Swimming pools are designed to handle a large amount of water—but only the clean, treated kind. So, when floodwaters hit, even the most beautifully maintained pools can quickly become a headache.
Flooding brings debris, dirt, and contamination that not only pollutes your water but can also damage equipment and the surrounding areas of your pool. If this happens more than once, many homeowners in flood-prone areas quickly search for pool removal firms so they can end this repetitive nightmare. If you’re not there yet—let’s look at the damage you might face and how you can protect your pool when the next flood arrives.
Flood Water Contamination
One of the biggest problems after a flood is dealing with contaminated water. That’s because floodwaters carry mud, bacteria, chemicals and all kinds of debris straight into your pool. Once dirty water gets in, your pool’s filtration and sanitation systems struggle to keep up.
It’s not just unsightly—it can be downright unhealthy—with bacteria and parasites from floodwaters lingering in your pool, turning it into a hidden health risk for swimmers long after the flood has passed. Proper cleaning and chemical balancing are essential before anyone dives in again, but this can take time.
Water Damage to Surrounding Areas
When floodwater reaches your pool, your landscaping, paving and decking can also take a beating. Prolonged exposure to standing water can warp decking boards, crack tiles and weaken the ground around your pool. In severe cases, structural damage can follow as shifting soil and waterlogged ground exert extra pressure on the pool shell, causing it to crack or move. Repairs can be expensive, and for some older pools, may not even be worth it.
Pool Equipment Damage
Your pool’s equipment—pumps, filters and electrical systems—isn’t designed to be submerged in floodwater. So, if floodwaters rise high enough, they can soak or completely submerge these vital and expensive components. Even after the water recedes, trapped moisture can cause hidden corrosion or electrical faults down the track. Repairs and replacements add up fast, turning a post-flood cleanup into a major expense.
How to Prepare for a Flood
If you live in a flood-prone area, planning ahead can help minimise the damage and make the clean-up and recovery much less stressful.
- Use sandbags: Place these around your pool and equipment to help redirect floodwaters away from vulnerable areas.
- Raise your equipment: If possible, install pumps and filters on higher ground or on raised platforms to keep them above flood levels.
- Disconnect the power: Switch off electrical systems if flooding is expected to avoid short circuits or safety hazards.
- Drain some water: If heavy rain is forecast, draining some of the pool water can prevent overflowing, but never drain it completely, as an empty pool can lift out of the ground.
- Consider long-term solutions: For homeowners in areas that experience regular flooding, removing the pool may be the most practical option.
Plan Ahead to Protect Your Pool and Home
Floods and swimming pools don’t mix well, but a little forethought and preparation can go a long way. However, if you’re living in a high-risk flood zone, think about whether you really need a pool or whether it’s time to say goodbye to it—as removal can save you a lot of money and stress when the next flood hits.