Please Help! Seeking advice for aftermath from LA winds and fires

[lyssiepool]

Hi there! My pool has gone through it over the past 2 weeks from extremely high winds and city fires. I was evacuated for a bit and turned my filter off before I left. After coming back (thankfully I was not too close to the fires), I found that my filter is no longer working and the pool has a layer of soot and debris. I am assuming the filter needs to be cleaned. Looking for some advice as to next steps. My plan below:

Today I skimmed - brushed - skimmed - brushed - skimmed the pool (in that order) and got it as clean as possible (see photo). My plan is to order DE pool filter cleaner today so that I can clean the filter ASAP. After cleaning the filter, I will run the filter and manually vacuum the pool. I will run the filter for a while (in addition to skimming and brushing and vacuuming) until water looks clear. Will also test using my new TF Pro kit and adjust chems after running the filter.

Do you think the filter will need to be cleaned multiple times?
Do I need to SLAM instead? [Edit: I don't see any visible algae, but guess I will need to wait until testing chems to see what levels look like]
Should I just call in a professional for one-time help?

I will continue browsing thru the TFP and Swim Univ. resources, but thought asking here might be easier and quicker. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!

 

[kul]

Hi! To see if you need to do a SLAM, do an OCLT.
Overnight Chlorine Loss Test
SLAM Process

When you say your filter is not working, do you mean your pump isn’t turning on?

Also how are you running your tests and what are your current measurements?
Test Kits Compared

 

[PoolStored]

Do you think the filter will need to be cleaned multiple times?

Ash can clog a filter quickly. Clean them often. Note your clean pressure. When pressure rises 25%, you need to clean again...this may be a long process with MANY filter cleanings. Do you have the ability to backwash? It may be that the DE will catch it and backwash is sufficient.
Do you have a robot with fine filters, that would help.
Skimmer socks, or hairnets like these will help too. Hairnets are disposable. Link to amazon hairnets-->...https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002XK2FS0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8
Ash is one of the FEW times we recommend a clarifier. If you do use a clarifier, ONLY US A CHITOSAN Clarifier. I would recommend SeaKlear chitosan. Do not use any other clarifier or flocculant.

Clarifier - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[lyssiepool]

Thank you sooo much for responding both @kul and @PoolStored !

@kul I was wrong in my post when I said the filter isn't working, the pump is turning on but not pulling any water in, which leads me to believe the pool pump basket may be clogged. I will be reading up on the OCLT thank you! And I JUST got my TF Pro kit and haven't used it yet. I need to put in a bit of time to learn how to do the test the first time but planning on doing that tomorrow or Tuesday. I was previously only using the test strips, which I know are not recommended.

@PoolStored Great tip about the hairnets! Will get some of those today! Noted about the filter cleanings and clarifier. I do not think backwashing would make sense based on where my filter is located and backyard drainage situation. I need to put some more time into reading up on backwashing. I may consider bringing in a professional to help this time around (and to watch and learn from) b/c I am so new at this and am worried about missing and breaking something.

Thanks both of you soooooo much for your help!