What to do When it Rains

As the rain falls, it collects dust from the air, leaves from trees around the pool, pollen, mud, oils, and algae spores. When there is a heavy rain, the water will collect algae spores from the air which could potentially contaminate your heater and pump during circulation causing your pool to become chemically unbalanced and begin to lose its beautiful blue.

Rain can also soften the water and lower the calcium hardness. Calcium hardness should be regularly monitored and maintained so the water in the pool has a complete proper chemical balance. The lower the calcium hardness, the higher the chance that the water can corrode the surfaces of your pool causing damage that can lead to a costly repair.

In addition, rain can also disturb the pH level in your pool. The pH level is the measure of the water’s acidity. Acids and alkalies need to be as balanced as possible at all times. If these levels are too high or low, the chemicals in your pool will become unbalanced and require immediate attention to keep the water clear, clean, safe, and swimmable.

As an added safety measure, we always recommend any loose items outside the perimeter of your pool—such as chaise lounge chairs, umbrellas and tables—be removed and stored away when not in use. These can become dangerous projectiles during high winds and rain.

Pool Preparation Before a Storm

It’s wise to prepare your pool before a storm. Here are the top three things that should be done when a heavy rain is expected.

1. Turn Off Power to Pool Pump Equipment.

All electrical power should be turned off. Circuit brakers at the main electrical panel should be shut down. The pool’s pump motors, lighting, chlorinators and heaters should also be turned off. The motors for the pumps can be tightly covered by some material, such as painter’s tarp.

2. Prep the Pool for Clean-up.

To prevent debris and storm water from causing extensive damage to the pool, take some preventative measures by ensuring the chemical levels are balanced before the storm and adding extra algae treatment. These steps can help protect the water from contaminants as well as make the clean-up process a lot less work once the storm has subsided. Also consider cleaning the areas around the pool for any debris that could be blown into the water or any low-hanging branches from nearby trees.

3. Don´t Empty or Cover the Pool.

Don’t empty or lower the pool’s water. The weight of the water is what helps keep the pool securely in the ground. If you do, your pool can potentially “pop out” of the ground due to hydrostatic pressure and a rising water table, causing severe structural damage that would require an immediate repair. It is also never a good idea to cover the pool, as covers can become dangerous and cause more damage in a storm with high winds.

Pool Repair After Heavy Rain

After the rain passes, it’s now time to see if your pool needs repair. Check the skimmer and the pump baskets for debris and potential damage. Empty both and turn on the pump to start filtering out the debris. If the rain caused excess water, drain the water until it reaches the half-way mark of the skimmer. Then run a test of all your pool chemical levels and assess what needs to be corrected with the appropriate chemicals.

If your pool has a leak, it can damage the property or landscaping around it. A crack in the concrete and tears in vinyl liners are two common causes of a leak that signal the need of an immediate repair. If the heavy rain caused any malfunctioning of the pool pump, it will most likely require a repair from a professional pool serviceman from Champions Pool Repair and Service.

Pool Maintenance During Hurricane Season

Since it is officially Hurricane Season in South Texas, it’s in your best interest to protect your pool and know the best tips to be prepared. Here’s what you can do:

• Your pool should be insured. If there’s a crack in your pool that needs to be repaired or damage from a storm, the last thing you want to do is pay out of pocket. Pools are an expensive investment, so you should protect them with the same coverage as you do your house and auto.


• As stated, never completely drain your pool. Similarly, you should never lower the water level of your pool beyond the proper fill point to avoid any unnecessary structural damage.


• During a hurricane, remember to prepare the water beforehand and add a healthy dose of chlorine, which will protect your pool during the inclement weather.


• Also, be sure to inspect the plumbing, the filter, and the pump to see if there is any visible damage before you restart your system.


• Lastly, you should remove or trim branches near or around the pool. This step is crucial because when the rain falls on your pool, less leaves, twigs and debris will end up in the water and it decreases the chances of structural damages from large limbs falling in the pool.

Hire an Expert

Pool maintenance is an arduous task. This is why it’s important to hire pool professionals who can maintain, clean, and assess any damages to your pool and equipment. Proper maintenance and care will increase the life and enjoyment of your pool making sure you get the most out of your investment.

Don’t settle for a sub-par pool repair. Get with the leading experts at Champions Pool Supply & Service for top-notch service. Contact us by calling us at (281)355-8504 for our Louetta location or (346) 336-6713 for our Kuykendahl location and schedule a time that works for you.