Test your pool water before shocking it after rain.

Yes, but only after you test the water first. Heavy rain dilutes your chemicals and throws off pH and alkalinity. Dumping shock into unbalanced water wastes it and can cloud your pool worse.

Rain brings dirt, pollen, and other junk that eats up chlorine. So before you add anything, grab a test kit or strips. If pH is above 7.6 or below 7.2, adjust that first. Shocking with the wrong pH reduces effectiveness and can irritate skin.

Once pH is in range, bring chlorine up to shock level (check your product label — amounts vary). Run the pump overnight. If the water is still cloudy the next day, you may need to shock again or add a clarifier.

That extra test takes two minutes and saves you from throwing good money down the drain.