When it rains, what are the steps I need to take to maintain my swimming pool?

How to take care of my pool when it rains? In a country where dam levels have dropped to critical lows in recent years, when the skies open and the rain comes pouring down, it’s certainly cause for celebration. But, it’s not all gumboots and dancing in the rain. If you’re a pool owner, you need to know how to protect your swimming pool, both before and after heavy rains and storms.

 

How can I get my pool ready in case of rain?

Although storms can come out of nowhere, we are fortunate to live in an era where weather forecasts are mostly reliable. It is always a good idea to prepare your pool for heavy rainfall. You should pack away furniture and pool accessories carefully so that nothing can blow into your pool or around outside. Also, don’t forget about pot plants located beside your pool. Soil and broken ceramics at the bottom of the pool are not desirable. Electricity and water are sworn enemies, and no one wants to put themselves at risk. So, if there is heavy rain and lightning forecast, switch off all electrical and gas lines connected to your swimming pool. It would be best if you also made sure that your pool pump and any other electrical equipment are covered. When it comes to stormy weather, it is always best to err on the side of caution.

As an additional precaution, you should test your water chemistry. Top up your pool with algaecide to prevent algae from taking hold due to the organic matter that will end up in your pool during a storm. During heavy rainfalls, a lot more water will get dumped into your pool. You could lower your water level slightly in anticipation, but be careful about draining your pool. A swimming pool without water or with insufficient water is likely to pop out of its spot in the ground due to increased groundwater pressure during a storm. Instead, you could use a solid pool cover to prevent excessive amounts of rainwater from entering the pool. Remember, covers that are not sturdy enough to withstand windy conditions, falling matter such as branches, or water collection during heavy rains, can cause more harm than good. If you’re not sure, it’s best to remove your pool cover altogether, even though it’ll mean debris in your pool.

Lastly, it should go without saying, but it’s worth mentioning that you should never swim during a storm. Lightning is extremely dangerous, and swimming during thunderstorms is very risky.

 

What should I do to maintain my pool after it rains?

After a storm has passed, it’s important to clean your pool. First, use a pool skimmer net to remove any debris from the water and then empty the skimmer basket. Scrub the surfaces with a pool brush to remove any remaining dirt. Once the larger matter is removed, turn on your pool cleaner, pump, and filter. You can also drain the excess water in your pool until it returns to its normal level.

Rainwater is slightly acidic due to pollution. A light rain won’t affect your pool’s pH, but heavy rains can. When the pH of your pool is low or acidic, corrosion occurs, and swimmers may have itchy eyes. The total alkalinity of your pool water will also suffer if the rain tries to change the pH of your pool. So, test your pool water and adjust the water chemistry as needed.

Heavy rain can also lower the chlorine levels in your pool, which allows algae to grow. This is why a swimming pool may turn green after rain. To be extra cautious, you can shock your swimming pool after heavy rains. If you need help after a big storm, it’s best to contact the pool professionals. They know how to weather the storms and can provide you with additional information.