Wildfires devastate landscapes and introduce harmful chemicals into the air, water, and surrounding environment. If a wildfire has affected your area, your swimming pool is likely contaminated with ash, soot, and other hazardous compounds. Restoring pool water after a wildfire requires careful assessment, proper filtration, and chemical balancing to ensure safety.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• The impact of wildfire smoke and ash on pool water
• Health risks and safety precautions
• Common contaminants found in pools after wildfires
• The best methods for restoring water quality

How Wildfires Affect Pool Water

When a wildfire burns, it releases various toxic chemicals into the air. The specific pollutants depend on the materials burned—such as plastics, furniture, electronics, and building materials—but typically include:

• Carbon monoxide & carbon dioxide
• Particulate matter (soot)
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene
• Acid gases, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides
• Heavy metals

These airborne toxins can travel miles from the fire source, affecting pools even in areas that weren’t directly impacted by flames. Your pool water is likely compromised if you can smell smoke or see haze.

Health Risks and Safety Precautions

Exposure to wildfire pollutants can cause:

• Respiratory irritation
• Headaches and nausea
• Skin and eye irritation
• Long-term health issues, including cancer (with prolonged exposure)

Safety First: Protective Gear and Precautions

Before beginning pool cleanup, take the following precautions:

• Wear respiratory masks, goggles, and gloves
• Use full skin coverage to avoid irritation.
• Check with local authorities about potential gas leaks or energized power lines
• If unsure about water contamination levels, consult a professional

At J Designs, we’ve dealt with the aftermath of multiple California wildfires. We aim to provide pool owners with reliable solutions to restore water quality and ensure a safe swimming environment.

Common Contaminants Found in Pool Water After a Wildfire

1. Ash

Ash is the decarbonized, inorganic residue left after burning cellulose-based materials.

• Solubility: Ash is mostly insoluble, but fine particles remain suspended in water.
• pH Impact: This can increase alkalinity due to minerals like potassium and sodium.

2. Soot

Soot consists of fine carbon particles produced by incomplete combustion.

• Hydrophobic Nature: Soot repels water, making it difficult to remove.
• Oxidation Process: Some treatments modify soot particles to improve solubility.

3. Char

Char consists of large, carbon-based fragments of burned material.

• Decarbonization: Keeping the pH between 5 and 6 helps remove excess carbon dioxide and prevent bicarbonate buildup.

How to Restore Pool Water After a Wildfire

Step 1: Remove Large Debris

• Skim out leaves, ash, and soot from the water's surface.
• Use a pool vacuum to remove settled debris from the bottom.

Step 2: Sedimentation & Filtration

• Sedimentation: Allow fine particles to settle at the bottom for easier vacuuming.
• Filtration: Use coagulation and flocculation to trap fine particles, then filter them out.

Consider stand-alone filtering systems and power generators if your pool equipment is offline due to power outages.

Step 3: Advanced Water Treatment

• Membrane Filtration or Activated Carbon Adsorption for fine soot particles.
• Oxidation treatments to break down persistent organic pollutants.

Step 4: Balance Water Chemistry

• Lower pH to remove carbon-based compounds.
• Gradually restore chlorine levels and ensure proper alkalinity.

Step 5: replace filer elements

• Replacing the filter grids or cartdriges is recommended.
• Some filters should be completely replaced. 

Fire Retardants and Swimming Pools: What You Need to Know

Firefighters often use flame retardants that contain up to 10% fertilizer compounds like ammonia phosphate and sulfate ions. These are dispersed from aircraft and can contaminate pools near the wildfire zone.

How to Remove Fire Retardants from Your Pool

If your pool has been exposed to fire retardant from aerial drops during wildfires, it’s critical to act quickly to minimize damage to the water chemistry, pool surfaces, and equipment. Fire retardant contains phosphates, ammonia compounds, and other chemicals that can severely imbalance water chemistry and corrode pool systems. The first step is immediately turning off your pool equipment to prevent contaminants from circulating and clogging filters. Then, manually remove any visible residue or debris using a skimmer and soft brushes. Drain a portion—or in extreme cases, all—of the water, depending on the contamination level. After refilling, perform a full water chemistry test, focusing on phosphate, pH, and chlorine levels. Shock the pool, adjust the chemical balance, and run the filtration system continuously for 24–48 hours. Finally, clean or replace your filter media, as fire retardant particles can linger and recirculate. A professional pool service is strongly recommended for severe contamination to ensure complete restoration of water safety and clarity.

Ensuring Long-Term Water Safety

Restoring pool water after a wildfire requires proper filtration, chemical adjustments, and safety precautions. If your pool has been exposed to wildfire contaminants, follow the above steps to restore clean, safe water.

At J Designs, we specialize in post-wildfire pool recovery, ensuring that your swimming environment remains safe and enjoyable.

Need professional assistance? Contact us today for expert pool water recovery solutions.