After heavy rain, it’s important to check and balance the chemicals in your pool to ensure it’s safe and clean for swimming. When rainwater enters your pool, it can bring in contaminants such as dirt, debris, and bacteria, which can affect the pool’s pH level, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels. In this article, we’ll discuss the steps you need to take to balance your pool after heavy rain.
- Test the Water
The first step is to test the water in your pool using a reliable pool testing kit. You can purchase a testing kit at your local pool supply store or online. The kit should include test strips or drops for testing pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels.
To test the pH level, dip a test strip or drop into the water and compare the color to the chart provided. The ideal pH range for a pool is between 7.2 and 7.8. If the pH level is below 7.2, you need to add a pH increase (aka pH Rise). If it’s above 7.8, you need to add a pH reducer (aka pH Lower).
To test the alkalinity level, dip a test strip or drop into the water and compare the color to the chart provided. The ideal alkalinity range for a pool is between 80 and 120 ppm (parts per million). If the alkalinity level is too low, you need to add an alkalinity increaser. If it’s too high, you need to add an alkalinity reducer.
To test the chlorine level, dip a test strip or drop into the water and compare the color to the chart provided. The ideal chlorine range for a pool is between 1 and 3 ppm. If the chlorine level is too low, you need to add more chlorine.
- Remove Debris
After heavy rain, your pool can be filled with debris such as leaves, dirt, and other organic matter. Use a skimmer net to remove any debris from the surface of the pool. If there is a lot of debris, you may need to use a pool vacuum to clean the bottom of the pool.
- Check the Water Level
Heavy rain can cause the water level in your pool to rise. You should check the water level and ensure it’s not too high. If the water level is too high, you need to drain some water from the pool. You can do this by using a submersible pump or a hose to siphon water out of the pool.
- Add Sanitizer
After heavy rain, the chlorine level in your pool may be too low. You should add more sanitizer to ensure the water is safe for swimming. You can use either chlorine or a non-chlorine sanitizer, depending on your preference. If you use chlorine, you can add it directly to the pool using chlorine tablets, granules, or liquid. If you use a non-chlorine sanitizer, you can add it directly to the pool using a shock treatment.
- Balance pH and Alkalinity
After heavy rain, the pH and alkalinity levels in your pool can become unbalanced. You need to balance these levels to ensure the water is safe and comfortable for swimming. Use a pH increaser or reducer to adjust the pH level and an alkalinity increaser or reducer to adjust the alkalinity level.
- Run the Pump and Filter
After you have balanced the chemicals in your pool, you should run the pump and filter to circulate the water and remove any remaining contaminants. You should run the pump and filter for at least 8 hours or longer if needed.
- Retest the Water
After running the pump and filter for a few hours, you should retest the water to ensure the chemical levels are balanced. If the chemical levels are still off, you may need to repeat the process of adding chemicals and running the pump and filter until the water is balanced. You may consider upgrading to a more advanced test kit for accurate readings.
- Maintain Proper Pool Chemistry
To prevent future imbalances in pool chemistry, it’s important to maintain proper pool chemistry regularly. This includes testing the water regularly, adding chemicals as needed, and cleaning the pool regularly.
Here are some additional tips to help maintain proper pool chemistry:
- Test the water at least once a week during the swimming season and twice a week during hot weather or heavy pool use.
- Shock the pool regularly to keep the water clear and free of contaminants.
- Use a pool cover to keep debris out of the pool when it’s not in use.
- Clean the pool regularly, including brushing the walls and floor, skimming the surface, and vacuuming the bottom.
- Keep the pool water at the proper level to prevent imbalances in chemicals.
Conclusion
Balancing your pool after heavy rain is essential for maintaining safe and clean swimming conditions. By testing the water, removing debris, checking the water level, adding sanitizer, balancing pH and alkalinity, running the pump and filter, and retesting the water, you can ensure your pool is safe and comfortable for swimming. Remember to maintain proper pool chemistry regularly to prevent future imbalances in pool chemistry.