Anyone can say they’re prepared for swim season. Pool owners, especially, are likely more than excited to get back in the water and enjoy the beautiful weather. But how many can say that they’ve correctly prepared their pool for use in the coming summer season?
You can be the most readied you’ve ever been for an impromptu pool party with these tips on how to prepare your pool for opening:
A Quick Check-In
Knowing where you’re at is the best way to begin your pool opening. You might lift up your pool cover to see pristine blue waters, or you might realize that the warmer weather has encouraged algae growth beneath the surface, causing an unsightly green tinge.
Knowing how healthy your pool is, first and foremost, is an excellent way to move forward. It’ll help you purchase the right products and schedule professional services to make this year’s opening a piece of cake.
A Clean Sweep
It’s most likely not your favorite part on the list of things you do to prepare your pool for opening, but it’s one of the most important. Use a pool brush and vacuum to ensure that every inch of it is completely spotless. Now’s also the best time to clean up around the pool and remove any debris that may have fallen into the area.
Have the Correct Chemicals
After taking care of the hard work that goes into cleaning your pool, your next step is to use the right balance of chemicals to maintain that level of cleanliness.
Test your pool’s levels to see where the chlorine, pH, and water hardness are clocking in. Some test kits are more specific than others, but testing in any sense should be the bare minimum you test to ensure your pool is in tip-top shape. Afterward, adjust the levels as necessary with the proper chemicals. Only add what’s needed, and always use chemicals according to package instructions.
Additionally, double-check to see that you have the necessary chemicals for pool openings, like shock, and take the opportunity to stock up on specialty cleaners like algaecide. They’re likely to be less expensive and easier to get in the last few days of the off-season.
Check the Pump and Filter
Another thing that will help keep your pool clean throughout the summer is its filter. As such, before you can open your pool for the season, you’ll need to test your pump and filter to ensure they’re in good working order. Doing so will help you catch any issues long before your pool is open, giving you time to call professionals to help you fix them.
It’s also important to keep in mind that every pool owner should start the season with a fresh filter, even if you swapped yours out at the end of last year’s swimming season.
Shocking Your Pool
Pools need shocking before you can use them, and that’s a process that is best done as you prepare your pool for opening, not once it’s already accepting guests. Shocking involves adding a high dose of chlorine to kill off any residual bacteria that could be holding on in your pool water.
Like with other chemicals, always ensure you’re carefully following the directions on the packaging. You should also wait a set amount of time before entering your pool, which will usually vary based on the shock you use.
Have Your Tools Ready
Now that you’ve completed most of your pool opening tasks, you want to ensure you’re ready to enter maintenance mode. That involves double-checking that all your cleaning supplies and tools are easily accessible and in good condition, such as your:
- Skimmer net
- Pool vacuum
- Vacuum plate
- Nylon and wire brushes
Your list will vary based on how you clean your pool and how much maintenance you do yourself. But if you don’t have these tools, you can either purchase them or rely on professional services to help maintain your pool, as they’ll always have the best equipment available.
Fox Valley Pool & Spa: The Swiftest Way to a Swim-Ready Pool
Let us help you prepare your pool for opening in the upcoming swimming season! Our professionals are waiting to offer their expertise and experience to give you a stress-free swimming pool opening this year! Contact our team today to learn more about our pool opening services or book an appointment with us!
