A powerful rainstorm does more than fill your pool with excess water. It changes the pH and alkalinity levels and dilutes other chemicals added to the water. It also introduces algae that is air born. In addition, debris is swept into the pool that has a negative effect on the water in general. At Anchor Pools & Spas, we are dedicated to assisting our clients with their pool maintenance issues following a rainstorm.
Change in Pool Water Level
A heavy rainfall can fill your pool to overflowing. The water level should be at the middle of the skimmer. If it is higher than this, the water should be drained, or wasted, until it is at the middle of the skimmer. When you are draining your pool, watch it closely. You do not want to accidently waste too much water.
How to Waste Water
Occasionally, when rain levels get to high you will need to empty some of the rainwater out of your pool. This is called wasting water.
- Turn pump off (ALWAYS turn pump off prior to touching any of your pool equipment).
- Turn multiport (the valve located at the top of the sand filter) to waste. The multiport position will stay in filter unless you are backwashing or wasting water.
- Turn pump back on (pool water will now be exiting the backwash line)
- Watch water level in the pool. Once water level gets to the middle of the skimmer, you are done wasting water.
- Turn pump off
- Turn multiport to filter
- Turn pump back on.
DO NOT leave multiport in waste position for any length of time, your pool will empty of water.
Fixing the Chemical Imbalance
Rain is often very acidic or alkaline, which means the pH level of your pool water will drop or rise, depending on the type of rain. A safe pH level is between 7.2 to 7.8. If too low, the water will become corrosive and cause skin sensitivities. If too high, the chlorine will not be as effective.
Test the water chemistry and if anything looks too low or too high, bring a sample to Anchor Pools. If the water is cloudy you can start Turbo Blue® water clarifier. To be on the safe side, you may also want to add Defend® algaecide which will neutralize any potential algae blooms that may have been introduced to the pool water during the rainstorm.
The chlorine level will need to be checked often on both chlorine and salt pools. Chlorine will be consumed quickly as it fights all the contaminants. It may be necessary to shock the pool water with Turbo Shock® in order to get the water chemistry back to its normal safe-swimming level. If you are using Baquacil® you may need to add additional amounts of steps 1,2 and 3 to compensate for the rain dilution.
Getting Rid of the Debris
In addition to all the other fixes, you will need to skim and vacuum your pool. You may even need to vacuum leaves and other debris that have fallen to the bottom of the pool and cannot be skimmed off. Check your skimmer and pump baskets for leaves and other debris and empty if necessary.
If you need any help with your pool, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Anchor Pool & Spas. We provide the services you need to keep your pool in order in any type of weather, rain or shine!
