You are not alone if you’re having issues with your pool with all these recent rainstorms. Unfortunately, we can’t change the weather, but we can help you with your pool!
What to do with your pool after a rainstorm:
- Prevention! Make sure your pool water is balanced before it rains. If your chlorine is already low and rain comes, you could get algae. Keep an eye on your chlorine and it won’t hurt to keep an at-home testing kit. Most people prefer test strips as they are handy and easily stored. Balancing your pool water every 4 weeks throughout the entire year for optimal pool life.
- Make sure your pump and filter are running. If the storm happens to knock out your power, make sure to check your pump and filter thereafter. If you notice that the storm has knocked it out, don’t hesitate. Just give us a call and we will get it back up and running. Stagnant water is a breeding ground for algae and with this weather, it won’t take much!
- If after the storm you notice that your water is cloudy but you can’t make it into a store, try to add chlorine shock if you have it on hand along with a small amount of water clarifier. Be sure to read the instructions for application as most times, it’s very concentrated and a little goes a long way. Adding too much clarifier can cause water to appear even more cloudy or even foamy.
- If you happen to get algae, you should treat as soon as possible. To treat for algae, you must first brush your pool. Make sure to remove any large debris. Then double shock your pool. An hour after adding the shock, add the recommended amount of algaecide. (Read the bottle, a little goes a long way!). Make sure your pump is running continuously until you are clear again. After 36 hours, vacuum the dead algae that has accumulated at the bottom of your pool. Vacuum to “waste” if you have this option on your filter. If you do not have a “waste” option or you have a cartridge filter, make sure to clean your filter once your water is clear again. Sometimes after treating, your water may appear cloudy for a few days. This is normal but feel free to stop by with a water sample so we can make sure you are on the right track!
- Finally, if your water is clear after the storm but you see debris in the bottom, vacuum as soon as you can. Sometimes organic staining may occur. And don’t forget to bring us a water sample!
With these simple steps, you can make sure to survive the rest of this hot and rainy season!