Should I empty some of the water out of my pool after heavy rain?
Water is a precious commodity so you should avoid emptying water out unless it is absolutely necessary. In general, it is better to let the water overflow rather than draining it out. That way you conserve as much of the water (and chemicals!) as possible.
Consider the following:
Should I Empty Water from My Pool After Rain?
After a heavy downpour, you might be tempted to drain some of the water from your pool. While it may seem like the logical choice, you should only do this if there's a real need to do so.
Is Your Property at Risk?
Before you do anything, take a moment to consider where the overflowing water will go.
- Property Damage: Could the water flood your home, garage, or landscaping? Or does the water flow to a neighbouring property where it could also cause issues? A properly designed pool area should have adequate drainage, but there are plenty of pools around Brisbane that have been built before regulations tightened up. If it is built with good drainage, it's still crucial to ensure that nearby storm drains and gutters are clear of any debris.
- Chemicals: The water that overflows from your pool contains chemicals that could harm surrounding plants and grass. If there's a risk of damage to your landscaping, it's safer to proactively drain a small amount of water.
If your property is not at risk, letting the pool overflow is often the better choice.
Don't Waste Chemicals!
Letting your pool overflow is the most cost-effective way to manage water levels. When rainwater fills your pool, it dilutes all the chemicals. The water that overflows is usually the most diluted, as it hasn't mixed through the pool water, which means you lose a minimal amount of chemicals.
While some chemicals like chlorine and other sanitisers will naturally break down or evaporate over time, others, such as salt, minerals, calcium, and copper (found in algaecides), do not. By allowing your pool to overflow, you retain these more stable and often more expensive chemicals, saving you money on replacing them.
Is More Rain on the Way?
Check the weather forecast. If more heavy rain is predicted, it may be worthwhile to drain a small amount of water in advance to prevent flooding. If the forecast is clear, you can simply let the water level return to normal on its own.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the decision to drain water from your pool comes down to a simple choice: protecting property or saving money.
If there is a legitimate risk of flooding or damage to your home and landscaping, draining some water is the responsible choice. The cost of replacing some chemicals is always going to be less than the cost of repairing damage from flooding.
However, if your property is safe, the most economical and efficient solution is to let the water level in the pool naturally regulate itself. The water will eventually evaporate, and you'll avoid the unnecessary expense of replacing expensive chemicals that you would have otherwise lost by manually draining the pool.
