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How Heavy Rain Affects Your Swimming Pool

New swimming pool owners are often surprised to learn that “how heavy rain affects your swimming pool” is good information to know. Light rain can even have a minimal effect but is less likely to throw off a pool’s chemical balance. Weather conditions that include heavy rainfall, however, invite several problems with your pool water that must be addressed. Learn more below.

Acid Rain

testing pool water in lake wales flPool water chemistry is extremely important, and acid rain can throw it off balance. Industrial gases such as sulfur monoxide (SO) and nitrogen oxide (NO) infiltrate falling rain so that the acid rain contains nitric and sulfuric acids. Heavy acidic rainfall can cause a pool’s pH balance to be lowered. Ideal pool pH balance levels range from 7.4 to 7.6, and acid rain generally has a pH balance of around 5.0. That is not the only problem with acid rain, however. Heavy rainfall generally affects the overall chemical balance in pools.

Windy Conditions

Heavy winds usually accompany heavy rainfall. Windy conditions contribute to the problem of debris getting in pool water. Wind during rainstorms carries algae spores, dust, pollen, and other organic matter. Trash can also be found on the surface or bottom of your pool after a spate of considerable winds. Debris from nearby plants also contaminates pool water, between the leaves, branches, and natural oils.

Pool Algae

The biggest problem caused by heavy rain is pool algae. It is hazardous to swim in a pool contaminated by algae. Pollen and other plant matter in pool water cause the following problems:

  • Disruption of the pool water’s chemical balance
  • Promotes the formation of pool algae
  • Promotes growth of algae

Bacteria that feed on pool algae are a bigger problem than the algae itself. The bacteria attracted to algae pose the following health threats and more:

  • Itchy skin
  • Skin rashes
  • Severe infections in broken skin
  • Slipperiness that results in physical injury
  • Bacterial infections
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Conjunctivitis and other eye infections

Landscaping Residue

The plants, mulch, soil, and fertilizer residue in the area around your swimming pool can all flow into your pool during heavy rainfall. As mentioned previously, plant life contributes to algae growth. These deposits, along with other debris, also affect your pool pumps and filters. Clogging of the pool equipment contributes to the acceleration of algae growth.

rain water in swimming pool, sebring flExcess Water

Another big problem caused by excess rainfall is the accumulation of additional water in and around your pool. The overflow could cause flooding in the area. Even with drains, the water level in your pool is affected and the chemical balance needs to be corrected.

Preventative Measures

If you know that heavy rainfall is on the way, it can help to prepare. Remove loose items that are in the pool area, from potted plants to pool toys and patio furniture. Keep the pump running during rain.

Pool Works is the Best in Sunshine and After the Rain

At Pool Works, we specialize in cleaning pools. Not only do we deliver the best in ongoing swimming pool maintenance but we also handle the disruption caused by heavy rainfall. Get your pool in shape and keep it that way with the help of the trusted pool professionals at Pool Works. We are possibly the worst enemy of pool algae, no matter how rampant the growth! We restore and maintain sparkling clean pool water.

 

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