TAKING THE POOL BY STORM, LITERALLY
Summer storms are inevitable. We have predicted rain days (or weeks) and pop up thunderstorms during the summer months that relinquish us to the indoors on these days. Still, your pool is outside taking a beating for the storm. There are many effects that rain or a storm can have on your pool of which you should be aware.
PERFECT STORM
Ultimately, a perfect storm for a swimming pool would be none. When it storms, the rain will get into your pool. That rain water has an overall effect on your water chemistry generally reducing the chemistry readings for chlorine, calcium hardness, and cyanuric acid. The rain, typically here in the Northeast, has a low pH level. That means after a storm you will likely see a decrease in pH and alkalinity levels. Low pH and alkalinity levels can cause etching of pool/spa surfaces, corrosion of metals, staining of surface walls, wrinkles in vinyl liners and skin/eye irritations to bathers. If you are not adjusting or maintaining your own water chemistry between service visits, you want to keep an eye (of the storm) on your pool to see if any of these problems are occurring.
WEATHER THE STORM
If we knew when the rain or storms were coming, or could prevent them, we would likely be in another business besides swimming pools! A summer rain or storm can come any time including, during and after your service visit. As a general rule of thumb if it rains or storms on the day of or during your service visit and the rain is not torrential and there is no thunder/lightning present, we are still going to service your pool. This means whatever happens after we leave is really beyond our control. We want to maintain regular visits to your pool to ensure that proper water parameters are met and to prevent the potential of algae growth.
THERE’S A STORM A BREWING
When that rain or thunder storm does happen, it brings a bunch of environmental debris into your pool that could contain carbon, nitrates, phosphates and sulfates all which equate to algae food! Once the storm has passed, it is recommended to empty all skimmer and pump baskets (the system needs to be off to empty pump baskets) and remove that debris from the pool. Skimming, brushing, and vacuuming are also recommended. You may consider shocking the pool as well depending upon your current water chemistry readings.
TAKING IT BY STORM
Leaving the pool untouched after a storm is likely going to equate to some problems. That is why if you do a few things to help alleviate the potential problems, your pool will be happy. This includes removing debris, checking and maintaining proper water chemistry, lowering water levels to mid skimmer level, and brushing and vacuuming. If your service visit is days away, you can always email or call us for advice. Until then, stay dry (from the rain), that is!
