Is Rain a Bad Thing for the Pool?

Rain in the Pool

In Arizona, rain isn't a huge problem but when it comes to our pools, it should at least cross our minds. Not only is rain water falling straight into your pool a bad thing, but something even worse than that could happen. If you should have rainwater coming off your landscape or deck into your pool, you now have an added water source to deal with. Rain water and "run off" entering your pool can damage the water's pH, calcium hardness, total dissolved solids (TDS), alkalinity and other chemical levels. Not only that, but it can also bring other contaminants such as debris and dirt into your pool. Additionally, rain water is acidic and therefore can become corrosive and cause damage to the plaster and metal parts of your pool

The amount of damage you could incur, of course, depends on the amount of rain you get.  A light sprinkling or misting of rain, will not really affect your pool at all. Monsoon season , on the other hand, can keep you on your toes watching your pool's chemistry balance.

What Should I Do Presently?

Stay ahead of the rain by testing the water frequently during periods of heavy rain. You should also drain excess water, and keep your water at a good level for proper skimming. Do you have a Diatomaceous or Sand Filter? If so, switch it from vacuum to waste mode. This will eliminate the excess water without putting the water through the filter.

If rain becomes a constant problem, pools with cartridge filters may want to think about an outlet valve, after the pump, to pump water down to the acceptable skimmer level. Be certain to never drain the water below the skimmer so that you don't run the pump dry and cause other problems.

Need help rebalancing your pool after a big storm? Contact a professional for assistance. 


Image by Dani0010 Flickr

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