Why Pool Algae Spikes After a Storm
Storms are a regular part of life in Florida, especially during the summer and fall. While your pool might look fine at first glance, it’s common to see algae start to appear just a day or two after a storm has passed. The quick shift from clear to green water often catches pool owners off guard.
Here’s why algae tends to spike after a storm—and what you can do to stop it before it becomes a bigger problem.
Rainwater Dilutes Your Chemicals
Heavy rain adds a large amount of fresh water to your pool. This dilutes the chemicals already in the water, especially chlorine. When chlorine levels drop too low, even for a short time, algae can start to grow quickly. The more rain your pool takes in, the more likely your sanitizer becomes ineffective.
Testing and rebalancing your pool water right after a storm is one of the most important steps to take.
Wind Brings in Debris and Contaminants
Storms often blow leaves, dirt, pollen, and other debris into your pool. These not only make the water dirty, but also feed algae by adding organic material that algae uses to grow. Even if you scoop out the visible debris, small particles and contaminants may still be affecting your water chemistry.
Running your filter longer and brushing your pool can help clean out what’s left behind.
Algae Spores Are in the Air
Algae spores are naturally present in the air, and storms stir them up. When wind and rain hit, more spores can land in your pool. If the chlorine level is too low when that happens, those spores have a better chance of taking hold.
Keeping chlorine at the right level and using algaecide when needed can help prevent spores from growing into visible algae.
Your Pool System May Have Been Off
Some pool systems get turned off during storms to protect equipment, or they may lose power temporarily. When water isn’t circulating and filtering, even for a day or two, it gives algae the chance to settle and multiply.
It’s important to check that your pump, timer, and filter are running properly once the storm is over. Running your system longer for a day or two after the storm helps clear up anything the rain brought in.
Algae spikes after storms are common, but they don’t have to be a big hassle if you catch the issues early. Keeping an eye on your chlorine levels, removing debris quickly, and making sure your pool is circulating properly will help you avoid problems.
If your pool is looking cloudy or green after a storm, give Orchid Pools a call or text. We’ll get your water balanced, clean, and crystal clear again—so you can get back to enjoying it.
About Orchid Pools
At Orchid Pools, we provide reliable and professional pool service throughout Palm Beach County, Martin County, Saint Lucie County, and Indian River County. Our team proudly serves homeowners in Port Saint Lucie, Jensen Beach, Stuart, Palm City, Port Salerno, Hobe Sound, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, Sebastian, Tequesta, Jupiter, Jupiter Island, North Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and Juno.
We also serve many neighborhoods across the Treasure Coast and South Florida, including White City, Indian River Estates, Lakewood Park, Sewall’s Point, Saint Lucie West, Tradition, Southbend Lakes, Riverland, Sandhill Crossing, Verano, Hutchinson Island South, and Ocean Breeze.
Orchid Pools offers a complete range of residential pool services, including:
Regular pool cleaning and chemical balancing
Filter cleaning and backwashing
Algae and shock treatments
Pool pump repair and replacement
Pool filter system and heater repairs
Pool leak detection and repair
Skimmer and return line repairs
Pool lighting repair
Pool resurfacing, pool replastering, and pool regrouting
Pool saltwater conversions and pool salt cell cleaning
Pool green-to-clean services
Professional pool inspections
For dependable, expert pool care, call Orchid Pools today.
