After‑Storm Pool Recovery in Tampa (Shock + Clarify Plan)

Intro

Summer storms dump debris, dilute sanitizer, and cloud the water. Here’s a fast, safe recovery plan based on the 3 Cs—circulation, cleaning, and chemistry—to get back to clear water ASAP.

Step 1 — Skim & brush

• Skim leaves and large debris first so your filter doesn’t clog with bulk.
• Brush walls, steps, ladders, and corners to break up films so sanitizer reaches every surface.

Step 2 — Restore circulation & check the filter

• Run the pump continuously the first evening to move water and trap fines.
• Empty skimmer and pump baskets; clean cartridges or backwash sand/DE when pressure is ~10 PSI above clean.
• Avoid over‑backwashing—slightly “dirty” media can trap finer particles.

Step 3 — Test & balance, then shock at dusk

• Adjust pH and alkalinity first, then shock at dusk/night so sunlight doesn’t burn off chlorine.
• Fighting algae? Use label‑recommended cal‑hypo or dichlor dosing for severity.
• Keep filtering for 8+ hours after shocking.

Step 4 — Clarifier vs. floc (which to use)

• Clarifier: easiest; binds tiny particles so the filter can remove them (allow 24–72 hours).
• Flocculant: fastest; drops debris to the floor for vacuum‑to‑waste. Do not use with cartridge filters.

Step 5 — Re‑test & polish

• When water is blue but hazy, that’s dead algae. Keep filtering and re‑test before swimming.

Helpful products: Chlorine & Shock → /collections/chlorine‑shock‑tampa • Clarifiers & Floc → /collections/specialty‑chemicals‑problem‑solvers • Test Kits & Strips → /collections/test‑kits‑strips • Filters & Cartridges → /collections/pool‑filters

Local CTA: Free next‑day chemical delivery anywhere in Hillsborough County. Outside Hillsborough, chemicals are local‑only; equipment ships nationwide by quote.