There's every chance it will be in need of some love after months of lying dormant. So whether you're a seasoned pool owner or a new one that's just figuring out the difference between chlorine and shock, let's take a look at some tips that will help you to get your pool in the best possible shape for summer fun.
- Give it a good clean. The first thing that your pool is going to need is a scrub down. Depending on the type of cover that you've used during the winter, your pool may be hiding leaves, dirt, or the dreaded greenish film of algae. Removing any large debris by hand or with a skim in it is a good idea, and then break out your favorite tools.Yes, we are talking about those handy vacuum cleaners for swimming pools that live in the garage until you need one. A Quality pool vacuum can save you hours of elbow grease and help you to tackle every inch of the pool floor and walls. Don't forget the corners and the steps though, because they are sneakily good at collecting gunk.
- Check the filter and give it a clean. Your pool filter is quite the unsung hero, especially when it comes to pool maintenance. It works behind the scenes to keep the water clear and free from dirt and debris. Your pool filter will need a break though, and it will need a good cleaning depending on the type of filter, whether it's sand, cartridge or diatomaceous earth cleaning methods will vary, so make sure that you follow the instructions closely from your manufacturer.
- Inspect everything. Before you get everything fired up, give the pool equipment a quick once over. Check out the pump, the heater, the chlorinator, and any hoses that you have attached for signs of wear and tear. You should look out for cracks, leaks, or odd noises once the system is running. If there are any O rings that have worn out, it's time to replace those two and you can call in the maintenance guys to help you with this one if you're not.
- Test and balance the water. This is where things get a bit scientific, but you don't have to worry because it is a lot easier than it sounds. Proper water chemistry is so key to helping keep your pool clean, safe, and comfortable. You want to test for pH, chlorine, alkalinity, and calcium hardness, so make sure that you have a test kit to find out. Once you know where your levels are, you can adjust them with pool chemicals until everything falls into the recommended ranges. It does take a bit of trial and error, but once you've got there it'll be easier.
- Give the pool a shock. It sounds dramatic and we're not discussing electricity but this process here is adding a high dose of chlorine to kill off any bacteria, algae or nasties that may have taken up residence during the off season. It's a critical step when you're reopening your pool after a long break. Be sure to shock the pool in the evening or on a cloudy day so that the sun doesn't eat up all the chlorine before the sun can do its job.
- Clean and replace any pool accessories. You should never overlook the small stuff when it comes to your swimming pool. Toys and floats, ladders, and diving boards will all benefit from a good clean. Wiping them down or disinfecting items that were stored over the winter is a great idea, and you can have the chance now to determine whether you need to replace anything mouldy, cracked or broken. A quick clean can extend the life of your gear and keep things looking fresh and inviting. While you're at it, maybe treat yourself to a new Flamingo float or underwater speaker.
- Set the summer vibe. Lastly, the one thing you have to do when the pool is clean and sparkling is to make the space feel more summery. String up some lights for evening swims, set out lounges and towels, and stock up on poolside snacks and drinks. It's a good idea to plant a few potted palms or add a Bluetooth speaker for those Beachy playlists too. Creating a relaxing result like atmosphere will make all your hard prep work feel totally worth it.
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