Pool Cleaning During Rainy Season: How to Keep Your Water Safe and Clear

Rainy season in Florida and other humid regions brings more than just gloomy skies—it brings a storm of challenges for your pool. From chemical imbalances to overflowing water and debris buildup, the rainy months can quickly throw your pool maintenance off track.

But with the right strategies, you can keep your pool clean, balanced, and swim-ready—even when storms roll in.

Below, you’ll learn:

• What rain does to your pool water
• How to manage water levels and chemical balance
• When and how often to clean during the rainy season
• Pro tips to prevent algae, corrosion, and cloudy water

What Rain Does to Your Pool

Rainwater might look clean, but it’s often acidic, unbalanced, and full of contaminants. When heavy rain hits your pool, here’s what typically happens:

• Dilution of chemicals like chlorine and alkalinity
• pH levels drop, increasing acidity
• Algae growth accelerates from poor chlorine levels
• Leaves and dirt wash in, clogging filters and staining surfaces
• Overflowing water can flood decking or displace pool water

The result? A murky, potentially unsafe swimming environment—unless you’re proactive.

Why Frequent Cleaning Is Essential in Rainy Months

During Florida’s wet season (typically June to October), the frequency of pool maintenance should increase—not decrease.

Here’s why:

• More debris means more skimming and vacuuming
• Storms dilute sanitizers, so chemicals must be tested and replenished
• Warm temperatures + rain = perfect algae conditions
• Standing water attracts mosquitoes and bacteria

Internal Link: Need a refresher on balancing chemicals? Check our guide on Adjusting pH and Alkalinity.

Storm Debris Removal Tips

Storms blow in more than just water—they carry leaves, pollen, branches, insects, and even mud into your pool. This organic matter breaks down and feeds algae if not removed quickly.

Post-Storm Cleaning Checklist:

• Skim large debris immediately
• Vacuum the pool (manual or automatic)
• Empty skimmer and pump baskets
• Rinse or backwash the filter
• Brush the pool walls and floor to prevent algae film
• Test and balance chemicals (especially chlorine and pH)

Pro Tip: Use a fine mesh skimmer for small debris like pine needles or pollen.

Rain’s Impact on Pool Chemistry

Rain typically lowers your pool’s pH and total alkalinity, both of which are key to water balance. This creates acidic conditions, leading to:

• Metal corrosion (pipes, ladders, lighting)
• Etching or pitting in plaster and tile
• Cloudy water or skin irritation

Key Chemical Checks After Rain:

🔗 Related resource: For safe water chemistry standards, see CDC Pool Water Guidelines.

Managing Pool Water Levels During Rain

Too much rain can cause your pool to overflow, reducing chemical effectiveness and potentially flooding the surrounding area.

What to Do If Pool Water Overflows:

• Turn off pool pump during heavy storms
• Use a submersible pump or drain valve to lower water level
• Recheck water balance immediately after draining

You should aim to keep the water level midway up the skimmer opening—too high or low affects circulation and skimming.

How Often Should You Clean Your Pool During Rainy Season?

In general, we recommend the following schedule for stormy months:

Weekly professional service is strongly recommended during rainy months to catch issues early and prevent algae outbreaks.

When to Shock the Pool

If your pool looks green, cloudy, or smells strongly of chlorine after a storm, it’s time for a shock treatment. This involves raising chlorine levels to oxidize contaminants.

Quick Shock Tips:

• Use a calculated dosage of chlorine shock based on pool size
• Shock at night for best results
• Keep the pump running for 24 hours
• Test chlorine and pH the next day before swimming

Not sure how? Read our full guide on How to Shock a Pool.

Rain-Proof Pool Care: Long-Term Prevention Tips

Preventative care during the rainy season can save you from major headaches. Here’s how to protect your pool in advance:

Preventative Strategies:

• Trim trees and bushes to reduce debris
• Use a pool cover before major storms
• Install overflow drainage if flooding is frequent
• Keep backup chemicals (chlorine, algaecide, pH adjusters) on hand
• Have your pool inspected before and after the season

Also consider switching to saltwater or variable-speed pumps to improve efficiency and maintain better balance year-round.

🔗 Know More: End-of-Season Pool Cleaning: Complete Guide

Conclusion: Stay Ahead of the Storm

Rainy season doesn’t have to mean dirty water, algae, and frustration. With the right tools, schedule, and help from professionals, you can keep your pool clean, balanced, and ready to enjoy—even on stormy weeks.

Whether you need weekly cleanings, emergency storm cleanups, or chemical balancing, M&M Pool & Spa Services Corp is here to help you every step of the way.

🔗 Know More: Hurricane Pool Preparation: South Florida Pool Safety Guide