Preparing Your Pool for Heavy Rainfall and Extreme Storms

As fall brings cooler temperatures, it also introduces the possibility of heavy rainfall and storms. While preparing your home for inclement weather is a priority, pool owners also need to take steps to protect their investment. A well-maintained pool not only ensures water safety but also reduces the likelihood of costly repairs after severe weather.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through essential steps to prepare your pool for storms while offering practical advice for pool owners, especially those in areas frequently affected by extreme weather.

Secure Your Pool Area

Before any storm hits, securing your pool area is crucial. High winds and heavy rain can turn pool furniture and accessories into dangerous projectiles. Here’s what you can do:

• Store Pool Equipment: Move chairs, umbrellas, toys, and any loose items indoors or to a secure location. This prevents them from blowing into your pool and causing damage.
• Secure Pool Cover: If you have a pool cover, ensure it is tightly secured. If you live in an area prone to severe winds, consider using a safety cover, which is more durable and can handle the stress better than standard covers.

By securing your pool area, you not only protect the pool itself but also safeguard your home and surroundings from unnecessary damage.

Balance the Water Chemistry

Rainwater can quickly throw off your pool’s water chemistry, leading to imbalanced pH levels and even algae growth. Preparing your pool water before a storm helps maintain its cleanliness and reduces the work required post-storm.

• Test and Balance Chemicals: Use a test kit to check the pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels, ensuring they are balanced. If you anticipate a heavy storm, consider adding shock treatment to the water beforehand to prevent bacteria growth.
• Lower Water Level: In cases of extreme rainfall, it may be wise to lower the pool water level slightly to prevent overflow. Be sure to avoid draining too much, as the pressure from groundwater could cause damage to the pool structure.

Turn Off and Protect Pool Equipment

Electrical equipment and water don’t mix, and during a storm, power surges and heavy rainfall can easily damage your pool’s pump, heater, and other systems. Taking the following steps ensures your equipment is protected:

• Turn Off Power to Pool Equipment: Shut down power to your pool pump(s), filter, heater, and any other electronic devices. If you have a pool automation system, power that down as well.
• Cover Pool Equipment: Use waterproof covers to protect your pump and electrical equipment from excessive moisture. For long-lasting protection, some pool owners opt to build an equipment shed or housing structure.

Protect Your Pool from Debris

Heavy rain and strong winds can cause debris like leaves, dirt, and even tree branches to find their way into your pool, clogging your filtration system and affecting water quality. Taking preventive measures is key to reducing the cleanup workload.

• Trim Nearby Trees: Before storm season, trim trees and large bushes around the pool to minimize the chance of branches falling into the water.
• Install a Debris Cover: If you don’t already have one, consider using a debris cover specifically designed to prevent leaves and other items from entering your pool during a storm.

Inspect Your Pool After the Storm

Once the storm passes, it’s important to check your pool for any damage and perform necessary maintenance to get it back in shape.

• Remove Debris: Begin by removing large debris, like branches or leaves, from the pool. Be cautious, as sharp objects may damage your pool’s surface.
• Test and Rebalance Chemicals: Storms can drastically affect your pool’s water balance. Test the water chemistry and adjust the levels of pH, chlorine, and alkalinity as needed.
• Inspect Equipment: Check your pool equipment for any signs of damage. Turn everything back on and make sure the pump and filter are functioning properly. If you notice any problems, call a professional for repairs.

Consider Long-Term Pool Protection

If you live in an area that experiences frequent heavy rainfall or severe storms, investing in long-term solutions can help you maintain your pool more efficiently.  These areas include, Louisiana, Florida, Texas, Mississippi, and Alabama.
You should consider these options:

• Install a Surge Protector: To protect your pool’s electrical components, install a surge protector. This will help prevent damage to your pump and other equipment during power surges.
• Automatic Water Leveler: An automatic water leveler can help you manage fluctuating water levels during storms, preventing overflows and maintaining consistent water balance.

Sensitive Considerations for Storm-Affected Areas

For pool owners in regions regularly impacted by severe storms, hurricanes, or flooding, it's essential to plan ahead. In these situations, your priority should always be your safety and the well-being of your family. If time allows, follow the steps outlined above, but always prioritize evacuating or protecting your home first. If your pool is damaged after a storm, local pool professionals can assist in assessing the situation and making necessary repairs.