Why Rain and Pools Don’t Always Mix: What South Florida Residents Need to Know
South Florida weather can turn on a dime, and with those sudden downpours comes more than just water in your pool. From chemical imbalances to equipment wear, here’s how rain affects your pool—and what to do about it.
The Hidden Impact of Rainwater
As rain falls, it gathers microscopic hitchhikers—dust, dirt, pollen, and microbes—that end up in your pool. That fresh-looking water? It’s actually loaded with impurities that can throw off your pool’s chemical balance. Add in the wind-driven leaves and debris, and you’ve got the perfect storm for contamination.
How Routine Maintenance Protects Your Pool
Rain happens—but a well-maintained pool can handle it. At Horizon Pool & Patio, our comprehensive care helps keep your water clean, clear, and balanced. Services include:
- Water testing to monitor and correct chemical levels
- Algae removal and prevention before it becomes a problem
- Debris cleanup that saves you hours of skimming
Our certified technicians do the heavy lifting so you can get back to enjoying your weekend.
What Rain Does to Pool Chemistry
Rainwater dilutes key chemicals—especially chlorine—weakening your pool’s ability to kill bacteria and control algae. Even worse, it introduces new contaminants and can encourage growth of unwanted organisms.
Post-rain checklist:
- Test levels of chlorine, pH, and alkalinity – bring a sample and we will test it for you – FREE!
- Adjust as needed—add chlorine and balancing agents to restore safe conditions
- Keep up the habit, especially during stormy stretches
Why pH Balance Matters More Than You Think
Rain can push your pool’s pH below safe limits. Acidic water not only stings swimmers’ eyes and skin—it also eats away at pool surfaces and equipment. Aim for a pH range of 7.2–7.8 for comfort and safety.
- Low pH: Corrosive water that damages metal, etches plaster, and irritates swimmers
- High pH: Water becomes cloudy and chlorine loses effectiveness, opening the door to algae
Routine pH checks and corrections are essential to keeping your pool water crystal-clear and comfortable.
Equipment and Surfaces: Rain’s Longer-Term Victims
Even when water looks fine, unbalanced chemistry can cause hidden damage:
- Metal fixtures (like ladders and lights) may rust or corrode
- Filters and pumps can break down faster when exposed to untreated acidic water
- Low alkalinity makes your pool’s chemistry harder to stabilize, leading to constant adjustments
Don’t Let Runoff Ruin Your Pool
Rainwater runoff can carry mud, lawn chemicals, and minerals from surrounding areas into your pool. This spikes Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), leading to:
- Cloudy water
- Scale buildup
- Reduced chemical effectiveness
Higher TDS means a less comfortable swim and more frequent maintenance.
Special Note for Saltwater Pool Owners
Rain isn’t just disruptive—it’s diluting. For saltwater systems, that means your chlorine output drops and sanitization stalls.
Post-storm action plan:
- Check chlorine and salt levels
- Add salt if levels drop below 2,700–3,400 ppm
- Rebalance to keep your salt cell humming
Horizon Pool & Patio Marks 40 Years of Trusted Service in South Florida
Horizon Pool & Patio is proud to celebrate 40 years of excellence in pool and spa care across the western communities in Palm Beach County. Serving both residential and commercial clients, the company has earned a reputation for quality workmanship and outstanding customer service since opening its doors in 1985.
Their full suite of offerings includes expert pool and spa maintenance, equipment repairs, retail supplies, and complete pool renovations. Whether it’s a backyard refresh or commercial pool upkeep, Horizon brings four decades of experience to every project.
For more information, visit www.horizonpool.com or call (561) 790-0665. The company’s retail store is conveniently located at 12785A W. Forest Hill Boulevard in the Wellington Plaza, next to Schaefer Drugs.
