How to Restore Your Swimming Pool After Heavy Rain

If you have an outdoor plunge pool in Southern Ontario, you might be wondering what effect all this rain will have on your pool. We’ve seen plenty of heavy rainfall this pool season and if left unattended, it can have an effect on both the physical pool and its water chemistry. With the right steps and help from your local pool contractors in Newmarket at Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs, you can get your pool back into swimming condition in no time.

Assessing the Damage

The first step of any recovery process is to assess the initial damage. As you can imagine, the heavier the rainfall and the harder the wins, the larger the impact it can have on your pool. One clear indicator of how much may be affected is your water level. If your water is now far above where it should be, like the middle of the skimmer, this can impact both your water chemistry and your filtration system. Similarly, you can do a quick scan for visible debris and contaminants. You’ll also want to check your pool’s infrastructure and equipment. This will give you a sense of the scope of the damage. If there seems to be serious damage to the infrastructure and equipment, it may be best to contact professional pool contractors in Newmarket. The experts at Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs can take on larger projects and help you replace any necessary equipment.

Skimming and Cleaning

Heavy rainfall often comes with plenty of debris, like leaves and branches, so it’s crucial that you properly clear all of it. You should use your skimmer to clear the debris from the surface level before brushing the pool walls and tiles to eliminate dirt and grime. Having a vacuum or cleaning robot can help expedite this process so you can work smarter, not harder.

Balancing Pool Chemistry

Once you’ve finished cleaning your pool, you can start focusing on your water. Regardless of how much cleaning you do, you will likely still need to adjust your water chemistry. Rainwater can affect your alkalinity and pH levels; the excess water alone can throw off your balance. Plus, any contaminants that might have made their way into your pool can also impact your water. Be sure to test the water for pH, chlorine, and alkalinity levels. Then you can adjust chemical levels as needed to restore water balance. However, you may want to consider a shock treatment if it seems like there might be a fair amount of contamination. This will take longer, but it will help ensure the cleanliness of your pool.

Equipment Inspection and Maintenance

Storms can damage not just your pool but your storage spaces and equipment so you’ll want to make sure all your maintenance essentials are in working condition.  Check your filtration system for any potential clogs or damage, and inspect pumps, heaters, and valves to make sure they’re functioning properly. Finally, be sure to clean and replace filters as needed. Be sure to visit Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs to replace any damaged equipment.  Having all your gear in tip-top shape will not just help you clean your pool in the present but save you the hassle of replacing it in the future.

Refilling and Circulation

After you’ve made sure everything is cleaned, the water is balanced, and your equipment is ready to go, you can start refilling your pool. It’s important to fill your pool with the appropriate amount of water, though the exact amount can vary depending on the size and construction of your pool. Lap pools may require more water in total whereas a plunge pool might need to be filled to a deeper point.  Before turning your pump on, empty it, and the skimmer then set to filter. Leave the pump water running and let the circulation system distribute the treated water. You’ll need to allow some time before testing again to let the water stabilize.

Final Testing and Adjustments

Before getting into the pool, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.  Retesting your water gives you an extra chance to monitor for any lingering issues, check anything you may have missed, and adjust accordingly. Balance your pH levels as needed and ensure proper chlorination. This way, you can be absolutely confident before diving in that you won’t have any unsavoury surprises.

Swimming Pool Maintenance with Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs

While it can seem like a chore to restore your pool after each heavy rainfall, it can go a long way towards extending the life of your pool. Addressing any potential issues promptly is crucial, as keeping your pool clean and balanced helps prevent physical damage to the infrastructure and algae growth. For help restoring your pool or to get more advice on its maintenance, contact the team of experts at Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs today.  

CONTACT US TODAY!