We get our fair share of summer thunderstorms in the Twin Cities, and if you own a pool, it’s important to know how to care for it after a storm passes through. Not only can a storm upset the pH balance of the water, but it can also introduce debris that can that clog up the filter and potentially damage internal components. To help you keep your pool in top form, regardless of the weather, the pool maintenance technicians at Royal Pool & Spa discuss four tips below.
Clean Up Debris
The first thing you’ll need to do after a storm hits your pool (if you don’t have a pool enclosure), is clean the water. Heavy rains can wash soil and environmental pollutants into your pool water, which can turn the water murky or cloudy in a matter of days.
To maintain sparkling clear water that won’t irritate your skin, use a pool net to capture debris floating on the surface of the water. Next, brush the walls, steps, and any benches with a pool brush. Depending on the condition of your pool, you may also need to vacuum the floor to remove sediment. Don’t own a pool vacuum or a net? Not to worry! If you already have a professional pool maintenance schedule in place, you should be able to request an additional service appointment after the storm.
Test and Adjust Water Alkalinity
If you don’t have a pool enclosure or you didn’t cover your pool before a severe storm, an influx of rainwater will imbalance the water chemicals and throw the pH outside of the recommended range. Pool water that is too acidic or alkaline will not only irritate swimmers’ skin, but it can also trigger the growth of harmful bacteria or make your pool appear murky or cloudy — gross.
To keep your water pH at the appropriate level and maintain a clean, safe swimming environment, be sure to test the water using a pH kit after heavy rain. The recommended pH range for pool water is right around 7.4, but if the pH falls between 7.4-7.6, it should be fine. If you don’t have the appropriate equipment to test your pool water or the necessary chemicals to adjust the pH, contact a pool maintenance company to schedule a service appointment.
Monitor and Adjust Water Level
If plenty of rainwater entered your pool during a storm, and it’s in danger of overflowing, you’ll probably need to briefly drain your pool to bring the water back to the appropriate level. If you’re unsure of how to work the valve or how much water to remove, contact a professional.
Shock Your Pool
Last but not least, if a substantial amount of debris entered your pool during a storm, you may need to shock the water bring it back into balance. First, you’ll need to test the water to determine its pH level. Once you have that number, you’ll probably need to pick up a few pool chemicals, including:
● Muriatic acid
● Chlorine (or salt if you have a saltwater pool)
● Algaecide
● Bicarbonate or other alkalinity minerals
● Shock treatment
● Phosphate remover (only necessary if phosphate levels are outside the normal range)
Keep in mind that before you shock the water, you need to adjust the pH to the appropriate level. Shocking the pool spikes the chlorine levels to effectively oxidize the water and kill off microorganisms, but the water pH must fall between 7.2-7.6 to perform a shock; otherwise, the water will turn cloudy. 24 hours after you perform the shock treatment, you’ll need to test the water chemistry again and make any final adjustments to ensure it's safe to swim in.
Need Help Maintaining Your Twin Cities Pool? Contact Royal Pool & Spa Today
Whether you need help cleaning your pool after a storm or you’re ready to set up a weekly pool maintenance schedule, our team at Royal Pool & Spa is here to serve you. We specialize in a wide variety of residential pool services, including maintenance, repairs, and renovations, so when you need pool expertise you can trust, make us your first call! To schedule an appointment or request a quote, give our team a call today at 651-779-7606 or message us on our contact page, and we’ll be in touch promptly.