Late summer offers plenty of warm, sunny days when your family can enjoy the swimming pool, but this transitional period can also bring passing storms and showers. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that excess rain can affect the chemical balance of their pool water. Here’s what you need to know to get the most out of the end of swimming season.

How Rain Affects Swimming Pools

Extra water isn’t always the issue—the contaminants in rain pose a bigger risk. This water is typically more acidic than what comes out of your tap, which can negatively affect the pool’s pH levels.

Rain can also transport algae spores and other natural debris into the pool. Once the sun hits the water, this organic matter can grow quickly, causing the water to lose oxygen and become dirty. If left unattended, this growth may also damage the pool’s lining and hard surfaces.

During major storms, rain can cause the swimming pool to overflow. If the water washes back into an in-ground pool, it may contain a variety of potentially hazardous lawn and garden chemicals.   

What You Can Do After It Rains

When the weather clears up, test the water to make sure the pH and chemical levels are where they need to be. Depending on the results, you may need to adjust the chemicals and add algaecide to help prevent plant growth.

To remove any debris that may have collected during a storm, skim the water and brush and vacuum the lining. It’s also smart to let the pump run and filter out smaller contaminants.

How You Can Prevent Rain Problems

If you want to limit your pool’s exposure to rain, cover it with a waterproof membrane when it’s not in use. Keep your eyes on the forecast and put the cover on before the rain starts. Once the swimming season is over, hire a professional cleaner to close your pool until next summer. You might also want to install a wider patio surface to prevent overflowing water from reaching the rest of the yard.

Don’t let rainy days affect your swimming pool. The team at All-American Pools in Cincinnati, OH, will help you keep the water and lining clean throughout the year, whether you have an in-ground or above-ground model. Their technicians provide quality testing services and equipment to keep your water clear and safe, so you don’t have to worry about rebalancing it after a storm. Visit the team online for service details, and call (513) 522-7161 to make an appointment.