Introduction
Wildfires are now part of the summer reality in several regions of Quebec and Canada. Even if you do not live near a fire, your pool can suffer the consequences. Smoke, ash, and fine particles carried over hundreds of kilometers can alter water quality and harm your equipment.
At Piscine Hippocampe, we are committed to helping you keep your pool clear, healthy, and safe, even under exceptional conditions. Here is a comprehensive guide to managing the impacts of wildfires on your pool.
Table of content
The insidious effects of smoke and ash on your pool water
Even if you only see haze in the sky, smoke particles contain phosphorus, nitrogen, carbon, and other contaminants that can settle in your pool. In addition to destabilizing the water, they can promote algae growth, alter chlorine effectiveness, and clog your filtration system.
Among the most common effects:
Rise in pH due to alkaline ashes
Increased disinfectant demand (chlorine/bromine)
Formation of combined chlorine (irritating water, unpleasant odor)
Phosphate accumulation (fertilizer for algae)
Filters clogging faster
Decrease in water clarity
Step 1: Test and adjust your pH frequently
When ashes fall into the water, they raise the pH, making chlorine less effective. A pH that is too high can also cause eye irritation and promote scaling.
Recommendation:
Test the pH daily.
Target a range between 7.2 and 7.6.
Use a quality pH reducer (such as Dazzle pH Minus or Pristiva Acid Enhance).
Also monitor the total alkalinity, as it may decrease at the same time.
Step 2: Maintain a constant disinfectant level
Suspended particles (smoke, soot, ash) quickly consume the chlorine or bromine present in your pool. This creates a high disinfectant demand and increases the risks of developing combined chlorine (commonly miscalled "too much chlorine" when it is actually an imbalance).
To do:
Keep the chlorine level between 3 to 5 ppm.
Test chlorine and pH every day.
Use a powerful unstabilized chlorine (like Dazzle Energy or Premium Unstabilized Chlorine).
For saltwater pools, use Pristiva Premium Shock instead of increasing production via the generator.
Step 3: Protect yourself against phosphates and other unwanted nutrients
Wildfire particles are rich in phosphates, which promote algae and loss of water clarity. Even if a phosphate test shows nothing, be proactive.
Effective solutions:
Add a phosphate sensor now such as:
Dazzle Phos Cleanse Plus
Pure Wow Assure
Bye-Bye Phos Tabs (to be placed in the filter)
Step 4: Increased filtration and circulation
Soot and ash can raise the filter pressure faster than usual, slowing down water circulation and reducing its effectiveness.
Best practices:
Monitor the filter pressure. Clean/backwash it when it increases by 5 psi or more.
For sand filters: add Dazzle Filter Enhance or clarifying tablets (Dazzle Clarifying Tablets).
For cartridge filters: consider periodic cleaning with Dazzle Rapid Action Filter Cleanse.
Aim the return jets down at 45° for better distribution of clean water.
Clean the skimmer and pump baskets more frequently.
Step 5: Protect the surfaces of your pool
Some products like Luna (active fusion technology) prevent soot and smoke from sticking to the walls of the pool. This keeps your pool cleaner, reduces wear on equipment, and facilitates filtration.
By combining it with Solei, you achieve a powerful synergy: elimination of contaminants, stabilization of chlorine against losses due to sunlight, and maintenance of clear water.
Step 6: Enzymes and contaminants digestives
Powerful enzymes help break down organic residues like smoke, flame retardants, and oils deposited by the air.
Our suggestions:
Dazzle Clear Rebound
Jack’s Magic Super Pacs
These products are particularly useful if your pool is located near wildfires or if you smell a persistent odor of smoke.
In summary: your action plan in 7 points
Test pH and disinfectant every day. Adjust quickly as needed.
Maintain chlorine between 3-5 ppm. Don't wait for cloudy water.
Use phosphate absorbers as a preventive measure.
Strengthen your filtration. Clean or backwash often.
Add digestive enzymes. To eliminate invisible residues.
Protect surfaces with Luna and Solei.
Keep your water returns well oriented and your baskets clean.
Our commitment at Hippocampe Pool
Our experts are always available to help you choose the right products and adopt the right practices. Wildfires are unfortunately unpredictable, but with a proactive approach, you can preserve your summer oasis.
Need advice or specific products for your situation? Contact our team or visit us in-store — we will be happy to guide you.
