As a pool owner, a rain shower might seem harmless enough. After all, water is water, right? Well, as harmless as a rain shower might seem, it can actually have a noticeable impact on the overall chemistry of your pool. This change in pool chemistry can then have a detrimental impact on the health of your pool in both the short-term and the long-term.
It’s All About the Balancing Act
So, how can rain cause so much trouble? The primary reason is that rainwater is acidic. When the high acidity levels in rainwater enter your pool it causes the pH level in your pool’s water to drop. This creates a domino effect whereby the Total Alkalinity and chlorine levels in your pool are also thrown off. When changes like this occur, the water in your pool may become uncomfortable for swimmers due to the higher pH levels and cause burning eyes and skin irritation. As pH levels rise, the chlorine in your pool will also become less effective in its germ-killing abilities.
Is Rain Always an Issue?
Happily, rain isn’t going to be a constant issue. A light rain of around .25 to .50 inches may temporarily lower the pH in your pool, but not to the point that your pool’s chemistry won’t be able to rebalance on its own. However, if rainfall is heavier, then that will mean taking steps to ensure the water quality in your pool is at its peak.
What’s a Pool Owner to Do?
The first, and easiest, course of action is to contact the professionals at Alan Jackson Pools. With their expertise, they will be able to remove excess water down to recommended levels, ensure that your pool is clean and free from debris, test and adjust your pool’s chemical levels as needed, and check chlorine levels to ensure that pollutants are being effectively removed.