Many pool owners have a very common question: how to take care of a pool after it rains, and what is the effect of rain on a swimming pool. We understand your questions so we will explore the pool water’s reaction and after-effects. In the end, we will share a few tips and tricks that you can consider to treat your pool after a storm.
How a Rainstorm Affects Pool Chemistry
As rain drops through the air picks up a small number of spores, dust, and other pollutants.
A rainstorm can affect the pool chemistry in any way, such as;
- Change in PH level
Initially, the PH of the rainwater is 7.0, but it quickly absorbs low PH contaminants as it falls through the sky. You will observe a very small change or no change in the PH level in the pool water due to rain. Even in the case of acid rain PH may fall in the PH of 5.5-6.5 range, it is low enough to create a kind of change in the PH level of the pool water.
- Alkalinity
Rainwater has absolute alkalinity near zero; heavy rain will dilute the pool’s alkalinity level and make it fall by 5-10 ppm in a day. Low PH levels or alkalinity levels in the pool can be the main factor behind the corrosive environment of the water. It can be controlled by adjusting the water’s total alkalinity, PH, and calcium hardness.
- Change in calcium reading
Rainwater has zero hardness, measured by the number of calcium salts in the water. Rainwater can decrease the hardness of your pool water, it is beneficial, and this solution obtained by this method is called dilution.
How to Drain Water from a Pool After it Rains?
- Make sure to unplug the pool pump or any other electrical gadgets associated with the pool.
- Attach sufficient garden hose to get from the pool to the drain point.
- Connect the hose to the submersible pump and lower it into the pool.
- To avoid extension cords, which can cause severe electrical hazards, plug the pump directly into the pool’s GFCI outlet.
- Check the end of the hose to ensure the proper flow of water to the drain point.
- Periodically check on the pool.
This entire process of draining pool water can take up to 14 hours, depending on the size and amount of water. All you need to do is properly check the hoses, pumps, and pool.
How to Prepare Your Pool After a Storm
- Brush and vacuum your pool
While you clean the pool pump or the system, make sure to scrub the walls of your pool. It lifts any pollutants clinging to the wall while breaking up any remaining buildup/grime.
Brush and vacuum your pool so you can reach the spots that are hard to tackle.
- Apply cover
By using a cover, you can prevent a certain amount of debris from getting into your pool water. In case you are expecting a storm with heavy winds and rainfall, it is crucial to ensure that the cover allows for drainage.
If your cover is not designed in such a way that it can prevent the storm, it is better not to use it.
- Add some algaecide and preemptive shock.
The preemptive shock will be the best choice if you are not using a solar cover. Since you can expect plenty of debris and rainwater to make their way into the pool, you can add chemicals to counteract it.
Adding pool shock helps keep the chlorine levels balanced, preventing the water from clouding.
- Turn on your pool pump.
If you have already removed all the leaves and twigs floating on the surface, it is time to put the pool pump and filter to work. It begins with pulling in water from the skimmer and the main drain lines. Turn on the pool pump to start the filtration process.
Also Read : How Often Do You Need to Clean Your Pool Filter ?
- Empty the skimmer baskets
Even though the skimmer and pump help a lot during this entire process of cleaning the pool, it does not go and clean them out. So now is the time to unscrew the lid from the pool pump and empty your skimmer basket.
- Rebalance the Water
Last but not least, it is time to rebalance the pool water’s chemical levels. Grab the pool water test kit and check the chemical levels. After completing so many different steps, it’s time to check the chemical levels again. This will tell you exactly how the pool water needs to be balanced.
Final Word
Only pool owners will understand the importance of cleaning and maintaining pool water. The team at Alliance Pools & Patio is here to help you out and solve all your pool-related needs. You can contact us directly or visit our website if you have any questions and want guidance on achieving clean pool water.