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June 19, 2025

What to Do with a Pool During Heavy Rain?


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Heavy rain can turn your pool into a messy problem with debris and unbalanced water. It often lowers chlorine levels, making algae growth more likely. This blog will guide you through simple steps to protect your pool and keep it clean.

Effects of Heavy Rain on Your Pool

Strong storms can mess up your pool in many ways. Rainfall dilutes water chemistry, dropping levels of chlorine, alkalinity, and pH balance. This imbalance often leads to algae growth or cloudy water if not fixed fast. Debris from heavy rain, like leaves and dirt, can clog skimmer baskets and strain your pool filter, harming water clarity.

Overflows are another big issue during intense downpours. Excess water can flood the pool area, creating drainage problems that need quick action to avoid damage. These effects show why storm preparation and overflow management are vital for pool maintenance.

Heavy rain can turn a clean pool into a mess overnight if you’re not prepared.

a dirty inground swimming pool

Steps to Protect and Maintain Your Pool During and After Heavy Rain

Heavy rain can impact your pool’s water quality and equipment if you’re not prepared. Follow these essential steps to protect your pool before, during, and after a storm:

Before and During Rain:

  • Raise chlorine levels by 1 to 2 ppm above normal to prevent algae growth as rain dilutes your pool’s chemistry.
  • Use a pool cover to shield your pool from debris and excess water, reducing cleanup afterward.
  • Check for overflow risks and ensure proper drainage around your pool to prevent water buildup and damage.
  • Secure nearby loose items that could blow into the pool and cause contamination.

After Rain:

  • Clear debris from skimmer baskets and clean your pool thoroughly to maintain proper water flow and prevent filter strain.
  • Test water chemistry—especially pH, alkalinity, and chlorine—and adjust as needed to restore balance.
  • Add chlorine shock if necessary to boost sanitizer levels and prevent algae growth.
  • Inspect for any drainage or overflow damage and address issues promptly to avoid future problems.
  • Maintain regular filter cleaning to manage the increased debris load after storms.
  • Avoid draining the pool completely after rain without professional advice; improper draining can cause damage.

Conclusion

Heavy rain can quickly disrupt your pool’s water balance and cleanliness, but with proper care, you can protect your investment. Raising chlorine levels, using a pool cover, and preparing for overflow help minimize storm damage. After the rain, prompt debris removal, water testing, and filter maintenance restore your pool’s health and clarity.

If you need expert help managing your pool before or after a storm, Carlton Pools offers comprehensive pool maintenance, pool cleaning services, and pool repair to keep your pool safe and swim-ready year-round. For seasonal transitions, explore our pool opening and closing services to ensure your equipment stays protected through every weather change.

Trust Carlton Pools for reliable pool service that helps you enjoy a clean, healthy pool.