Sonoma County Pools Impacted By Wildfires

SONOMA COUNTY, CA -- Sonoma County public health officials on Monday released recommendations for cleaning pools impacted by the wildfires that scorched through the region in October. The Sonoma County's Department of Health Services offered nine guidelines for pool maintenance affected by smoke and ash.

Officials said pools should not be used until the following steps are completed:

1. Clean skimmer baskets of debris and skim water surface of pool with pool net to remove floating debris.
2. Brush sides and bottom of pool to loosen contaminants. Vacuum pool.
3. Backwash and clean filter, discharging waste to municipal sanitary sewer only. If connected to a septic tank system, discharge the backwash to a pervious surface (gravel, lawn, open space) to allow for infiltration without erosion. Backwash to the storm drain system (alleys, driveways, streets, storm drains) and creeks is prohibited by law.
4. Check pH and adjust to between 7.2 and 7.8.
5. Check free chlorine level and adjust to minimum of 2.0 ppm.
6. Ensure the recirculation system is operating properly by checking filter pressure and/or flow meter.
7. Reopen pool to bathers when pH levels between 7.2 and 7.8 and free chlorine is at least 2.0 ppm and not more than 10 ppm.
8. Due to the amount of smoke and ash in the air, these steps may need to be repeated after cleaning the filters.
9. Alternatively, a swimming pool service company may be contracted to clean the pool. Check for their business license and experience in servicing pools. Pool service operators likewise are prohibited from discharging backwash to the storm drain system.

For more recommendations, go to www.sonomacountyrecovers.org.

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