Four Tips to Ready Your Pool for Summer
While we’re lucky enough in San Diego to not experience harsh winter climates like most of the country, your pool probably doesn’t see much use during the typical winter months. But pool opening season is just around the corner! Before you jump in for a celebratory swim to welcome the return of warm weather, there are some necessary steps every pool owner must take to ensure their pool will last through the end of summer. Below are a few integral steps in the pool preparation process:
Reconnect all Pool Equipment
If you disconnected any equipment before the start of the winter season, be sure to reconnect it all. This includes the pump, filter, pool cleaner, and heater. It’s wise practice to lubricate all O-rings with silicone lubricant. Not only will it keep your equipment in great shape all summer, but also the equipment will be easier to disassemble come next winter.
Brush and Vacuum it Thoroughly
Even a solid pool cover can’t keep out every last piece of dirt and debris. It’s recommended to give your pool a nice brushing and vacuuming before shocking the pool. This will get your filtration and sanitation systems started on eliminating any large algae and bacteria spores that may be present.
It’s a good idea to let your filtration system run overnight after brushing and vacuuming, and before shocking the pool.
Measure your Water Chemistry
The simplest way to make sure your water is safe for swimming is to use a test kit. It’s extremely important to test the water before adding additional chemicals so you don’t accidentally add too much or the wrong kind. You’ll be testing levels for five elements – the safe levels for each (measured in parts per million) are as follows:
* Free Chlorine: 2.0-4.0 ppm
* pH: 7.4-7.6
* Total Alkalinity: 80-120 ppm
* Calcium Hardness: 200-400 ppm
* Stabilizer Levels: 30-50 ppm
Show your Pool Cover Some Love
To avoid sun damage, it’s important to clean, fold, and store your pool cover immediately after removing it. Lay the cover out flat and brush off water and debris, and leave it out to dry for a bit. Before you fold it up for a long summer’s nap, sprinkle it with a little talcum powder to prevent mold from growing. To keep your pool cover in great condition, store it in a cool, dry place.
By taking these simple steps for maintenance, your pool will remain clean and safe all summer long. If you’re interested in upgrading your landscape to something more serene and relaxing, call a qualified consulting specialist for pool construction in San Diego at (877) 271-8822 today!
