A well-maintained pool is the heart of any backyard paradise, offering a refreshing escape from the daily grind. However, Mother Nature can sometimes put our pool care skills to the test, especially during inclement weather. Rain and other weather conditions can significantly impact your pool, making it crucial to consider specific factors and take proactive measures to keep it in top-notch condition. In this blog post, we, at Memphis Pool, your trusted pool care experts, will guide you through the challenges posed by rain, wind, and hot weather, empowering you to maintain a sparkling oasis all year round.
The Impact of Rain & Wind on your Swimming Pool
Rain and wind act as carriers, collecting contaminants from the atmosphere as they make their way to the ground. These contaminants find their way into your pool water, where the chlorine’s oxidizing power attacks them. While this process removes the contaminants, it simultaneously depletes the chlorine level in the water.
When the influx of contaminants exceeds the pool’s chlorine oxidizing power, free chlorine levels drop to zero, leaving behind unoxidized contaminants. These remnants act as a buffet for algae and bacteria, causing overnight hazy water and visible algae growth.
Rain can also impact the pH of your pool water, with many rains being naturally acidic, leading to a lowering of the pH. Monitoring and adjusting the pH after rainfall are crucial to maintaining optimal water balance.
To tackle weather-induced challenges effectively, follow these proactive steps:
- pH Check and Adjustment: After rain, check the pH level of your pool water. If it’s low, hold off on adjusting it until after giving the pool a chlorine shock, as most shocks slightly increase the pH. In the case of a high pH, quickly lower it to the ideal range of 7.2-7.4.
- Boosting Chlorine Levels: Check the chlorine level, and if it’s below 1.5 ppm, give your pool an immediate chlorine boost using a reliable granular chlorine product, such as Poolife Turbo Shock. This will help maintain a healthy chlorine level and ward off algae and bacteria growth.
- Combating Algae and Cloudiness: Should you notice any cloudiness or visible signs of algae, don’t delay. Provide your pool with a double shock treatment, using 2 lbs of shock per 10,000 gallons of water. Acting swiftly will halt algae growth and restore water clarity before the situation worsens.
Pool Care in Hot Weather
As temperatures rise above 84 degrees, hot weather presents its own set of challenges. Warmer water becomes a breeding ground for algae and increases chlorine consumption. To combat these effects:
- Increase Chlorine Feed: Regularly monitor chlorine levels and increase the rate of chlorine feed to maintain the recommended 1.5-3 ppm range. Adequate chlorine levels ensure a healthy and sanitized pool.
- Incorporate a Weekly Algaecide: Alongside your regular shocking routine, add a potent weekly algaecide like Pool Baron’s Rescue Algaecide. This proactive step prevents algae growth, keeping your pool beautifully clear and inviting.
Maintaining a pristine pool amidst varying weather conditions requires understanding the impact of rain, wind, and hot weather and taking timely and proactive measures. With our expert tips, you can master pool care, ensuring that your oasis remains sparkling, inviting, and a source of joy for you and your loved ones throughout the year.
At Memphis Pool, we’re committed to providing you with the best pool care and maintenance solutions, so you can enjoy your oasis to the fullest, regardless of what the weather brings. If you need any further advice, get in touch with our friendly team today.