Whether you are preparing for or recovering from a rainy season, pool maintenance is necessary to ensure the health of your water quality and equipment.  To ensure your pool is ready for swimming as soon as the sun returns, here are some tips for maintaining your pool when it rains.

What Does Rain Do to Your Pool Water?

Acidic rainwater can lower your pool’s pH and cause water chemistry problems.  Acute irritation from rainwater, as well as acidic pool water causing eye and skin irritation, can cause your sanitizing and disinfecting measures to become ineffective.

The most dangerous aspect of heavy rain is that the acidic, nitrogen-rich water provides ideal breeding conditions for algae.  The pool is not resistant to unwanted germs and pollutants.  No one wants to see green water on their steps, floors, or walls after a surprise visit from Mother Nature.

Tips on Maintaining a Pool Before it Rains

When the weather forecast calls for lots of rain, take these preventative measures to keep your pool water clean and safe:

• To keep water chemistry in balance, change the pH and alkalinity of the water.
• Shock your pool water and increase chlorine levels by 1 – 2 ppm above what is usually recommended or required.
• Remember that preventing algae is critical to keeping your pool surfaces clean.  Therefore, keep an algaecide in the water to control any algae infestation.
• Brush the surfaces of your pool.  Regularly brushing the walls and bottom of your pool can help remove small algae particles so they can enter the filter.
• Always follow the instructions for cleaning your pool filter.  Clean your pool filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Pool Cover – automatic or manual cover protects the water from contamination by rain.
• Overflow – continuous heavy rain can overflow the pool water.  It is best to drain the excess until levels are normal.
• Debris – rainfalls bring debris.  Remove all, including leaves and insects.  An automatic vacuum is excellent for cleaning the sides and bottom of a pool.  It helps to prevent dirt from nesting any fungi growth and organisms.
• Skimmer Check – always check skimmers after rainfall; ensure to clean them thoroughly since they can accumulate debris.
• Algae Growth – avoid algae growth by turning on the filter system, helping to circulate water and preventing algae-spore development and growth.  According to experts, it is important to let the filter system run for approximately ten hours after rainfall. 
• pH and Chlorine Levels – rainfalls can affect pH and chlorine levels.  Test the water after rainfall and use the necessary chemicals to normalize the pool water.

Contact your local pool service provider if your pool still needs help after heavy rains.  Your pool service expert can help you with additional difficulties, such as equipment failure and flood cleanup in low-lying areas.

Our dedicated team at Platinum Pools is here for you.  We can answer all your questions and help you find the best options available.  Contact us today at 281.870.1600 or through our website for a free quote.