In the Suncoast, heavy rain is a fact of life. It’s as much a part of life as the crystal blue pools we lounge around during the hottest months of a Florida summer. While a gentle summer rain is a great thing for our plants, did you know that rain can also wreak havoc on your pool? Here are some important tips to save your pool from the effects of rain.
Chemicals
Rainwater is acidic, which can change the pH balance of your pool. During the rainy season, it is a good idea to frequently check your chemical levels to ensure that your pool does not become a health hazard. Both periodically and after a heavy rain, this is a good idea. You will also want to check the water levels of your pool. If there is too much water, you will need to drain your pool and then adjust the chemicals.
Around your Pool
Another concern about heavy rains is that they can easily dislodge debris from your landscape. This debris can be washed into your pool and ruin your pools clean aesthetic, upset the chemical balance of the pool, and even cause damage. Plus, your guests will be less likely to enjoy swimming in a pool filled with debris. Even heavier mulches around your pool, such as aggregates, can have fines wash into the pool.
Mosquitoes and Heavy Rain
Another thing that we don’t often think about around our pool is the mosquito factor. Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance, they are a health concern. In a time when the Zika Virus has become a very real threat, it is important that we take steps to minimize the mosquito population. After any rain, not just heavy rain, check your pool toys and equipment for standing water. These can quickly become breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Best Steps to Take After Heavy Rain
Before the rainy season begins, make sure to stock up on the chemicals needed to maintain a healthy pool. Also check to make sure your automatic pool cleaner or manual vacuum are properly operating. After a heavy rain, immediately check your pool’s water level, drain, and clean your pool. Then, you will want to check pH levels, sanitizer levels, and chlorine levels. Keeping all these things in check will also help minimize the potential of mosquitoes breeding in your pool.
If you follow these steps, you will avoid some potentially damaging issues. Algae, cloudiness, and discoloration are all things you want to watch. These can be caused by increased rainwater in your pool.
