Austin weather can change quickly. One minute you’re enjoying a clean pool, and the next you’re watching the wind pick up and wondering if that patio umbrella is about to become your neighbor’s problem.
Heavy rain, strong winds, and flying debris can all put your pool to the test. Your water chemistry can shift, debris can pile up, and equipment can be exposed to conditions it wasn’t designed to handle.
Knowing how to Prepare Your Pool for Storm Season starts with understanding what a storm can actually do to your pool. Once you know what you’re up against, it’s much easier to take the right steps before the weather arrives.
How Storms Can Affect Your Pool
We’ve all been there. You wake up after a rough storm, look outside, and find leaves covering the pool, branches floating around, and water that doesn’t look quite the same as it did yesterday.
The mess is obvious, but storms can affect more than what you see on the surface.
Heavy Rain Can Change Your Pool Water
A heavy downpour can dilute your pool water and affect its chemistry. Rain can also carry dirt, pollen, and other contaminants into the pool.
That’s why your pool can look fine while the chemistry is completely out of balance.
Testing your water before and after a major storm gives you a better idea of what actually changed and what needs to be corrected.
Wind Can Send Debris Into Your Pool
Strong winds can turn anything loose around your backyard into pool debris.
Leaves and small branches are obvious, but don’t forget about:
- Pool toys
- Patio cushions
- Umbrellas
- Lightweight furniture
- Decorations
- Loose cleaning equipment
Nobody wants to spend their morning fishing a patio cushion out of the deep end.
Removing or securing these items before the storm can save you a lot of cleanup afterward.
Storms Can Affect Pool Equipment
After a storm rainwater and debris can throw your pool’s chemical levels off balance, making the water cloudy, unstable, or unsafe to swim in. Start by removing debris, then test the water for pH, chlorine, alkalinity, and calcium hardness so you know what needs to be adjusted.
Heavy rainfall often dilutes sanitizer levels and changes pH, which can reduce the effectiveness of your pool chemicals and create conditions where algae can grow. Rebalancing the water as soon as possible helps protect your pool surface, keep the water clear, and restore a safe swimming environment more quickly.
If severe weather is expected, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for your pool cover and secure or protect exposed equipment where appropriate. Taking these preventative steps before the storm arrives can make post-storm cleanup much easier and help keep your pool in good condition.
How to Prepare Your Pool Before a Storm
Knowing how to prepare your pool before a storm doesn’t have to be complicated. A few basic steps can make a noticeable difference.
Remove Loose Items Around the Pool
Walk around the pool and look for anything that could be picked up by strong winds.
Bring in toys, cushions, umbrellas, decorations, cleaning equipment, and lightweight furniture. Secure anything too large to bring inside according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
The goal is simple: give the wind fewer things to throw around.
Clean the Pool and Empty the Baskets
Before you Prepare Your Pool for Storm Season, clean the pool and empty the skimmer and pump baskets.
Removing existing leaves and debris gives your circulation system some breathing room before the storm adds more.
Before the storm arrives:
- Skim leaves and debris from the water
- Empty the skimmer basket
- Empty the pump basket
- Make sure the pool area is free of loose objects
It’s a small step, but you’ll appreciate it when you’re not dealing with an overflowing basket afterward.
Check Your Pool Water
Test your pool water before the storm and make sure it is properly maintained for your pool and sanitizer system.
Don’t start dumping extra chemicals into the pool simply because rain is coming. More chemicals aren’t automatically better.
Start with properly maintained water, then test it again after the storm to see what actually needs attention.
Inspect Your Pool Equipment
Take a few minutes to look over your equipment before bad weather arrives.
Check for:
- Visible leaks
- Loose connections
- Cracked or damaged components
- Unusual sounds
- Anything that looks different from normal
A small problem is much easier to deal with on a calm afternoon than after a storm has added flooding and debris to the situation.
Be Careful Around Electrical Equipment
his is not the time to get creative with DIY electrical work.
If equipment is surrounded by standing water or appears to have been damaged, stay away and wait until conditions are safe. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and contact a qualified professional when necessary.
Check Your Pool Cover
Don’t assume every pool cover should be handled the same way during severe weather.
Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific cover before the storm arrives. If you’re unsure about whether it should be installed, secured, or left off, ask a pool professional.
Five minutes of advice is much cheaper than explaining why your pool cover is now three houses down.
What to Do After the Storm
If you took time to prepare your pool for storm season, cleanup should be much easier once the weather clears.
Remove Debris and Check the Baskets
Remove leaves, branches, toys, and other debris. Then empty your skimmer and pump baskets so your system isn’t forced to handle everything the storm left behind.
Rebalance Pool Water After Heavy Rain
Heavy rain can dilute chemicals and introduce dirt into your pool. Test the water and adjust:
- pH
- Chlorine
- Alkalinity
- Water clarity
If you’re learning How to Prepare Your Pool Before a Storm, remember that checking the water afterward is just as important.
Check Your Pool Equipment
Look for leaks, flooding, visible damage, or anything operating differently than normal. If equipment has been exposed to standing water, don’t attempt a DIY repair.
Before and After a Storm
| Before the Storm | After the Storm |
|---|---|
| Remove loose items | Clear debris |
| Empty baskets | Check baskets |
| Test water | Rebalance water |
| Check equipment | Inspect for damage |
| Check cover recommendations | Check cover for damage |
When to Call a Pool Professional
If your pool stays green, won’t balance, isn’t circulating properly, or has damaged equipment, professional help can save you time and frustration.
At Blakk Brikk Pool Co, we help Austin homeowners with pool cleaning, maintenance, and repairs.
Need help getting your pool back in shape? Contact Blakk Brikk Pool Co for professional pool service in Austin.
Conclusion
You can’t control the weather, but you can control how ready your pool is. Prepare your pool for storm season before bad weather arrives, then clear debris, test the water, and rebalance pool water after heavy rain once the storm passes.
A little preparation can save you a much bigger cleanup later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Shock My Pool Before a Storm?
Not necessarily. Test the water first and adjust the chemistry based on what it needs.
Should I Drain My Pool Before a Storm?
Generally, no. Don’t drain your pool simply because heavy rain is expected.
What If My Pool Turns Green After a Storm?
Remove debris, test the water, and rebalance pool water after heavy rain based on the results.
Should I Cover My Pool Before a Storm?
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific pool cover.
When Should I Clean My Pool After a Storm?
As soon as the storm has passed and it’s safe to go outside.
Be the first to share your thoughts!