How Extreme Weather Can Affect Your Pool

On a hot summer day when the sun is shining, there’s nothing better than cooling off in your own backyard pool. However, what happens when the weather is less than ideal? 

From torrential thunderstorms to intense heat waves, we’re no strangers to extreme weather here in Texas, but what does this mean for your pool? Here at Miller Pools, we’ve developed a comprehensive understanding of how these conditions can affect your pool, so read on to find out more. 

How does rain affect your pool?

While slight showers won’t be an issue, significant rainfall can pose a big problem for your pool. Your pool water is delicately balanced with a variety of chemicals that make it safe for swimming; however, excess rainwater can dilute and weaken these chemicals, creating a pH imbalance. Rainwater can also absorb pollutants as it falls, allowing dirt, bacteria, algae spores, and other contaminants to infiltrate your pool.

If there’s been a recent downpour, it’s best to check the pH of your pool water the next day and adjust the chemical levels if necessary, or better still, get a pool professional to do this for you.

How do storms affect your pool?

Here in Texas, we get our fair share of storms; it’s estimated that we experience an average of 137 tornadoes a year – more than any other state. Intense storms bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, and sometimes hail, all of which can affect your pool. 

An intense storm will typically blow all kinds of debris into your pool water, which can clog up the filtration system, affect the pH of your pool water, and make for a pretty unsanitary swimming environment. You also may notice damage to your pool surface, as hail or flying debris can cause chips and cracks. 

After a big storm, it’s best to use proper equipment, such as a pool brush and vacuum, to remove any contaminants. An expert team, like Miller Pools, can carry out any repairs, clean the pool, and perform the necessary maintenance.

How does extreme heat affect your pool?

Summers in Texas are often sweltering, with temperatures rarely dipping below 95°F. While you might not think this is a problem, extreme heat can spell trouble for your pool. Excessively high temperatures can cause pool water to evaporate, which means the chemicals in your pool become even more concentrated, leading to a chemical imbalance. Not only can this cause cloudy water and scaling, but it can also lead to irritation and discomfort for swimmers, so it’s best to test the water before you take a dip.

How does cold weather affect your pool?

Unless you like swimming in icy waters, it’s unlikely you’ll be using your pool much during the colder months. However, this doesn’t mean it can be left alone; your pool should always be winterized to protect it from freezing temperatures. Failure to do so can cause any water left behind to freeze and expand, damaging the pipes, pumps, heaters, and other pool equipment.

How to prepare your pool for bad weather

• Frequently check the chemical balance: As we’ve covered above, you should be testing the pH of your pool after a period of bad weather to ensure all chemicals are correctly balanced.
  

• Carry out weekly pool maintenance: To ensure your pool remains clean and in good condition, regular pool maintenance is essential. A pool maintenance routine, like the weekly service offered by Miller Pools, will pick up any problems at an early stage before they have the chance to develop; this is crucial for helping your pool equipment withstand bad weather.

• Winterization: As we’ve mentioned previously, your pool must be properly closed and winterized before freezing weather hits; otherwise, you risk severe damage that could result in expensive repairs come spring.

• Consult a pool professional: The best way to prepare your pool for bad weather is to consult a pool professional, like the team here at Miller Pools. We can provide expert advice and create a custom maintenance plan tailored to your needs. We can also be on hand to support any post-storm repairs.

Pool maintenance in Texas

If you’re a pool owner from Humble, Atascocita, Pasadena, Galveston, and beyond, don’t be caught out by the bad weather; instead, schedule regular pool maintenance from the experts here at Miller Pools. With over 30 years of experience, we supply a range of pool maintenance and repair services to keep your pool in pristine condition all year round. Contact us today to find out more or to schedule a consultation.