So, how about all this rain the past week or so?
What was looking like the beginning of a really hot and sweltering summer two weeks ago, appears to have changed to a soggy mess! Actually, this is similar to what June looked like about 11 years ago... cool, rainy (really rainy). Weather like that just gives us pool owners fits.
But don't worry, I'm here to help you out!
First of all, what do you do when you've opened your pool, gotten it all ready to use and it starts raining... and raining? The answer is: not much. You can't control the weather at all, but you can control what will happen to your swimming pool. Keep in mind these 2 simple things: run the filter as you normally would, 8 to 12 hours each day (the easy part) and do your best to maintain some bit of sanitizer in the water (regardless whether you're using chlorine, bromine, Baquacil, Soft Swim, Pristine Blue, salt level); that will prove to be a bit more challenging. But if you can, your pool water can weather the storm well.
It's important to keep the filter running to filter out dirt and debris that the storm will be dumping into the pool. After the storm, a quick vacuuming should be all that's necessary to be back to clean.
Why maintain a good (decent or at least some) sanitizer level? As the rain falls into the pool and accumulates, lots of stuff is being brought in: algae, pollen, bird droppings, etc. Rather than play catch up later, maintaining is easier. Trying to keep the water balanced (pH, total alkalinity and water hardness) with a heavy amount of rain like we just experienced will be next to impossible, so wait until the storm is over.
What to do after the storm has passed and it looks like smooth sailing? That's easy! Go back to your regular good maintenance.
Vacuum and clean the pool. If the water level is really high (like after the past couple of days), and you happen to have a sand or DE filter that is equipped with a backwash or multiport valve, vacuum the accumulated debris on direct waste and just get it out of the pool. Work quickly so that you don't waste too much water.
As far as chemicals and chemistry is concerned, shock the pool to oxidize high or higher levels of unfilterable waste that was washed in by the rain. Add an initial dose of a good algaecide to take care of or prevent the pool from turning green.
Once you see that there is going to be "normal" weather ahead, now you can re-balance the water. Get that pH back to where it should be, 7.4 - 7.6; total alkalinity between 80 - 140 ppm; water hardness (calcium hardness) between 175 - 250 ppm. I'll cover the why's of good water balance in an upcoming post. Be sure to have your water professionally tested and analyzed. Never guess with water balance.
What next?
It's summer time! The rain has passed. Enjoy a wonderful weekend with your family in the pool.
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Please email me with your questions: techhelp@parpools.com
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