No matter how well you install your pool cover, water from rain will eventually end up in your pool. Then ask yourself this question: “What to do if there is rainwater in the pool?” Below you will find out whether rainwater in the pool is bad and what you can do after a storm!
How does rain affect pool pH?
If it rains too much, the pool's chemical balance can be disrupted, making the water dangerous to swim in. The wind can also carry insects, leaves and other unwanted objects. To determine pH, you need to take a water sample and test it with the pool test strips. The pH or alkalinity of your pool is a good measure of its overall health. Bacteria, fungi and algae can thrive in an acidic or alkaline pH environment, which is bad news for swimmers. Swimming becomes uncomfortable when the pH rises above 7.4 pH or falls below 7.0 pH - the ideal pH is between 7.0 and 7.4. Rainwater in Germany normally has a pH value of 5.6 to 5.8. It is therefore recommended to check the alkalinity value during heavy rain.
The chemicals are carefully balanced to purify the water and maintain pH levels to ensure swimmers' safety. When it rains a lot, pool chemicals can be washed away, which can encourage algae growth.
What to do with the pool after heavy rain?
If your pool turns green shortly after a heavy rain, it's almost certainly due to algae. Never swim in green pool water, no matter what the cause is, you should always fix it.If the water is cloudy, you should clear it up before jumping in. Follow these four steps to ensure water chemistry is restored to pre-rain levels.
Remove leaves, sticks, etc
Remove leaves, sticks and debris from your pool as soon as possible after a heavy rain. They clog your filter when they make their way inside the filter. Before you start using your filter, you should clear the area of all debris.
Total water level has risen
If the amount of rain has upset your pool's chemistry, it's safe to assume that the overall water level has also risen, so drain the excess water. Make sure the water has been drained to the level you desire before adjusting your pool's chemical levels.
The first step to keeping your pool skimmer working is to lower the water level. In this way, contamination from plants and water in the deck area can be avoided. The quickest and easiest way to drain water from most pools with sand or diatomaceous earth filters is to turn the filter valve to the “Waste” position and start the pump. If you have a multi-way valve, use waste mode.
Clean your pool
Clean the walls andthe bottom of the swimming poolwith a pool vacuum. Then turn on the pool's filtration system and let the water filter itself. In the initial stages, your system should be operational: but wait until the water is clean before testing again. It may take a few days (or longer) for the water to become crystal clear again, depending on how cloudy it is.
Check chemical concentrations
The three most importantvalues to be monitoredare alkalinity, chlorine content and pH value. The ideal range for your pH is between 7.0 and 7.4, as mentioned earlier. After a rain, your pool's pH will likely fall below 7 and will need to be adjusted. The ideal range for chlorine content is between 1 and 3 ppm, and for alkalinity it is 80 – 150 ppm.
You can do shock chlorination and use an algaecide. It is then best to let the filter system run for 48 hours. The pH value and the chlorine concentration should be analyzed again afterwards.
Can you put baking soda in the pool after a rain?
After a heavy rain, you can make the water clean again by using baking soda to eliminate algae. The pH of your swimming pool is lowered by rainwater, making the water more acidic. Baking soda not only removes algae and makes the water clear again, but it can also bring the pH back to a safe level. The correct ratio of baking soda to water is 500 g per 36,000 liters of water.
@testyourownpoolhow to maintain and clean your pool after a storm of heavy rains#poolmaintenance #poolchemicals #poolchemistry #poolcleaning ♬ Harvest Moon – Poolside
Also read:Pool care when it rains: This is what you should do before and after the storm!
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