Swimming pool safety after a disaster

If your property has been impacted by a disaster and you have a pool or spa, you may need to undertake several actions before it is safe for use. This advice relates to domestic swimming pools and spas only.

Restoring flood-affected swimming pools and spa

If your pool or spa is in-ground and was affected by flood water, you will be required to empty its contents. Do not empty your pool if the surrounding ground is saturated from floodwater as this may result in structural damage. Contact your local council in relation to disposal options as certain regulations may apply.

A conventional pool filter should not be relied upon to restore water quality following a flood. To restore your empty domestic swimming pools and spas after a flood you should consider:

  • repairing damaged fencing as soon as possible
  • clean and sanitise the entire pool, surrounding structures, associated plumbing and treatment equipment
  • inspect equipment and pipework for damage
  • It is recommended that you contact your local pool shop to determine the most appropriate method of cleaning, sanitising, re-filling and re-establishing water.

If you know or suspect that the floodwater has affected your pool or spa’s electrical equipment, have a licensed electrician inspect and declare it safe before use.

Restoring bushfire-affected swimming pools and spas

To restore swimming pools and spas after a bushfire you should consider:

  • repairing damaged fencing as soon as possible
  • removing as much debris and ash from the pool
  • ensure the skimmer and pump baskets are clean
  • turning on the pump to skim any remaining ash
  • taking a water sample to your local pool shop to be assessed. Upon assessment your pool shop should be able to advise what is required to safely rebalance the water in your pool
  • if contamination is substantial, your pool shop may recommend the use of a flocculant. A flocculant binds the contaminants together and cause them to drop to the bottom of the pool where they can be scooped or vacuumed out
  • cleaning your filtration unit.

If contamination is so extreme that your pool shop recommends emptying, sanitising and refilling your pool, contact your local council about disposing of the contaminated water as certain regulations may apply. After the pool has been emptied, you’ll need to clean and sanitise the entire pool, including surrounding structures and associated plumbing and treatment equipment.

If you know or suspect that the bushfire has affected your pool’s electrical equipment, have a licensed electrician inspect and declare it safe before use.

Further information

Download the get your pool back to normal after a disaster factsheet (PDF 735 kB).

Last updated: 4 January 2024