How to Deal with Overflowing Pool Water

Unexpected levels of heavy rain from tropical storms or hurricanes can cause your swimming pool to overflow with water and hazardous debris. When pools overflow, homeowners must deal with a slew of issues, such as:

• Backyard and pool cleaning to remove any debris
• Equipment inspection and repair (for any damages)
• Restoring lost water

Luckily, homeowners can undergo preventative measures to mitigate any issues brought on by overflowing pool water. The sight of overflowing pool water damaging your backyard can seem overwhelming, especially after dedicating precious time and energy to make it look fabulous. Relax and take a deep breath because Shoreline Pools has an action plan to solve this common issue.

Prevent Your Pool from Overflowing

Roughly 5 inches of rainwater will make any pool overflow. So, the best way to prevent water from spilling out is to make sure it never reaches that point. Sure, that’s easier said than done, but we listed some precautions you can follow:

• Lower the water level by at least a few inches when heavy rain appears in the forecast.
• Confirm that your backyard has a proper drainage system.
• Newly designed backyards will probably require a new drainage system. Usually installed around the pool’s perimeter, drainage systems prevent excess water from inhibiting any pool functions.

Potential Problems from Pool Overflow

Unless you address the issue swiftly, overflowing pools and hot tubs may not function properly due to excessive water damage. Further, heavy rainfall can cause excessive runoff, thereby triggering more burdensome issues. When your pool overflows, the surface skimmer cannot perform its function of clearing excess debris. In just a few days, an overflowing pool loses its chemical balance and turns green from algae growth. If the pool water spills onto your deck, it can sustain irreversible damage. Luckily, there are solutions to the problems associated with overflowing pools.

Skimmer Disfunction

Your pool can filter out debris, insects, and anything else creeping into your luxury pool. When your pool’s water overflow, your skimmer will likely become submerged and unable to clean debris from the surface. Once a skimmer submerges, it loses its ability to suck debris into it. But when air and water mix, your skimmer should produce bubbles that indicate proper function. A dysfunctional skimmer can cause unfiltered debris to clog your pumps and filters.

So, allocating time to ensure your pool is properly functioning before a storm can save you from many problems. Just make sure you keep your pool’s water at appropriate levels. The suggested level falls between one-third and one-half up the swimming pool skimmer box opening.

Algae Blooms

Rainstorms leave your pool full of debris, which encourages algae growth. Alga negatively affects the water’s chemical balance. But balancing the pH and alkalinity of your pool after heavy rainfall will decrease the likelihood of algae growth. The ideal pH level ranges between 7.4 and 7.6; alkalinity between 100 ppm and 150 ppm and chlorine between 1ppm and 3ppm. If you want more information on algae removal, take a look at the different kinds of alga and how to protect your pool from them.

Pool Deck Damage

When overflowing pool water creeps underneath the deck, irreversible damages—like lifting, heaving, and cracking—can occur. These preventable damages are often irreversible. Davy Merino, a blogger for In the Swim, believes the deck and landscaping around your pool should be sloping away from the pool by 1/4″ for every foot.

How to Drain Your Overflowing Pool

First, you’ll need to analyze the situation’s severity. If you notice minor flooding in your backyard, you can simply wait for your lawn to absorb more water. Nonetheless, you’ll still want to drain immediately before attending to the pool’s chemistry. Here are several options for lowering the water level in your pool.

Siphon the Pool Water

Siphoning is the simplest way of removing excess water, but you’ll need to make sure you comply with city ordinances. Some towns, for instance, prohibit homeowners from dumping excess water into the streets.

To siphon the water, attach your hose to a hose spigot (the faucet located on the outside of your house) and put the other end into the pool. Turn the spigot on until you see water coming out the end of the hose. Next, unscrew it from the spigot and cap that end. Finally, take that end to the drain and let the water spill out.

Use Your Pump Drain Spigot

Some pumps have drain spigots, making this option easier than siphoning water. Connect your hose to the spigot, and the other end to the drain. Next, open the spigot and let the pump work its magic.

Try a Submersible Pump

If your pool is profusely overflowing, the other methods will not be as effective as a submersible pump. If available, this is your best option. Get your pump out, follow the directions of your brand, and let it work. Again, make sure you have a good place to pump the excess water.

Hire Seasoned Pool Experts

Some things are best left to the professionals. Expert service technicians—like the ones at Shoreline Pools—can offer a multitude of service packages, which includes managing water levels.

Remember to Reset Your Pool’s Water Chemistry

When intense levels of rainwater breach your pool, the chemicals become imbalanced due to the acidic nature of rainwater. Rainwater dilutes pool water, thereby distorting chemical readings like pH, alkalinity, and chlorine. So, the standard amount of chemicals you put into your pool cannot compensate for the extra rainwater. Furthermore, acidic rainwater brings small amounts of contaminants into the pool. Wind also causes external contaminants to enter your pool, which triggers chemical imbalances.

Stay Proactive Before & After Water Overflowing Occurs!

While pool flooding seems inevitable, proactively caring for your pool will yield long-term benefits! Make it a habit to check the forecast for any approaching storms. You will also want to follow preventative measures to combat overflowing water levels. But when you find yourself overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to call the pool maintenance professionals at Shoreline Pools. Dial (203) 357-1544 today to connect with the trusted team of maintenance technicians at Shoreline Pools! We look forward to exceeding your expectations with our white-glove service.