How to Keep Your Pool Safe During Wildfire Season in Northern California
Last August, a small wildfire broke out just a few miles from Melanie’s home in Loomis. The flames never reached her backyard, but the smoke and falling ash blanketed everything—especially her pool. The water turned cloudy, the chemical levels crashed, and her once-clear pool was now an expensive science experiment. She called us in a panic.
If you live in Northern California, you already know wildfire season is real—and it doesn’t just affect your air. It can wreak havoc on your pool.
Here’s how to protect your swimming pool, hot tub, and spa during fire season—and what to do when ash hits the water.
Why Pools and Spas Are at Risk During Wildfires
You might think water is fire’s enemy—but smoke and ash tell a different story.
Ash and soot contain fine particles and minerals that throw off your pool’s water balance.
Smoke can lower pH and affect sanitizer levels, making your pool more susceptible to bacteria and algae.
Debris and falling embers can clog filters and damage hot tub surfaces.
That’s why it’s important to treat wildfire smoke and ash like contamination. Your pool or spa may look fine—but the chemistry says otherwise.
Step One: Cover It Up Before the Ash Falls
If a wildfire is even remotely close:
Cover your pool or hot tub immediately. A tight-fitting pool cover or spa cover keeps out ash, debris, and falling embers.
Shut off your equipment if advised to evacuate. This protects your pump, heater, and filter from unnecessary wear.
Secure loose items nearby so they don’t blow into the water.
Even if the flames don’t come near your home, the smoke and particles will.
Step Two: Clean It Fast—Don’t Let Ash Sit
Ash acts fast. The longer it sits, the harder it is to clean. Once the air clears:
Skim all floating ash and debris using a leaf net (not your vacuum).
Brush pool walls to loosen particles.
Clean filters and baskets thoroughly—ash clogs them fast.
Backwash your filter or replace your hot tub filters if necessary.
Shock the pool or spa to kill any bacteria introduced by smoke residue.
Balance water chemistry using fresh water samples—not guesswork.
We recommend testing for:
pH (often drops after smoke exposure)
Chlorine levels
Alkalinity
Calcium hardness
Sanitizer level
Don’t Forget Your Hot Tub
Wildfire ash doesn’t discriminate. It’ll settle into your spa or Jacuzzi just like your pool.
After a nearby wildfire:
Drain and clean the spa if ash buildup is heavy.
Use a cleaning solution safe for hot tub surfaces.
Flush the filter compartment and soak filters in filter cleaner.
Refill with fresh water, balance your hot tub chemicals, and test water flow and water quality before hopping back in.
If It’s a Mess, Call Us
American Dream Pool & Spa Service handles wildfire-related pool cleanup and chemical rebalancing. We’ve helped pool owners in Lincoln, Roseville, Granite Bay, Rocklin, Sheridan, Loomis, and Penryn recover after the smoke clears.
We’ll test your water, clean your equipment, check your water balance, and make sure your pool or spa is safe to use again. You don’t want to deal with cloudy water, contaminated water, or worse—expensive repairs due to lack of maintenance during fire season.
Don’t Let Smoke Damage Linger in Your Water
Wildfire season is part of life in Northern California. But it doesn’t have to ruin your summer soak or poolside afternoons. With the right prep and fast action, you can keep your hot water clean, balanced, and ready.
If you’ve had recent smoke exposure or need help with wildfire-related cleanup, give American Dream Pool & Spa Service a call. We help homeowners protect their pools and hot tubs with the kind of regular maintenance and emergency service that makes a difference.
We serve Lincoln, Rocklin, Roseville, Granite Bay, Sheridan, Loomis, and Penryn with the kind of care your pool or spa deserves.
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.
