Post-Fire swimming pool care matters

The Palisades Fire and Franklin Fire left a trail of ash, soot, and fire retardants across Malibu, with many pools becoming catch basins for debris. According to marine biologists, ash from urban fires like this one can alter water chemistry, introducing high levels of phosphates, nitrates, and carbon compounds that disrupt pool balance and foster algae growth. Add to that the risk of fire retardants—often containing ammonia phosphates—dropped by helicopters, and your pool could be a chemical mess. For Malibu homeowners, especially those near Carbon Beach or Zuma Beach, cleaning up ensures your pool is safe for swimming and compliant with local health advisories. Please drain your pools or have a reverse osmosis company to revive your water. Filter grids should be changed as well if Pool was left inoperable for long period of time due to power outage.