So, it just poured cats and dogs last night, and now your pool looks more like a swamp than a place to chill. Don’t worry — you’re not alone! Rain can seriously mess with your pool’s chemistry and cleanliness. But here’s the good news: with the right steps (and a little help from your robotic pool cleaner), you can get your pool back in shape faster than you can say “sun’s out, swimsuits on!”
Before you jump in — literally or not — take a sec to see what the storm did.
| What to Check | Why It Matters | Quick Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Debris | Leaves, branches, and dirt mess up filters | Scoop out big stuff with a net |
| Water Clarity | Cloudy = possible algae takeover | Snap a photo before cleaning to track progress |
| Water Level | Too high can mess with skimmers | Drain to mid-skimmer level |
Pro tip: Snap a quick photo before cleanup. If you use a pool maintenance app or a smart robotic cleaner like the iGarden K60, you can track how fast your pool recovers after each storm.
Step 1: Drain the Excess Water
If the rain filled your pool higher than the skimmer, you’ll want to lower it a bit. Use your pool pump’s “waste” setting or a submersible pump to bring it back to the midpoint of your skimmer opening.Why it matters: too much water = poor circulation + diluted chemicals.
As An old saying to say, “Too much of a good thing ain’t good at all.”
Step 2: Remove Debris Thoroughly
Storms wash in leaves, dirt, twigs, and even pollutants like fertilizers or oils. Start by:
- Skimming large debris off the water surface.
- Vacuuming the pool floor and walls for finer particles.
- Scrubbing the waterline, steps, and ledges to remove deposits.
Step 3: Let Your Robotic Pool Cleaner Do the Dirty Work
This is where your robotic pool cleaner earns its paycheck. Rain usually dumps dirt and organic matter that settle fast on the floor and walls. Instead of spending hours vacuuming manually, let your cleaner handle it.Here’s how to do it right:
- Remove big debris (leaves, branches) using a skimmer net.
- Drop your robotic cleaner — like the iGarden K60 — into the pool.
- Choose a full cleaning cycle or activate smart navigation mode for waterline scrubbing.
- Let it run for 2–3 hours to scrub walls, floor, and even the tile line.
Step 4: Test and Balance the Pool Chemistry
Rainwater is naturally acidic and can dilute chlorine levels, so your pool’s chemistry after a storm usually looks like a chemistry class gone wrong.
Use a test kit or digital meter to check:
| Parameter | Ideal Range | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| pH | 7.2–7.8 | Add pH increaser if it’s low |
| Alkalinity | 80–120 ppm | Add baking soda if it’s off |
| Chlorine | 1–3 ppm | Shock the pool if below 1 ppm |
| Stabilizer (CYA) | 30–50 ppm | Add if diluted by rain |
If your chlorine’s low, shock the pool with a good oxidizer to kill bacteria or algae spores. Think of it as hitting the reset button.
Step 5: Run the Filter System — and Let It Breathe
Once your chemistry’s balanced, run your filter continuously for 24 hours. Backwash if pressure builds up, and clean out your skimmer basket. Let your pool “breathe” again — circulate the water, clear out any cloudiness, and get things moving.If your pool’s still cloudy after a day, toss in a clarifier or flocculant to help the filter grab the fine particles.
Step 6: Remove Phosphates & Prevent Algae
Rainwater can bring phosphates and nutrients that fuel algae. Consider:>- Adding phosphate remover after using flocculant.
- Running your filter for at least 24 hours.
- Cleaning or backwashing again after 48 hours.
Step 7: Be Ready for the Next Storm
Every storm teaches you something about your pool’s weak spots. Maybe the rain washes in mulch from your garden, or your cover doesn’t seal tight. Next time you see the forecast calling for a storm, here’s how to prep like a pro: Cover the pool securely Empty skimmer baskets ahead of time Drop your robotic pool cleaner in right after the rain ends
