What To Do When Heavy Rain Overflows Your Pool
It happens every year… You wake up after a big rainstorm, look outside, and your pool looks like it’s about to spill over!
Don’t worry—this is completely normal.
Heavy rain can quickly raise your pool’s water level, especially during the spring and summer months. The good news is there are two easy ways to lower the water level back where it belongs.
🌧️ Why Does My Pool Overflow When It Rains?
Your swimming pool is like a giant bucket. When Mother Nature keeps pouring water into that bucket, eventually it gets full!
If the water gets too high, your skimmer won’t work properly, chemicals can become diluted, and water may spill over the coping or deck.
That’s why it’s important to lower the water level after heavy rainfall.
💧 Where Should the Water Level Be?
The perfect water level is:
✅ About halfway up the skimmer opening
or
✅ Slightly above the middle of the skimmer
Think of the skimmer as your pool’s mouth. If the water is too high, it can’t “drink” the floating leaves and debris.
If it’s too low, it starts sucking in air instead of water. Keeping the water at the middle of the skimmer helps your pool circulate properly.
Option 1: Use a Submersible Pump (The Easiest Method)
This is the quickest and easiest way to lower your pool.
Step 1
Place the pump in the pool. Try to put it in the deep end where the water is deepest.
Step 2
Attach the discharge hose. Make sure the hose is directed to an approved drainage area away from your home’s foundation.
Step 3
Plug the pump in. The pump will begin removing water from the pool.
Step 4
Keep checking the water level every few minutes. Once it reaches the middle of the skimmer. Turn the pump off.
Option 2: Lower the Water Through Your Pool Equipment
If you don’t own a submersible pump, many pools can lower the water through the filtration system.
Step 1
Turn the pool pump OFF. Never move any filter valve while the pump is running.
Step 2
Close the skimmer valve.
Open the main drain valve.
This allows the pump to pull water from the bottom of the pool.
Step 3
Turn your multiport valve to:
➡️ WASTE (sometimes labeled DRAIN)
This setting sends the water out of the pool instead of back into it.
Step 4
Turn the pump ON.
Water will begin leaving the pool through the waste line.
Step 5
Watch the water level carefully.
When it reaches about halfway up the skimmer…
Turn the pump OFF.
Step 6
Return everything back to normal.
✔ Turn the multiport valve back to FILTER
✔ Reopen the skimmer valve
✔ Return the main drain valve to its normal position
✔ Turn the pump back ON
Your pool is now ready to go!
⚠️ A Few Important Safety Tips
✔ Never move the filter valve while the pump is running.
✔ Never let the pump run dry.
✔ Don’t walk away while lowering the water.
✔ Never completely drain an inground pool unless instructed by a professional.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore High Water
If your pool stays overfilled, it can cause:
❌ Poor skimming
❌ Leaves staying on the surface
❌ Reduced circulation
❌ Diluted chemicals
❌ Cloudy water
❌ More work for your pool equipment
Taking just a few minutes to lower the water can help keep your pool clean and running efficiently.
✅ Quick Rain Checklist
☐ Check the water level after every heavy rain
☐ Lower the water to the middle of the skimmer
☐ Use a submersible pump or the pool’s waste setting
☐ Return valves and filter to normal
☐ Test and rebalance your pool chemistry after large amounts of rain
🌊 Rain Happens—Be Ready!
Heavy rain is part of pool ownership, and it’s completely normal for your pool to overflow after a major storm. The key is lowering the water back to the proper level before restarting your regular pool routine.
Whether you use a submersible pump or lower the water through your pool’s filtration system, keeping the water at the proper level helps your skimmer work efficiently, protects your equipment, and keeps your pool looking its best.
Need help after a storm? The team at Dingman Pools is always here to help with pool maintenance, water balancing, equipment inspections, and professional service to keep your pool crystal clear all season long.