How Northern California’s Wildfire Ash Affects Pool Water
Last August in Loomis, a small wildfire broke out just a few miles away from Jill’s home. While the flames never reached her property, the smoke and ash did. By the next morning, her backyard pool was coated in gray particles. The water looked cloudy, smelled unusual, and her chlorine levels were all over the place. What seemed like a simple cleanup turned into weeks of struggling to rebalance her pool.
This is the reality for many pool owners in Northern California. Even if your home isn’t directly threatened by fire, the smoke and ash can settle into your pool water and wreak havoc on chemistry, equipment, and surfaces.
Why Wildfire Ash Is Such a Problem for Pools
Wildfire ash in Northern California could potentially affect your pool water
Ash isn’t just “dust.” It’s a mixture of minerals, chemicals, and organic debris that can throw off water balance.
Raises pH Levels: Ash is alkaline and quickly disrupts pool chemistry.
Consumes Chlorine: Tiny particles increase chlorine demand, leaving your water vulnerable to bacteria and algae.
Clogs Filtration Systems: Ash is light, fine, and spreads fast, overwhelming skimmers and filters.
Discolors Water and Surfaces: Over time, it can stain plaster or tile.
How Ash Impacts Pool Chemistry
When wildfire ash enters your pool:
pH rises, making chlorine less effective.
Cloudy water appears because fine particles are suspended.
Calcium hardness may spike if minerals settle.
Water can take on a gray, murky look even after brushing.
Left untreated, this can lead to long-term damage, not just a temporary mess.
What Pool Owners Should Do Immediately After Ash Falls
If you wake up to ash on your pool, don’t just skim the surface and assume it’s clean.
Run the Pump Continuously: Keep water circulating to prevent ash from settling.
Clean Skimmers and Filters Daily: Empty baskets and check cartridges or DE grids.
Brush Walls and Steps: Keep particles moving toward the filter.
Test and Adjust Chemistry: Pay close attention to pH, chlorine, and alkalinity.
Shock the Pool if Needed: A chlorine shock can help kill off any bacteria that gained ground.
Preventing Damage During Wildfire Season
Living in Lincoln, Rocklin, Roseville, Granite Bay, Loomis, Sheridan, or Penryn means wildfire season is a yearly reality. To protect your pool:
Use a pool cover when heavy ash is in the air.
Have extra filters or cartridges on hand.
Keep a sequestering agent available to prevent staining from minerals.
Schedule professional maintenance after heavy ash events.
Local Help When You Need It Most
At American Dream Pool & Spa Service, we’ve helped countless Northern California homeowners recover their pools after smoke and ash events. We know the right balance adjustments, cleaning routines, and equipment checks to keep your water safe and clear.
Contact us today for professional service during wildfire season — and keep your pool healthy even when the air isn’t.
American Dream Pool and Spa Service is a trusted provider of pool and spa maintenance, repair, and cleaning services. They serve the areas of Lincoln, Rocklin, Roseville, Granite Bay, and Sheridan, CA, offering comprehensive care for both residential and commercial pools. Their services include everything from routine maintenance to specialized repairs for pool and spa equipment, ensuring that every pool owner enjoys a clean, safe, and well-maintained pool or spa throughout the year. With a focus on customer satisfaction, American Dream Pool and Spa Service strives to keep pools in top condition, regardless of the season.
