Monsoon season in Arizona brings dramatic weather — dust storms, lightning, strong winds, and heavy rains. While these storms can be exciting to watch, they can wreak havoc on your swimming pool if you’re not prepared. From clogged filters to chemistry imbalances, a single storm can turn a sparkling pool cloudy overnight.
Here’s how to protect your pool before storms hit, keep it safe during severe weather, and restore it quickly afterward.
Before the Storm: Prevention is Key
- Secure Loose Items
Move umbrellas, pool floats, toys, and lightweight furniture indoors or tie them down. These can become dangerous projectiles in high winds. - Prepare the Water Chemistry
- pH: 7.4–7.6
- Free Chlorine: 2–4 ppm
- Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
- Calcium Hardness: 250–400 ppm
Adding a preventative algaecide and clarifier can help your water resist storm-related contamination.
- Clean & Prime Your Equipment
Empty the skimmer and pump baskets, check your filter pressure, and ensure your pump is primed and ready to handle extra debris. - Protect Your Equipment Pad
If flooding is common in your area, consider sandbags or a small barrier to prevent water from reaching your pump and electrical components.
During the Storm: Safety First
- Stay Out of the Pool – Never swim during lightning or heavy rain.
- Shut Down Equipment if Necessary – If lightning is close or flooding begins, turn off pool equipment at the breaker to prevent damage.
- Avoid Using a Solid Cover – High winds can rip solid covers and cause more harm than good.
After the Storm: Restore & Rebalance
- Remove Debris First
Use a leaf rake to remove large items before running your pool cleaner. This protects your equipment from damage. - Run the Pump Continuously
Circulate water for 24–48 hours to help filter out dust and fine debris. - Clean the Filter
Backwash sand or DE filters; rinse cartridge filters thoroughly. Check filter pressure and clean again if needed. - Test & Adjust Chemistry
Heavy rain and debris can lower chlorine levels and throw off pH. Re-test and rebalance as soon as possible.
Shock the pool at dusk and brush walls and steps to prevent algae growth. - Inspect for Damage
Check tile, coping, and plaster for cracks or chips. Inspect your equipment for flooding or electrical issues.
When to Call a Professional
If your pool water remains cloudy or green after shocking, your equipment was flooded, or you notice structural damage, contact Gilbert Pool Remodeling. We offer:
- Green-to-Clean Services
- Filter Deep Cleans
- Tile Repair & Surface Assessments
- Equipment Diagnostics & Replacement
Final Tip
Monsoon storms are unpredictable, but with proper preparation and quick action afterward, you can keep your pool safe, clean, and ready to enjoy all season long.
