These guidelines are recommended for the management and maintenance of swimming pools impacted by fire damage, debris, or ash contamination. The use of the pool is not recommended until the following steps have been completed. The steps used at your property will depend on the pool and property status.
Discharging pool water to the storm drainage system, including streets, is prohibited.
Pool Status:
Pools in areas impacted by the fires may contain burned structural debris, charred vegetation, and ash. • Low water level in a pool water may be the result of evaporation or have been pumped by the debris removal contractor for dust control.
If a swimming pool was drained during debris removal at the property, the owner may refill the pool to prevent damage due to drying of seals and gaskets.
If a pool is in the burn zone, but not impacted by structural debris or ash, it can be drained in accordance with the County of Maui’s Fact Sheet for Discharging Swimming Pool Water. Any residual leaf litter and/or organic materials should be disposed of as solid waste.
Cleaning and Refilling:
For pools where water was not removed during debris removal:
Clean the skimmer basket and skim the water surface with a pool net to remove floating debris.
Backwash and clean the pool filter. Discharge the backwash to a pervious ground surface (gravel or lawn). o Pump the pool and separate the solids, including ash and debris, from the liquid. A pumping service contractor can assist with the separation and may contact the County of Maui Public Works Department’s point of contact at (808) 344-8960. Discharge approval will be based on volume and availability of disposal locations.
For pools where water may have been removed during debris removal:
Pump any residual quantities of water or accumulated rainwater from the pool, separating the solids from liquids, and discharge to pervious ground surface. Do not allow the water to run off the property.
Loosen and remove debris and ash from the pool sides, bottom, and deck by brushing and vacuuming. Minimize the generation of dust.
Dispose of solids at a designated landfill. Small quantities of solids can be disposed as residential rubbish. • Property owners within wildfire zones who wish to refill their swimming pools may obtain water at no cost by contacting the County Department of Water Supply at (808) 270-7730. Note: This water may not be potable, depending on status of the DWS system.
Verify the recirculation system is working properly, adjust pH level to between 7.2 and 7.8, and adjust chlorine residual to a minimum of 1.0 ppm for swimming pools and 3.0 ppm for spas and waders.
Regularly inspect pools for debris and proper filter operation. Repeat maintenance actions above as needed.
Security and Vector Control:
If the pool enclosure has been damaged or destroyed, install a temporary secure enclosure following County standards for height and entry control to prevent potential drownings or fall injuries. Use zip ties to secure access openings to provide easy access for officials. Pools on parcels in the government-sponsored Debris Removal Program will be fenced by the debris removal contactor.
If a swimming pool will contain standing water without chlorine for more than two weeks, take one of the following actions to control mosquito breeding (contact Hawaii Department of Health Vector Control Branch, Maui Office at (808) 873-3560 or go to their website at https://health.hawaii.gov/vcb/ for further assistance):
Mosquito dunks – Used to kill mosquito larva and can be purchased at hardware and garden shops. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for quantity and reapplication frequency.
Mosquito fish – Mosquito fish are about the size of minnows and eat mosquito larva. They are self-sustaining and do not require any maintenance. Note: Do not add pool chemicals if using fish.