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| Pool Ready |
But as you look out into the yard and see the covered pool or above ground pool pump, likely with plenty of winter debris resting on top, you realize there’s a lot of work that still needs to be done before you can jump in feet first and begin enjoying the crisp, cool waters of your personal swimming pool.
But over the course of a weekend, you can likely get that pool ready for the season by following a number of annual spring-time steps recommended by pool industry experts like those at the National Swimming Pool Foundation.
Let’s take a look at a few things on the checklist:
- Clean Off Your Pool Cover. Use a soft broom to remove dead leaves and other winter debris from the pool cover before then using a pump to remove any standing water. All of this needs to be done before you can move on, and time will vary depending on how powerful your pump is.
- Remove the Pool Cover. Once the debris and water has been removed, you should be able to easily remove the pool cover for the new season. It’s good if you have some help for this step so you can carry it without having to drag it over any possible rough spots, which could damage your cover. Lay it somewhere smooth and give it a thorough cleaning before putting it away for the summer.
- Remove Debris from the Pool. Using a skimmer, remove leaves and other debris that have accumulated in your pool and that could clog the filters once you turn them back on. You’ll likely need to do this process again later, but at least be sure you get out any bigger items at this stage.
- Replace Your Equipment. If you have a diving board or other extras like a slide, ladders and more, this is the time you’re going to want to reinstall them in preparation for the summer, more info about them. You might also want to consider giving these items a quick checkup and greasing or lubricating parts that need a little extra attention.
- Replace Water Levels. Chances are good that you lost a few inches of water over the winter, so grab a hose and begin filling your pool up to the desired levels. You need to do this before adding chemicals, or else you’ll need to balance your water chemistry again later on.
- Get Your Filter and Pump Running. Inspect your pump and filter and get both ready to go, at least for a test run. Prime your pump by having water flow the system and then wash your filter, or replace it if you need to.
- Balance the Water. It’s always a good idea to grab a water sample and run it over to your local pool supply store for analysis. This will give you all the information you need for adjusting and balancing your water.
- Vacuum the Pool. This will remove any sediment left on the pool floor and make the swimming experience much more enjoyable for everyone who will be using the pool.
- Give it a Shock. Pick up some pool shock at your local pool store and use it to effectively kill spores and bacteria, making your water look and feel sparkling clean. When opening your pool for the first time of the year, you may even want to consider shocking it two times for extra safety.
- Filter the Water. Before jumping in and enjoying your pool for the first time, leave the filtration system running for a full day to mix up the shock and filter any debris which could be lingering in the water. By the next day, you should be ready to begin enjoying your swimming pool for yet another warm weather season.
About the Author:
Eddie Sanchez – Owner/Author, Sanchez Pools IncLicensed Texas Pool Builder
Sanchez Pools Inc.
Eduardo "Eddie" Sanchez is a pool builder located in San Antonio Texas. He served in the United States Air Force and is a native of San Antonio. For over 30 years as a custom pool builder, Eddie and his team have constructed over 1000 swimming pools in South Texas. Eddie employs several employees and has a sales staff to include a Project Manager to assist Sanchez Pools with ongoing pool projects. To learn more about Sanchez Pools Inc. please visit https://www.sanchezpoolsinc.com
