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Can Rain Affect the Water in Your Swimming Pool?

In Ask the Pool Experts by Platinum Pools

Sun, warm weather, swimming in a pool with friends and family is what summertime is all about. Unfortunately, it also means rainfalls from time to time. Some people believe that rain will not affect a swimming pool; some facts present the contrary. Rainwater is acidic. It involves the chemicals in the pool’s water and can change the pH balance and alkalinity level.  

Another problem with acidic rain is that it makes the water corrosive that can affect the plaster and ceramic in an oasis. Of course, a light rain won’t hurt much, but there are other places where it rains practically every day.

 

Other factors on how rain can affect a swimming pool:

  • Rainwater causes the pH levels to rise and TA levels to fall due to chemical dilution.
  • Chlorine is less active, so it will not kill the microorganisms and keep the water clean.
  • Rain can bring algae spores and other debris, like dust, that can submerge into the water, making it murky and, if not treated quickly, sun rays can accelerate the growth of algae.
  • The appearance of algae, mold and mildew on the tiles is another situation. The rain can also disseminate algae, which will give a green color to the water. When rainwater falls into a pool, the water’s pH and chlorine alter, which can cause the appearance of fungi and bacteria in the pool.
  • The rainwater is usually a different temperature than the pool, contrasting the temperature between the rainwater and the water in the pool, which alters the pool’s normal temperature levels. 
  • Overflow is another situation that can happen if rainfalls are continuous. If it rains heavily, the water level can rise considerably and, eventually, overflow.

 

Rainfall Pool Maintenance

With all this commotion by rain, is there a solution? The answer is yes. Some recommendations on how to treat your pool after a rainfall include:

  • Pool Cover – an automatic or manual cover helps protect the pool’s water from contaminating by rainwater. 
  • Overflow – drain the water until levels are normal. Only do this if the pool water overflows from continuous heavy rain. 
  • Debris – rain brings debris, so remove it from the pool, including leaves and insects. Use an automatic vacuum to clean the pool’s sides and bottom, preventing dirt from harboring any organisms and fungi growth.
  • Skimmer Check – skimmers can accumulate debris, so check and clean them thoroughly.
  • Algae Growth – turn on the filter system to avoid algae growth. It will help to circulate the water and prevent the development and growth of algae spores. Some experts recommend running the system for about 10 hours after a rainfall.
  • pH and Chlorine Levels – test the pool’s water. It may need a bit of an adjustment to normalize the pH and chlorine levels.

Although you will not use the pool for a few hours, it is good to get used to this routine every time the rain alters the water quality. In this way, you will prevent it from deteriorating and will stay clean throughout the summer.

Our team of experts at Platinum Pools is ready to build a new swimming pool or remodel an existing one. Call us at 281.870.1600 and let us turn your backyard into an at-home resort.