Storm and swimming pool, what are the risks of storms for the swimming pool?

Unavoidable climatic phenomena of summer, both intense and short-lived, thunderstorms represent a real danger for swimming pools.

From simple water imbalances to deterioration of your equipment, the risks of storms hitting your pool are numerous and can cause extensive damage in just minutes.

Why does the storm make the water in the pool spin?

Between myth and reality, the risks of seeing your pool water take on a white, green or even yellow color are very real.

One of the first risks of a storm in the pool is to have unbalanced water and therefore find yourself with cloudy water invaded by algae and bacteria.

A lush garden, green trees and air pollution galore, summer is a season that mixes beauty, but also dirt. During a storm, it is mainly this accumulation of plant debris and polluting particles that will settle in your pond.

Thunderstorms that bring large amounts of rain into your pool will cause an imbalance in the pH of your pool water. In fact, the pH of rain is more acidic because the numerous particles present in the air and in particular pollution, will lower the pH of the pool water.

This series of consequences will quickly turn your water clear cloudy or green water.

At the end of the storm it will be enough to do a complete cleaning and adjust all the parameters of your water. Make a shock treatment if necessary.

Read the article by our partner Piscineco: How to do a shock treatment?

Does the pool need to be covered during a storm?

There are no clear answers, as the pros and cons will depend on the situation:

If you cover the pool with a cover:

• dirt and impurities resulting from rain are reduced in the pool.
• the roofing risks being damaged in the event of hail and very violent winds.
• the filtration pump is less affected by winds against the skimmer.
• the higher precipitation supply is reduced in the basin.
• if the water is warm, the cover will increase the temperature and the risk of algae development.

If you don’t protect your pool with a cover:

• the swimming pool risks becoming dirty with various impurities.
• the water balance will be significantly unbalanced.
• your protective cover is preserved.
• If the wind blows against the direction of the current, filtration will be ineffective or even impossible.

Read the article: Why choose a roll-up pool cover?

Should we turn off filtration during a storm?

There, the demand will depend on your geographic location, the storm and your installation.

If you live in a place that has high risks, we strongly recommend that you do so stop filtration as a precautionS. Even if these remain marginal cases, it is not uncommon for a storm to blow up a system and I’ll leave you to imagine the cost of the repair.

To limit damage, it may be more prudent to install a RCD in your pool’s electrical system. This will have the role of protecting your equipment from surges.

Can you swim during a thunderstorm?

This question may seem trivial and make you smile, but it is always good to remember it water and electricity don’t mix. Thunderstorms and especially summer storms can come quickly and suddenly. It is therefore advisable to leave the pool as soon as the first noises are heard.

In fact, the pipes, umbrellas, deck chairs and other accessories around the pool are elements that can attract lightning towards the pool.