Getting Your Pool Ready for Summer

preparing-poolAfter a long winter of cold, rain, and even snow, there’s nothing quite like getting into your pool for the first time.  As the temperatures rise, so does your anticipation.  However, after months of hibernation, there are several things you need to do to make sure that your pool is ready for your first dip.

Many people think that you need to empty your pool in order to give it a thorough cleaning.  This is actually not true.  You should never empty your pool unless you are doing some sort of structural repair.  Draining your pool can lead to big problems, including ones that lead to a complete pool replacement.

Instead, there is a simple process that you should go through at the start of every summer.  Before you take off your pool cover or start removing any debris, the first thing that you should do is check your equipment.  Turn on all your equipment to make sure that there are no weird noises or leaks.

Once you know that all your equipment is working properly, the next thing you want to do is to clean your filtration system and baskets.  Once your filters are clear, you are ready to turn on the water for the first time.  Most water levels will drop over the winter, so turn on the water to raise it to the proper level.

Now that your filters are clear and your water level is at its proper level, you want to have your water tested for its chemical balance.  It is best to have your water first tested by a professional so that you can be absolutely certain that you have a complete test.  Things you want to have tested include the chlorine levels, the pH levels, mineral content, and the total alkalinity of the water.

Based on the results of the test and the recommendation of the professional, you may need to add pool tablets and chemicals to make sure that your water is perfectly balanced.

At this point, you want to run your filter on your pool until your water is completely clear.  This can take up to a week, so make sure that you start the process early enough so that you are not missing any prime pool days.  Add chlorine as needed to keep your water at the proper levels.

Once your water is clear and you can see your pool bottom, the time has come to remove your cover (if you have one) and start removing any leaves or debris that have accumulated over the winter months.  Once your pool is completely clean, you are ready to dive in for your first pool day of the summer.

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