Is it ok to swim even if it’s raining?

Since childhood, we’ve been told not to swim if there is thunder or lightning happening. However, if a rain shower starts up when you’re in the pool, is it safe to keep swimming? You’re already wet, so what could be the harm of swimming in the rain? Pool safety, though, can actually be compromised when it’s raining. So, is it safe to swim in a pool while it’s raining? The answer is probably no.

It’s not really the rain itself that’s the problem. If it was just a matter of water dripping into the pool, then the answer to “Is it safe to swim during rain?” would be different. Lightning can be unpredictable, however, which makes it smart to stay inside as much as possible when it’s raining. Even if it’s not thundering, lightning can still strike, and avoiding contact with water can reduce your risk of being struck.

Then, too, the area around a pool can be dangerous in the rain. A slippery concrete or wooden deck can cause injury if you slip and fall, but a fall can also cause you to fall into the water, unconscious. It’s not worth the risk of injury, or of becoming one of the 4,000 people who drown annually in the United States.

Another risk of swimming in a storm is that the water can be very cold. Swimming in cold water while additional cold water falls onto your head can cause hypothermia, and high wind can cause you to lose even more body heat. What’s more, you may not even notice that you’re chilled, because you expect some chilliness after jumping into a pool. This can prevent you from seeking medical attention as quickly as you should.

So, maybe you can’t swim when it’s raining, but how about after a storm? After all, if your pool party is interrupted, you may want to jump back in as soon as you possibly can.  Before you do, clean out any debris and check the balance of chemicals in the water. If it’s not too far from the recommended levels, it’s probably safe to swim. Otherwise, you might want to wait a day or two and get it back into shape before allowing anyone into the pool.

If your question is “Can you swim in a pool when it’s raining,” the answer is no. If you’re asking for help maintaining your pool, Millennium Pools and Spas says yes! With over 30 combined years of experience in the pool industry, we provide a comprehensive range of pool services for both residential and commercial customers in Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland. When you hire Millennium Pool Service, you get a well-qualified, industry-trained staff of pool contractors and technicians, services that are tailored to your needs, and a commitment to 100% customer satisfaction. Contact us for more information.