Effects of Rain on Pool Water
It is common for pool owners to find themselves with a green pool after a rainstorm. Read this article to find out what causes it and how to solve it.
Rain water is naturally acidic, with a pH of 5,0 - 5,5. Rain water can become even more acidic when mixed with nitrogen from lightning. This can affect the pH of swimming pool water and could be the reason the pool would be green after a storm. Nitrogen also turns into a total dissolved solid which creates bacteria in the water. The bacteria is a source of food for algae and this could also be why the pool might turn green after heavy rain storms.
So how can this be resolved?
Alkalinity buffers and protects the pH, making the pool water less susceptible to turning green after a rainstorm. It is therefore recommended to test the Total Alkalinity level in the pool in order to protect the pH.
The recommended range for Total Alkalinity in a pool differs for fibreglass and marbelite, being between 120 – 150 ppm (parts per million) for fibreglass and 80 – 120 ppm for marbelite.
Algae in a pool can be treated with the use of Aqua Pro Algaecide, Oxidiser, and Clarifier. This is known as The Pool Team’s Three Step Process (based on a 50 000 litre pool):
- Always remember to get the basics right first: Test the water; clean out the weir and pump baskets; backwash and rinse. This is to ensure that you obtain the best results from the products added.
- With the pool system on bypass/circulate, through the weir, add 2 litres Aqua Pro Algaecide, followed by 750 grams Aqua Pro Oxidiser.
- After the oxidizer has been added, the pool may become cloudy. Run the filter for 12 hours.
- Add 2 litres Aqua Pro Clarifier through the weir for a crystal-clear pool. Learn more here.
Pro Tip
If rain water runs into the pool from the gutter, there could be a buildup of rust and metals in the water. The Pool Team recommends using the Aqua Pro Metal and Stain Remover to remove these metals. Watch this video to learn how to add Aqua Pro Metal and Stain Remover.
Bring a sample of the pool water to any of The Pool Team stores for a personalised solution to treating a green pool. We offer FREE water analysis at all our stores!