What To Do if Your Pool is Overflowing

Heavy rain can bring much needed water to your garden, but it can also wreak havoc on your swimming pool. If you are wondering what to do if your pool is overflowing, this guide explains how to act fast, protect your equipment, and restore water chemistry before bigger issues set in.

Whether your pool water level has climbed past the skimmer box or your backyard is flooding, dealing with too much water in your pool starts with understanding what causes it and how to respond quickly.

Why Pool Overflows Happen After Rain

When rainwater pours into your pool faster than your system can handle, you end up with an overflowing pool. A pool overflow means excess water rises above the recommended water level, which can cause damage to your deck, patio, landscaping, and equipment.

This happens most often after a storm or prolonged heavy rain, especially in areas with poor drainage or where your drainage system is already saturated.

Signs Your Pool Has Overflowed

You might be dealing with a pool overflow if:

• Pool water is spilling onto your deck or patio
• Your skimmer box is not drawing water properly
• Your filter system is struggling or making unusual noises
• Debris is collecting on the surface and not entering the filtration system

If these signs appear, it is time to act fast to prevent damage to your pool pump, cartridge filter, sand filter, and plumbing.

Step-by-Step: What To Do if Your Pool is Overflowing From Rain

1. Turn Off the Power if Required

If your pool equipment is under water or in contact with floodwater, switch off the pump and filter at the power supply. Prioritise safety. Do not attempt to inspect electrical equipment while it is active.

2. Drain Excess Water Immediately

If your swimming pool has overflowed, the first thing to do is drain the excess water. This prevents further structural stress and flooding around your backyard. One of the easiest ways to do this is by using your sand filter.

To drain with a sand filter, turn off the pool pump, set the multiport valve to the waste setting, then restart the pump. Let it run until the pool water level returns to halfway up the skimmer box. This method allows excess rainwater to bypass the filter and flow directly out of the system.

Alternatively, use a submersible pump, manual hose siphon, or consult your local pool shop for equipment if you do not have a sand filter setup.

Make sure your drainage method follows local council rules and does not discharge directly into stormwater unless permitted.

3. Clean Out Debris and Algae

After a storm, your pool will likely have leaves, dirt, insects, and possibly algae growth. Use a skimmer net to remove surface debris, then vacuum the pool and clean out all baskets.

If your filter is clogged or has reduced flow, backwash a sand filter or clean your cartridge filter thoroughly before restarting the system.

4. Shock the Pool to Restore Water Chemistry

Heavy rain dilutes sanitiser levels and brings contaminants into the pool water, creating ideal conditions for bacteria and algae. After any overflow event, it is essential to shock the pool to eliminate harmful organisms.

Shocking also helps reset the water chemistry by restoring chlorine levels, stabilising pH and alkalinity, and reducing organic waste.

Pool owners should shock their pool both immediately after an overflow and again a few days later if algae blooms persist.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Future Overflow

While you cannot stop the rain, you can take proactive steps to reduce your risk of future overflows:

• Pre-drain your pool before a storm. A properly pre-drained pool allows surrounding yard drainage to manage rainfall more effectively.
• Install an overflow relief line or deck drain system
• Keep the drainage system clear of blockages and leaf litter
• Angle your deck or patio to divert water away from the pool
• Maintain your pump, valves, and filter to handle increased flow

These actions will protect your pool, hardware stores of equipment, and outdoor living space from storm-related damage.

Need Help With a Pool Overflow?

If your pool overflows and you are unsure what to do, the team at 1 Pool Care is ready to help. We handle everything from emergency water removal and equipment checks to complete pool maintenance and chemical rebalancing.

With professional advice, premium service, and years of experience, we will get your swimming pool back in order fast. Whether you need assistance with a storm pool recovery, filter cleaning, or general upkeep, trust us to point you in the right direction.