The Rain Is Causing My Swimming Pool to Overflow

Do Not Drain the Pool

• Removing a small amount of water from your pool to reduce the effect of rainfall is fine, but draining the pool entirely can cause damage to the liner. The water in your pool gives a rigidity and weight to the liner. A drained pool can be subject to lifting and buckling during periods of heavy rainfall, as it essentially "floats" in the wet ground.

Install Overflow Pump

• Many newer pools will already be equipped with an overflow drain, but these devices can be installed in existing pools as well. They are small float-activated pumps and drain systems that are triggered when the water level rises above a certain level. The water is then drained away, typically to a floor drain or curbside.

Skimmer Knockout Port

• Many pool skimmers have what is called a knockout overflow port. It is a small port that can be opened manually, or may open automatically, when the water level in the pool rises above the top of the skimmer. This port can be tied to your deck draining system and be used to whisk water away from the pool and prevent damage to your yard.

Balance the Pool Chemistry

• However you choose to handle your overflowing pool, you must check the pool chemistry after the rain has stopped. The addition of rain water dilutes, possibly to an ineffective level, the chemicals that prevent algae and bacterial growth in your pool. The rain brings additional chemicals into the pool, and the water should be treated and filtered before the pool is used.