Last week’s storm was a big one. Hail, strong winds and heavy rain swept across Toronto and the GTA, leaving many homeowners dealing with flooded yards, fallen branches, scattered debris and possible property damage.
If you have a pool, it’s worth taking a few minutes to see how it held up—especially if a lot of water collected around it.
How Heavy Rain Can Affect Your Pool
For most pool owners, excess rainwater won’t cause a serious problem. But if your property has drainage issues, the effects can be more significant.
In-ground vinyl liner pools, for example, may develop puffiness or bubbles beneath the liner. This happens when the water level outside the pool rises above the water level inside it, causing water to move underneath the liner.
Sometimes the liner will return to normal once the rain stops and the surrounding water level drops. In other cases, the water needs to be pumped out from behind the liner. That job is best left to a qualified pool service company.
Rainwater will also bring an excess amount of debris into your pool at once. If the chlorine demand is not high enough to handle a heavy rainfall and the excess debris that it adds to the pool, there is a chance your pool can go green. After a heavy rainfall, test and re-balance the chemistry, give the pool a skim and vacuum to remove any excess debris and shock the pool.
What to Look for After the Storm
Once it’s safe to head outside, take a walk around your pool and check for:
- Water collecting or flowing toward the pool
- An unusually high pool water level which will need to be lowered to running height
- Wrinkles, bubbles or puffiness beneath a vinyl liner
- Leaves, branches, dirt or other debris in the water
- Visible damage around the deck or equipment area
- Pool equipment that isn’t operating normally
- Test and re-balance chemicals. Pool will require a shock
- Skim and vacuum your pool. Empty pump and skimmer baskets
- Check your filter pressure gauge and run a backwash if necessary
If any equipment was exposed to floodwater, appears damaged or isn’t working properly, don’t try to restart or repair it yourself. Have it inspected by a qualified professional.
How to Help Prevent Future Problems
A little preparation can make a big difference during the next heavy rainfall.
Pay Attention to Where the Water Goes
The next time it rains, watch how water moves through your yard. If it runs toward the pool or collects nearby, you may be able to make some simple adjustments to redirect it.
Consider a Drainage System
Properties with more serious drainage issues may need a drainage well beside the pool and a weeper system to carry water away.
Ignoring ongoing drainage problems can shorten the life of a pool liner and, in some cases, lead to structural damage to the pool itself.
Never Drain the Pool Without Professional Guidance
Both concrete and vinyl liner pools should only be drained under the supervision of a pool professional. Draining a pool incorrectly can cause significant structural damage.
A concrete pool can float out of the ground, while the steel walls of a vinyl liner pool can collapse inward. If a pool must be drained, it is critical that the plug or hydrostatic valve in the main drain be opened.
When to Call a Pool Professional
Your pool may look fine at first glance, but standing water around it, changes to the liner or equipment problems can be signs that something needs attention.
If you notice puffiness beneath the liner, poor drainage or possible storm damage, don’t drain the pool yourself. Acting early could help you avoid more extensive, and expensive repairs later.
The team at Bremner Pool & Spa can assess the situation, recommend the right next steps and help get your pool back into shape.
Contact us if you’re concerned about how your pool weathered the storm.
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