Winter rain might seem harmless but if you own a pool, you will know it can quietly mess with your water balance in ways that cause bigger problems later. At Everclear Pools, we often see homeowners wait until spring to check their water, only to find cloudy water, staining or a green tinge that’s harder (and costlier) to fix than they expected. Here’s how winter rain affects your pool’s chemistry and what you can do to stay on top of it through the colder months.

Why Rainwater Throws Everything Off

Rain doesn’t just top up your pool – it dilutes the chemical balance and introduces unwanted extras like dust, organic matter, and even pollution. Over time, this can lead to:

• Lower chlorine levels
• Dropped pH and total alkalinity
• Unstable water that’s more prone to algae and cloudiness
• Even a light, regular drizzle can shift your pool’s balance. And with Adelaide’s unpredictable winter rains, one good downpour is enough to undo weeks of proper water maintenance.

1. Chlorine Gets Diluted (and Can’t Do Its Job)

Every time rain falls into your pool, it brings with it extra water and that means your chlorine is being spread thinner than intended. This weakens its ability to fight off bacteria, algae spores and organic matter like leaves and dirt.

2. pH and Alkalinity Get Knocked Out of Balance

Rainwater is naturally acidic, especially after it passes through polluted air. When too much of it ends up in your pool, it pulls the pH down and disrupts your total alkalinity leaving you with corrosive and unstable water.

3. Algae Loves a Post-Rain Pool

After rain, your chlorine’s weaker and your pH may be off add in some organic debris from nearby trees, and you have got the perfect recipe for algae. Even if your pool looks clear, spores can take hold beneath the surface.

4. Overflow & Dilution Can Be an Invisible Issue

If your pool floods or even just fills close to the coping edge during a big downpour, you may not notice at first but your chemical levels will have taken a hit.

Keep Testing Through Winter

The biggest mistake pool owners make in winter? Thinking they can leave the pool alone because no one’s swimming. Unfortunately, this is when chemical imbalances have time to build and by spring, your pool is a mess.

Our advice:

• Test your water every 2–3 weeks during winter
• Bring a sample in for call our pool maintenance team at Everclear Pools
• Let us help you adjust what’s needed before it turns into a bigger job

Let’s Keep Your Pool Healthy All Year Round

We know Adelaide winters aren’t always predictable, but your pool care can be. With the right balance and a few small checks after each rain, you can save yourself time, money, and stress down the track. Need help testing your water or fixing a post-rain issue? Drop in and see us at Everclear Pools. We have got the know-how, the right products and practical advice to keep your pool clear – even when the skies aren’t.