How To Get a Pool Ready For Summer

As summertime draws nearer, many homeowners turn their thoughts towards getting their swimming pools summer ready. Some may think that not much preparation is necessary, yet owning a pool involves more than filling it with water and jumping right in. If you’ve been wondering how to get a pool ready for summer, then you’ve come to the right place.

Responsible pool owners should learn about the variety of ways to prepare their swimming areas for the summer. Some steps are simple and easy to carry out, while others might take longer and require professional assistance. All of the following tasks can help you to get the most out of your swimming pool this summer.

Cleaning the Filters and Other Pool Parts

Your pool can get dirty in the off-season, so you’ll have to make sure all parts of it are clean. Algae and scum can form on the sides and bottom of the pool. Filters and baskets can grow dirty and clogged. Leaves, dirt, and other unwelcome intruders can find their way into the water. Spiders, insects, and even small animals may end up in the water.

Giving your pool and its surrounding area a thorough cleaning before use is necessary for your health and safety. Proper filtration is especially important for the well-being of your pool, so you need to make sure that all filters are clean and ready to go. You’ll also want to ensure that your tiles, concrete, railings, etc. are all in order for the new season.

Checking Equipment for Problems

Dirt is not the only enemy that you may face when preparing to open your pool. Everything from general wear and tear to storm damage can harm your pool and its equipment. You need to thoroughly examine all parts of your pool in order to ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones. Even a seemingly small problem can cause greater trouble later if left unaddressed.

Before declaring your pool open, you need to inspect any:

• Diving boards
• Water slides
• Ladders
• Railings
• Water features

Addressing Any Problems with Equipment

If you’ve found any issues with your equipment, you need to make sure to correct them before opening the pool. Loose ladders, improperly-secured diving boards, and wobbly railings can cause accidents and harm. A professional from a reliable pool repair company would be able to fix any trouble you’re having with your pool or its accessories.

You may also want to consult an expert if you want to remodel the area around your pool. If you’re dissatisfied with your current setup, now would be the ideal time to have it remade to your specifications. A resurfaced or remodeled pool deck or patio area can revitalize the appearance and usefulness of your swimming area and give you years of enjoyment.

Testing and Balancing Pool Chemicals Weekly

Achieving the proper balance of chemicals in your swimming area is vital to having a positive swimming experience. A failure to create the right mix of chemicals in your water can cause structural damage, skin irritation, algae growth, and even illness. The balancing process can take a day or so, but the results will be worth the spent time. Weekly testing is necessary for the well-being of your swimming pool. You may want to turn to an expert when you need help with the scientific side of pool maintenance.

You should ensure your pool has proper:

• Water softness
• Alkalinity
• PH levels
• Chlorine levels
• Clarity

Evaluating All Pool Equipment

Making sure that a swimming pool is summer ready takes more than simply addressing immediate concerns. While cleaning and balancing a pool is important in the short-term, you need to be certain that your all the equipment is in place. All pumps, hoses, filters, etc. must be working properly so that your pool will continue to satisfy you past the first use of the season.

You must also remember to continue to test and clean your water throughout the summer. A pool can grow dirty with even minimal use, so preparing for the inevitability of dirt and grime ahead of time can be beneficial. Chemical balance must also be maintained through weekly testing and application. You’ll want to ensure that you have enough pool chemicals, cleaners, filters, and such to take you beyond that first swim.

Setting up Pool Timers

Modern technology can help you to get the most out of your swimming area. A pool timer installed on your pump can keep your pool’s water moving and help prevent the formation of grime. You can also purchase timers to control lighting, chemical releases, and other swimming pool functions. With this equipment, you won’t have to worry about carrying out these individual activities yourself.

Conducting a Final Safety and Maintenance Check

Before you use your pool for the first time, you should do one last check to make sure that everything is in order. Is the area around your pool clean or are there chemicals and tools littering it? Are all of your cleaning materials and pool chemicals safely stored out of the reach of pets and children? Are all of your safety gates, latches, locks, and other safeguards in full working order? Testing your diving board, ladders, and similar accessories one more time wouldn’t hurt, either. Once you’ve assured yourself that your pool is ready for use, you can jump in, kick back, and enjoy your swimming area.

Need help Getting Your Swimming Pool Summer Ready

If you want to hire a pool service professional to get your swimming area ready for the summer, then we’re at your service. We’re up to the task of serving everyone in Lutz, Land O’Lakes, and its surrounding areas. Contact us today online or at (813) 948-9091 to learn more about our pool-cleaning services or to schedule an appointment with us.