Rain isn’t exactly a big concern among Austin, TX residents. The city gets about 35 inches of rain a year, which is slightly less than the nationwide average of 38 inches of rain annually. May, June, and October tend to be the months when the most rain falls.
Rain may be great for vegetation, but have you ever considered what rainwater may do to your swimming pool water?
While a little bit of rain may not do any harm, large downpours can have a negative effect on your pool water, which is why you may want to take certain precautions to protect your pool. Further, your pool should be properly cleaned after a big storm to make sure the water chemistry is balanced.
Pool water chemistry can be finicky even on a good day. But when you throw rainwater into the mix, it can be a challenge.
Rainwater has a certain level of acidity that can throw your pool water’s chemistry off. The total alkalinity can be reduced as it tries to maintain a level pH. If the pH level goes out of a healthy range — which is anywhere from 7.3 to 7.5 — the water can start to negatively affect swimmers’ skin and eyes.
Plus, rainwater can leave behind dirt and debris, especially during a particularly harsh rainstorm. Again, this can affect your pool water’s chemistry, not to mention leave behind a mess to clean up.
Luckily, there are some things you can do to protect your pool water from rain, including the following:
- Get rid of debris immediately after a storm.
- Vacuum the pool to brush off as much debris from the surfaces of your pool as possible.
- Get rid of excess water by draining the pool partially so the water is back to its original level.
- Test the chemistry of the pool water to determine where it’s added and how much chemicals need to be replaced or added.
Make sure you always have the right pool equipment and chemicals handy, and get in touch with your trusted Austin swimming pool builder when you need a hand for all your pool needs!
