve, fire damage to pools is likely to become an increasingly common challenge for service professionals across Australia, New Zealand, and other fire-prone regions. The key to success lies in preparation, proper equipment, and understanding of effective restoration techniques.

For pool owners, the message is clear: preparation is everything. Installing static water supply signage, maintaining proper water levels, and having emergency equipment ready can make the difference between losing a valuable community resource and preserving it for firefighting efforts.

For pool professionals, fire damage restoration represents a specialized skill set that will only become more valuable. Those who invest in proper training, equipment, and safety protocols will be best positioned to help their communities recover from these increasingly common natural disasters.

The conversation between Leigh and Shane reminds us that while we can't prevent natural disasters, we can certainly prepare for them. Whether it's a small coastal town in New South Wales or a national park in New Zealand, the principles remain the same: preparation prevents panic, proper equipment enables effective restoration, and community cooperation saves lives and property.

As we face an uncertain climate future, the pool industry's role in emergency preparedness and disaster recovery will only grow in importance. By sharing knowledge, improving techniques, and prioritizing safety, pool professionals can continue to serve their communities even in the most challenging circumstances.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Current Fire Situations
• 15:30 Australia and New Zealand Industry Updates
• 28:45 Fire Situations Discussion
• 35:20 Pool Restoration Techniques After Fire Damage
• 42:10 Static Water Supply Systems and Prevention
• 48:35 Professional Equipment and Safety Considerations