Was your clear blue pool left looking like iced tea after the last storm? You are not alone in Sarasota, where heavy rain, wind, and occasional surge can throw off water chemistry and clog systems fast. With a few local rules and safety steps, you can restore your pool safely and protect your property value. This guide walks you through Sarasota-specific safety, cleanup, chemistry, and when to reopen for swimming. Let’s dive in.
Why Sarasota pools need a plan
Sarasota sits in a humid, storm-prone zone, and the Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, with peak activity in late summer and early fall. The National Hurricane Center confirms those dates and the seasonal peak. Recent storms have also elevated contamination risks in our area, including runoff and sewage overflows that can affect private yards and pools. Local reporting on storm-related sewage issues underscores why post-storm pool care should assume higher contamination until proven safe. Read more background on recent regional impacts.
First priority: safety
Avoid floodwater contact
If floodwater touched your pool, treat it as contaminated. DO NOT swim until you clean and test the water. The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota warns against contact with floodwater, which can carry bacteria and other pathogens, and advises extra caution for people with open wounds or underlying conditions. Review DOH‑Sarasota post‑storm safety guidance.
Shut power and check equipment
Before any cleanup, turn off power to pool equipment at the breaker. Do not switch on wet or damaged motors, lights, or panels. Electrocution risk is real after storms. If equipment was submerged or looks compromised, call a licensed electrician or pool contractor. See industry and code guidance on flooded pools and electrical safety.
Document for insurance
If it is safe, take photos and video of the pool, deck, and equipment before you start cleaning. Keep receipts for supplies and professional help. FEMA recommends thorough documentation for claims.
Clean up and restart
Remove debris and watch for wildlife
Use a leaf net to scoop out branches, leaves, and trash before you vacuum. Be alert for displaced wildlife. If you spot a snake or alligator, do not try to remove it yourself. Contact local authorities. For practical cleanup tips, see AQUA’s guide to treating flooded pools.
Reestablish circulation and filtration
Once it is safe to restore power, run the pump and filter continuously until the water clears. Clean skimmer and pump baskets often. Check your filter and backwash or clean based on type. Continuous filtration is standard practice after storms. Here is a helpful rundown of post-storm filtration steps from a Florida pool service source: how to restart and clean after storms. If your pump or control panel was submerged, do not power it up. Call a licensed pool technician.
Test and rebalance water
Test for free chlorine, combined chlorine, pH, total alkalinity, and cyanuric acid. The CDC’s Model Aquatic Health Code offers useful parameters: free chlorine generally at or above 1.0 ppm for pools, and pH about 7.0 to 7.8, with many operators targeting 7.2 to 7.6. If the pool is cloudy or likely contaminated, a shock treatment to raise free chlorine up to around 10 ppm is common, followed by continuous filtration and repeat testing. Only reopen when the water is clear and sanitizer and pH are back in range. Review CDC Healthy Swimming guidance.
Filters, backwash, and discharge rules
Sarasota County allows limited pool water discharges when you meet strict conditions: dechlorinate to 0.01 mg/L or less, keep pH between 6.5 and 8.5, ensure water is visually clear and free of solids, and discharge over a vegetated area without causing erosion or runoff to neighbors. Before draining large volumes, call the county’s Environmental Protection Division for guidance. See Sarasota County’s pool discharge rules.
- Do not discharge chlorinated or dirty water to storm drains.
- Backwash and filter cleaning water should go to a pervious landscaped area on your property, or to the sanitary sewer where allowed.
- Keep flow on your property and avoid erosion or nuisance conditions.
If your pool was flooded
Pools that took on floodwater need extra caution. Keep the pool closed, remove solids and debris, clean surfaces, and only restart equipment that is verified safe. Do not empty the pool unless a qualified professional recommends it and confirms structural and groundwater conditions. Emptying a pool with high groundwater can cause it to “float” or pop. Learn more from code and industry guidance on flooded pools. For health risks linked to floodwater exposure and wound care, review DOH‑Sarasota’s safety tips.
Reopening checklist
Only allow swimmers back in when all of the following are true:
- Water is clear and you can see the main drain clearly.
- Free chlorine and pH are within CDC-recommended ranges.
- Circulation and filtration are working normally and baskets and filters are clean.
- Decks and surrounding areas are free of hazards and safety equipment is in place.
For general disinfectant and pH parameters, consult CDC Healthy Swimming.
Contractors and licensing
After major storms, get multiple written estimates, verify licenses and insurance, and avoid large upfront payments. Florida regulates pool contracting, and electrical, plumbing, or structural repairs require licensed professionals. You can review license categories and find verification tools through the Florida Swimming Pool Association’s licensing resources. For broader buyer protection tips around hiring, see FSPA’s consumer guidance.
Preparing to sell after a storm
If you plan to list your Sarasota home, a clean, compliant pool reassures buyers and helps inspections go smoothly. Keep your documentation, including photos, chemistry logs, and repair receipts. That file supports disclosures and shows the home has been maintained with care.
When you are ready to talk timing, pricing, and how to position your home for the Sarasota market, reach out to Robert Krasow for personalized guidance.
FAQs
When is Sarasota’s storm season for pools?
- The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, with the busiest period in late summer and early fall, so plan maintenance and supplies accordingly. See the National Hurricane Center’s season overview.
What chlorine and pH are safe after a storm?
- For private pools, target free chlorine at or above 1.0 ppm and pH about 7.0 to 7.8, then reopen only when water is clear and systems work normally. Review CDC Healthy Swimming guidance.
Can I drain pool water to the street in Sarasota?
- Not if it is chlorinated or cloudy. Sarasota County allows discharge only when water is dechlorinated to 0.01 mg/L or less, pH is 6.5 to 8.5, and flow is over a vegetated area without causing erosion or runoff. Check county guidance and call before large discharges.
My pump was underwater. What should I do?
- Keep power off at the breaker and call a licensed pool technician or electrician. Do not restart submerged or damaged equipment due to shock and fire risk. See industry guidance on flooded equipment.
The pool flooded with brackish water. Do I need to empty it?
- Not necessarily. Keep the pool closed, remove debris, shock and filter, and consult a licensed professional. Emptying a pool can cause structural damage if groundwater is high. Review flooded pool cautions.
