How Pool Chemistry Changes During a Drought in Northern California
Dylan hadn’t had to top off his pool in nearly a month, which was odd for late June in Rocklin. No big splash-outs, no obvious leaks, just stubbornly low water that kept creeping downward. Then came the notices—local water restrictions were going into effect. He figured he’d just ride it out, but within a couple weeks, his pool turned a little hazy, then fully cloudy. "I haven’t changed anything," he said. "Why does it look like a swamp now?"
It’s not just about water levels—drought affects your pool chemistry in ways most Northern California homeowners don’t expect.
How Drought Affects Pool Chemistry in Northern California
When rainfall is low, heat is high, and evaporation kicks into overdrive, your pool doesn’t just lose water—it loses balance.
Increased Evaporation = Rising Chemical Concentrations
As water evaporates, chemicals like calcium, cyanuric acid, and total dissolved solids (TDS) become more concentrated. You’re left with a stronger chemical brew that can irritate skin and eyes, corrode equipment, or damage pool surfaces.
Higher Temperatures = Faster Chlorine Burn-off
The hotter it gets, the faster chlorine gets eaten up by the sun—especially if your stabilizer levels are off. That means algae can creep in even if your pump’s working hard.
Less Dilution = More Contamination
Normally, rainfall helps flush out tiny particles and contaminants. Without that regular top-off, sunscreen, sweat, and debris linger longer—leading to cloudy water, foamy buildup, and unpleasant smells.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Pool During a Drought
Living in Lincoln, Loomis, or anywhere else in NorCal, you’ll likely face water restrictions during dry seasons. But your pool doesn’t have to suffer.
Adjust Chemical Levels Thoughtfully
If you’re topping off less often, test your water more often—at least twice a week. Keep an eye on:
Calcium hardness
Total dissolved solids
Cyanuric acid
Chlorine and pH
Add a Pool Cover (or Use It More Often)
A high-quality pool cover can reduce evaporation by up to 90%. That saves water and keeps chemicals more stable.
Use Algaecide Proactively
Don’t wait until green patches show up. Use a preventative algaecide weekly to help reduce chlorine demand.
Skim and Brush on a Regular Basis
With less dilution, organic debris builds up faster. Skim daily if possible and brush the walls weekly to keep surfaces clean and water flow steady.
Watch for Staining or Scale
White crusty spots or brown stains? That’s a sign of mineral imbalance. You may need to use a sequestering agent to keep minerals from binding to surfaces.
Don’t Let Your Pool Go Silent During a Drought
Drought doesn’t just mean lower water—it can mean higher repair bills, cloudier water, and way more chemical guesswork if you're not prepared.
At American Dream Pool & Spa Service, we help homeowners in Lincoln, Rocklin, Roseville, Granite Bay, Loomis, and Sheridan keep their pools balanced—even when the rain won’t cooperate. If your pool chemistry’s getting out of whack or your water’s not looking right, our team knows exactly what to do.
Contact American Dream today for help adjusting your pool maintenance during drought season—before your water turns green or your equipment gets damaged.
American Dream Pool and Spa Service is a trusted provider of pool and spa maintenance, repair, and cleaning services. They serve the areas of Lincoln, Rocklin, Roseville, Granite Bay, and Sheridan, CA, offering comprehensive care for both residential and commercial pools. Their services include everything from routine maintenance to specialized repairs for pool and spa equipment, ensuring that every pool owner enjoys a clean, safe, and well-maintained pool or spa throughout the year. With a focus on customer satisfaction, American Dream Pool and Spa Service strives to keep pools in top condition, regardless of the season.
