How to Get Your Pool Ready for Summer

May 26th, 2020

For millions of homeowners, late spring is not only the season for May flowers; it ushers in warm weather and signals the time to get pools ready for summer fun. However, the process involves more than simply removing the cover, eliminating debris, and adding water. Opening a pool requires several steps, and all of them are crucial.

Opening your pool the right way ensures it will be safe for swimmers and equipment will operate efficiently.

If you do not have the time for all the necessary work or just want to make sure your pool is opened correctly, experts like Sparklean Pools can do it for you.

Do Not Drain the Pool If You Can Avoid It

It may seem logical to drain the water from a pool that has been covered for months, but the process can cause serious problems. When you need to make repairs, or there is an excessive amount of debris at the bottom of the pool, draining may be necessary, but otherwise, avoid it.

If you drain a pool built on land that has a high water table or choose to evacuate it during a wet season, the pool can pop out of the ground and would need to be replaced.

Clean Up Filtering Equipment

You can prepare your filtering equipment before removing the pool cover. The process is simple. Assemble the filtration equipment, remove plugs, and clean baskets.

Remove and Store the Cover

Now it is time to take the cover off your pool. Better Homes and Gardens experts advise first removing any debris using a brush fitted to a telescopic pole. Next, drain accumulated water without letting it flow into the pool.

Avoid storing the cover on a floor, since it can attract rodents who will burrow into it. It is best to hang the cover bag or store it in a plastic bin.

Clean and Vacuum the Pool

Use a skimmer to clear debris from the water and then vacuum your pool. Clean the sides and bottom. Vacuum slowly and move in overlapping lines around the pool. If the hose begins to float, the filter might be full, or there could be a hole in the line.

You can remove algae using a stainless steel or nylon brush.

Give Equipment a Test Run

You will need to turn on your filtration equipment to make sure it is running efficiently. This process gives you a chance to identify any problems and make repairs. Allstate Insurance experts recommend taking this time to lubricate or replace O rings.

Flip the circuit breaker and make sure the pump starts up and runs smoothly. You can switch the value to filter to get a better look at the filter and pump. Now is the time to repair or replace any faulty equipment. To save time and effort, you can turn the task over to specialists such as Sparklean Pools, who offer fast, efficient service.

Top Off the Pool 

Add water to your pool if levels have fallen while it was closed. Before turning on the filter, ensure it is clean. If you own a D.E. filter, be sure to remove the cartridge and then use a hose to clean it. If it is a sand filter, you can set the filter to backwash, which cleans the sand. Once cleaning is done, return the filter to its typical setting.

Test and Balance Water

You must test the water before using your pool, and it’s a good idea to take a sample to a pool store and let professionals test it. Most companies offer free testing. Technicians check water’s ph, alkaline, and chlorine levels. Keeping these elements balanced helps equipment stay in good condition. It also prevents cloudy water and the buildup of harmful bacteria.

Once experts analyze the results of your test, they can provide the chemicals you need in the correct amounts. This is an excellent time to pick up testing strips so you can monitor pool water during the season.

Experts recommend maintaining the following balance:

• PH levels: 2 to 7.4
• Total alkalinity: 80 to 120
• Calcium hardness: 150 ppm to 250 ppm (parts per million)
• Chlorine: 1 ppm to 3 ppm

It is easy to add chemicals in tablet form because you can put them in the skimmer. Make sure your skimmer is made of plastic since additives can damage the metal components. 

Run your filter every day until the water is clear, a process that takes about a week. Do not swim in the water until it is clear enough to see the pool floor. 

Double Check Safety Features

Before using your pool, make sure it is safe for every user.

Ensure that safety-compliant covers protect drains.

The pool should be surrounded by fencing with a self-latching, self-closing gate. Examine the fence and hardware for damage and make necessary repairs. You might want to replace an unsightly, unstable fence.

Give Your Pool a Facelift 

Pre-season pool maintenance can also mean adding elements that make it the focal point of an entertainment center.

Gardening supply stores offer drop-in-bloom pots of annuals that you can place around a pool to create a cheerful effect. Adding geraniums, marigolds, pentas, and lantana to a surround provides an eye-catching splash of color. It is easy to move the portable containers any time you want.

Consider placing deck chairs around the surround. Create a magical effect by stringing twinkling LED lights on fencing or any other place that appeals to you.

Turn your pool into a recreation area by adding rafts and colorful swim noodles. You can add a basketball ring toss game made for pools or opt for an easy-to-install water slide.

Create a Seasonal Maintenance Plan 

A pool needs regular maintenance to keep the water sparkling clean and healthy. Neglecting the task can lead to health dangers and pool damage.

If you want to save time and effort, hire a pool company to provide maintenance. Although expert care costs more than doing it yourself, technicians are efficient and will ensure your pool is always sparkling and ready to use.

If you take on maintenance chores, you will need to test the water every day, clean the filter regularly, and vacuum at least once a week. You should still have water professionally tested each month.

If you own a pool, you probably want to open it as soon as the weather warms up. Pool experts can get the job done quickly and efficiently, but you can also do it yourself. You will not usually need to drain the pool. However, opening it does involve several other essential steps. They include checking equipment, cleaning your pool, and testing the water. It is also an excellent time to review safety features, revamp the surrounding area, and create a maintenance plan for the season.