May 11, 2017

Getting Your Pool Ready for the Summer

how to get your pool ready for the summer

The pool is one of the most used features on most residential properties during the summer season. From swimming to playing games in the water, it can offer plenty of entertainment for your family once the temperatures rise. When you want to get your pool ready for summer and keep it clean, there are a few important tips to follow.

Avoid Emptying the Pool
Many people make the mistake of emptying their pool and draining it before the summer season arrives, which can cause damage to the structure and lead to it lifting out of the ground. The pool can quickly pop out like a boat and be expensive to repair or replace if it's permanently damaged. Keep the water in the pool and find ways of cleaning the inside of the structure instead of removing the water.

Hire a Professional
Hire a professional to test the water of your pool with a water sample that is taken to evaluate the mineral content, the chlorine levels, and the pH. They can balance the chemicals to ensure that the pH levels are between 7.2 to 7.4. The chlorine levels should also be 1 ppm to 3 ppm to kill off bacteria that is present.

Vacuum the Floor
Vacuum the floor of your pool for dirt, leaves, and debris that have accumulated over the last few seasons. You'll also want to use a brush to scrub the walls and floor of the pool of algae that grew in the prior months.

Shock the Water
Shocking the water is an essential step during your pool prep process to alter the chlorine level, which will kill any bacteria that developed over the winter and spring season. You'll need a bucket, pool shock, rubber gloves, protective eyewear, and a stirring stick. Fill the bucket with water before adding a pound of the shock. Stir the shock in and pour it into different areas of the pool before allowing it to sit for at least eight hours. Use one bag of shock for every 10,000 gallons of water that the pool contains each night.

Drain the Pool Cover
Make it a point to drain the pool cover and clean it before it's completely removed with the use of a cover pump. Leaves and debris should also be swept or blown off before the cover is taken off. It will require at least two people to remove the cover to prevent it from becoming damaged. There may be a few leaves or twigs that end up in the water, but they can easily be removed later. Lay out the cover in the sun and allow each side to thoroughly dry before applying an alkaline spray that prevents mold or algae from growing.

Connect the Pool Equipment
To ensure that all the parts of the pool function properly, you'll need to connect the pool equipment. Reconnect the filter, heater, and pump while securing everything tightly to prevent leaks or other various issues. If you own an above-ground pool, the flexible pumping lines should be connected to the skimmer and all the other equipment.

It's also necessary to remove winterizing plugs after checking that the antifreeze has been discharged. Reconnect all return valve fittings that were removed several months prior.

Stock Up on Equipment and Supplies
There are many different products to invest in to maintain your pool and keep it running efficiently once the summer season arrives. You'll need a vacuum head, a pool brush, a vacuum hose, chemicals, a telescopic pole, a skimmer head, test strips, and a vacuum head.

By following these steps, you should have your pool ready for the summertime in no time. If you have any questions regarding any of the aforementioned tips, contact the professionals at Robert Allen Pools and Spas.

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