07/06/2026
My thoughts are with everyone affected by the warehouse fire in South Parkersburg. If you have an outdoor pool and are noticing ash or soot affecting your water, here are a few tips to help protect your pool:
Do not swim if your pool water is cloudy or has visible ash or debris.
Here are a few steps you can take:
-Skim the surface frequently and vacuum any debris from the bottom of the pool to waste if possible.
-Keep your filter clean. Sand filters should be backwashed as needed (possibly daily during heavy ash fall), and cartridge filters should be removed and rinsed thoroughly.
-Very fine ash particles may be too small for your filter to capture right away. Don't worry if some particles continue to circulate until the ash stops falling.
-Brush the pool walls and steps to prevent soot from sticking to surfaces.
-Test your water daily if possible.
-Ash can raise your pH, so check your pH and total alkalinity before adding shock. Balance the water first, then shock the pool if needed.
-If testing shows elevated phosphate levels or you're concerned about algae growth, phosphate remover or algaecide can be added.
If you're unsure what your pool needs, have questions or concerns about your water, or would like help getting it back into shape, don't hesitate to reach out. I'm happy to help however I can!
Stay safe, everyone!
