Gray skies can ruin more than just your plans for a sunny day at the pool. They can even cause lasting damage to your pool itself! Pool owners will be the first to tell you about the importance of chemicals and pH. Especially when it comes to keeping your swim area clean, comfortable, and hygienic. The smallest upset in your pool’s ecosystem can create a very uncomfortable experience in a flash. Which is why it’s also important to understand the effect rainwater and pool chemistry have on your pool.
Rain’s Effect on Pool Water
- Increased Acidity – When you think about acid, rainwater isn’t typically the first thing that comes to mind. Even “clean” rainwater has a pH value of around 5 which makes it slightly acidic though. (For comparison, pure water has a balanced pH value of 7 and the target range for pools is usually a pH value between 7.4 and 7.6.) As rain falls, it comes into contact with sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere. This contact creates mildly acidic carbonic acid… Which eventually makes its way into your pool and can change your pool’s pH level.
- Damaged Pool Equipment – As rainwater changes your pool’s pH balance, it has the potential to corrode any metal surfaces submerged in the pool. Submerged equipment, like filters, heaters, and pumps can also be damaged by corrosion. While any changes to your pool water may not be noticeable at first, even a pH level of 7.2 or below can cause discomfort and begin damaging pool equipment. A pH level between 6.0 up to 6.9 is even considered somewhat corrosive!
Maintenance and Prevention
- Monitor pH Levels – Thankfully it isn’t hard to prevent damage to your pool from rainwater. Regularly checking your pool’s pH level after a heavy rain is one of the easiest ways of keeping an eye on it. Maintaining a pH level around a 7.4 to 7.6 range will ensure the best swimming experience. Definitely something to keep in mind the next time you or your family goes for a dip.
- Regular Cleaning – If you start to notice your pool’s pH level is getting too low, or that the water has become clouded/ green it’s definitely time to give it a good cleaning. Regularly cleaning your pool and allowing the filtration system to do its job will minimize the amount of time you’ll need to spend on it personally. If your pool needs some extra TLC in the form of professional servicing or maintenance, All Poolside is happy to help. Taking minor steps now will also ensure you don’t need to take any drastic (and costly!) measures later on.
Learn More about Rainwater and Pool Chemistry
Contact us today to speak with one of our certified staff about the importance of your pool’s pH level or set up a consultation today. As a family owned business, we’re delighted to serve the Twin Cities metro area and all of Minnesota. It is our mission to help everyone create their very own oasis for the ultimate backyard vacation experience.
