Let’s face it, everyone in Southern California is happy to see rain. In a drought, we will take whatever rainfall we can get. The good news is that there is more rain forecast for the end of December and the beginning of January. However did you know that rain affects the water in swimming pools? Knowing the affect of rain on pool water is a key for proper Laguna Niguel swimming pool maintenance.

 Results of Rain on Pool Water pH

Rainwater affects the pH level of the pool water. pH is a scale from 1 to 14 that is used to describe the total potential for hydrogen in a substance. The bottom of the range is acid (the low numbers) the top of the range is alkaline (the high numbers). The neutral range is in the middle at 7.0. Most rain is on the acidic side of the scale. Most swimming pools are kept slightly higher than neutral (7.4 to 7.8). Rainfall can cause the pH of the water in the pool to drop. Maintaining proper pH is crucial for proper swimming pool maintenance in Laguna Niguel and elsewhere.

 Pool Comfort. Our eyes and skin are naturally about 7.4. When swimming pool water is kept in this range, the water does not cause discomfort to our skin and the water doesn’t make our eyes become red and painful. (So quit blaming red eyes from swimming on the chlorine!)  When it rains and the pH in the pool drops, the water becomes less comfortable.

 Pool Sanitization. There is an inverse relationship between pH and the effectiveness of chlorine to sanitize. That means that as the pH rises, the ability of the chlorine in the pool to sanitize the water effectively decreases. It is as if the higher pH puts the chlorine to sleep. It is still present; it is just not as active or effective. The Centers for Disease Control has a great Print and Go fact sheet on chlorine and pH here. When your pool is not properly sanitized, algae and bacteria can start to grow and quickly become a big problem.

Pool Protection. Low pH caused by rainwater can damage pool equipment. As pH drops, the water becomes more corrosive. This can damage the finish of the pool and your pool equipment.  Rain falling freely from the sky can cause costly repairs if not monitored.

Maintaining pH (or balance) is one of the keys to swimming pool maintenance.

 Do It Yourself Swimming Pool Maintenance After Rain

If you maintain your pool yourself, then after rainfall you should do the following:

• Skim debris
• Check the balance of the water (pH and total alkalinity) and adjust
• Check sanitizer levels and adjust as necessary
• Adjust the water level, if it has risen above the mid-tile level

 Professional Laguna Niguel Swimming Pool Maintenance

If you have more important things to worry about than the weather, then just call on Beachside Pool Service for expert swimming pool maintenance. Rain or shine, Beachside Pool Service are the experts for Laguna Niguel swimming pool maintenance and repair. Whether it is swimming pool, spa or even fountain maintenance that you need, you can trust Beachside to provide high-quality professional services at reasonable prices.

For a Free Estimate, just call Beachside Pool Service at (949) 939-0023 and let the experts maintain your pH, total alkalinity, sanitizer levels no matter how much or how little rain you get.  Your family and your pool with thank you!