What to Do When You Get Too Much Rain in the Pool

We have it pretty good here. Unlike most of the country, swimming is a year-round event in Central Florida. And during our hot summers, many families enjoy spending the afternoon cooling off in the pool. But summer is also our rainy season. And getting a dose of rain several days a week is common for most residents.

What happens when you get too much rain in the pool?

Too much rain can upset the chemical balance in the pool and make it unsafe for swimming. It can also blow in leaves, insects and other debris. So, you will need to pull out your pool test kit and fill it with a water sample to check the pH level. The pH or alkalinity level is a key indicator of the health of your pool. If the pH balance is too low, it increases the risk of bacteria, fungus, and algae growth that can be harmful to swimmers. If it is too high (above 7.4pH), it makes swimming uncomfortable. Its good practice to test the alkalinity level after periods of heavy rain.

Preventing Water Overflow

Central Florida is known for its torrential downpours. It’s not uncommon for us to get several inches of rain in a very short time. It can cause water to rise to the top of the pool or even overflow into your backyard or home. However, don’t release water from the pool during a rain event or you risk flooding your property. You could also get struck by lightning. Instead, release the water BEFORE the storm arrives. Opening the valve and lowering the pool one to two feet ahead of a storm will help prevent it from overflowing when a strong thunderstorm comes.

Preparing Your Pool for a Hurricane

Keep these tips in mind to prepare your pool before the hurricane arrives:

• Drain one to two feet of water from the pool.
• Add Chlorine to shock the pool.
• Do not empty the pool. Sufficient water is required to keep the pool from popping out of the ground.
• Turn off power to your pool pump and any pool equipment.
• Don’t cover your pool. Pool covers can damage your pool during a hurricane.
• Securely wrap pool equipment, especially the pool pump, in waterproof material to protect it from being flooded.
• Remove lawn chairs, outdoor furniture, pool toys, and any loose items from the backyard. Store them in your garage or inside your home.

Pool Water Evaporation

During warm and dry conditions, you may notice water evaporating from the pool. Usually, a good soak will replace the lost water. But if there are several days or weeks without a significant rain event, you may need to add water to the pool. When the water line gets too low, the filter is unable to clean the water. After bringing the water up to a safe level, you will need to get out your pool test kit and check the alkalinity level. You may need to add chemicals or shock the pool to render it safe for swimming.

 

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