Even partially covered swimming pools are susceptible to rain; leave aside the pools that are wide open. The question is, does the rain really affect the pool water in a manner that should concern us? Let’s explore what does rain do to pool water. After all, it’s about keeping the water safe and clean.

Pool water is not left without chemicals for more than 24 hours; instead, it is controlled and monitored through different means. But when rainwater enters, it changes its chemistry altogether. The effect is negative or positive; we are going to figure it out in this blog.

What does rainwater do to pool water?

Rainwater, as it leaves the clouds, is considered the purest form of water, but as it comes down all the way to the ground passing through the air, it adds up pollutants, dirt, and other forms of contaminants. These contaminants can be anything and can affect your pool water accordingly.

As a matter of fact, rainwater becomes acidic due to the presence of pollutants in the air, and based on that; it affects the pool water properties negatively. From alkalinity, pH level, softness, and more, it affects all attributes.

With concern to pH, it should be anything from 7.2 to 7.8. The rainwater may cause the pH level to increase or decrease from this point, and it’s damaging in both conditions. The decrease in pH will make the water more acidic, causing skin irritation. Whereas the increase in pH level will reduce the effects of chlorine, which as a result will give rise to germs and bacteria.

A change in alkalinity will allow algae growth and will make the water harsh.

Other than affecting chemical balance, the rainwater will bring contaminants such as dirt and debris, which results in water discoloration. Polluting the pool, erosion, and flooding, rain affects the pool in a negative manner.

As the properties disturb, it might make the pool water unsafe for swimming. Likewise, the pool water may turn out to be corrosive, damaging the metal equipment and other components connected.

However, this all depends on how much rain there is. Light rain will not affect as much as heavy rain would. In spite of that, pool water must be balanced at all times, or it may cause irritation or damage to the skin.

What to do after the rain has affected your pool?

Too much water in a pool due to rain can create many problems, some of which we have discussed above. Summing it up, it makes the pool unsuitable for swimming. Plus, if you leave it as it is, it will be a central point for spreading viruses, bacteria, and germs.

Therefore, we cannot leave the swimming pool unattended for even a day. Not to mention, the smell you will get will be unbearable even for people living nearby the pool.

How should you respond after heavy rain? As soon as the rain stops, you need to do a few things.

Firstly, check the water level of the swimming pool. It should not be overflowing. If you see heavy rain coming, you can lower the level beforehand just to be prepared. Set your pump to backwash and turn on the pool pump if it feels necessary.

Before you start the pump, do take out the large elements, debris, or any other sediments that you can see. Starting the pump will allow the water to circulate, do a test meanwhile so that you know how much the rain has affected the chemistry.

Once you have the test results, analyze and take the steps accordingly to balance the equation. For pH, the range should be 7.2 to 7.8; for alkalinity, 80 to 120 ppm is suggested. Along with that, the pool water should have a calcium hardness level of 100 to 300 ppm, whereas the chlorine level should lie between 1 to 3 ppm.

Aside from this, you can check out how to remove copper from pool water and how to get brown pool water clear.

Conclusion

Light rain is cool for the pool, but if it gets heavy, it will affect the pool water badly. Aside from creating a chemical imbalance, it will pollute the water, and you won’t have any option left but to drain all the water and refill. However, if you keep up a good check on pool maintenance and stay prepared beforehand in case of heavy rainfall, you can minimize the effects to a great limit.