Rain Rules For Pool Pros

Rain changes pool service from routine to triage, especially during the first storms of the season. The initial rains knock oil off roads and debris from trees, and that same mix ends up in pools. Water turns murky, skimming stalls, and scheduling gets messy. The instinct is to throw chemicals at the problem or pre-drain water, but that often wastes money and creates risk. A smarter approach starts with understanding local rain patterns, planning route flexibility, and using clear customer policies. With a simple rainy-day rule and a focus on chemistry checks, you can move fast, avoid unsafe work, and keep clients happy without overpromising in impossible conditions.

Superchlorination is the most common pre-storm question. The practical answer is “sometimes.” If forecasts show multiple storms landing on your service days, preemptive chlorine on debris-heavy pools can prevent organic staining and help chlorine demand. But forecasts miss, and blanket superchlorination burns budget and raises CYA and combined chlorine issues over time. Target only vulnerable pools with heavy foliage, dense landscaping, or chronic debris. Skip broad pH adjustments during active rain: rainwater is often acidic and skews readings. The reliable baseline is simple—ensure there is adequate free chlorine before storms, then retest and balance when the weather clears and readings stabilize. Treat chemistry like insurance: precise where needed, restrained everywhere else.

Pre-draining sounds proactive but is usually unnecessary and risky. Most modern pool builds include deck and yard drainage to protect the home during overflow, and pools can sit above the skimmer without harming equipment. The downside is weaker surface skimming, not system damage. If you must lower water, do it after the storm or when water intrusion is imminent. Use the hose bib on the equipment line with the pump running, or a submersible pump on the first step for fast control. Avoid using a DE push-pull backwash as a drain; it inflates grids and shortens their life. If you have a multiport, use waste mode. Some Pentair filters let you drain through the air bleed with 3/4-inch tubing. These methods protect equipment and keep control in your hands instead of gambling on the forecast.

Work strategy matters as much as chemistry. On true rain days, visibility is poor and vacuuming is futile. Adopt a short-visit plan: test and dose essential chemicals, verify circulation, and move on. With a concise policy that states chemicals will be added and the pool cleaned next visit, your day becomes a safe, efficient loop instead of a slog. When consecutive rain hits the same weekday, shift select pools to adjacent days to avoid three-week gaps. Prioritize vocal or high-standard clients and debris-prone yards. Finish the rest the following week. This light reshuffle prevents green pools without blowing up your entire route, and it keeps service quality tied to outcomes, not heroics.

Safety and communication close the loop. Heavy rain multiplies traffic risks, and most repairs are non-starters in wet conditions. Rain boots and breathable waterproof gear make quick checks safer and faster, while a short email or text sets expectations. Keep a one-sentence rain clause: chemicals added, cleaning on the next visit. Have photos ready to guide clients on draining through the hose bib if they call during overflow concerns. Clients care more about their home staying dry than a perfect skim line. When you show calm control, give simple instructions, and set firm limits, you build trust. Rainy weeks can even become your shortest, most profitable days—measured by smart chemistry, sharp policy, and the discipline to leave the net in the truck when the clouds say no.