Readying a Pool for Summer
Good water chemistry helps to create a swimming environment that is both clean and safe.
Readying a pool for summer can be overwhelming for many owners. To simplify the process, they can hire a professional to tackle the pre-summer preparation and provide weekly maintenance for the season.
Following is a list of tasks a pool maintenance provider does to ready pools for summer.
Clean filter and check elements
Proper filter maintenance should be a high priority. A dirty or broken filter won’t effectively filter the water. Clean filters prevent cloudy or green pools, and can also prevent secondary damage to equipment, such as burning up pump seals and motors.
Balance chemicals
Good water chemistry helps to create a swimming environment that is both clean and safe. Pool chemicals aren’t just for a beautiful pool. They are also crucial for sanitization.
When the pool technician checks the chlorine levels, they will also take the opportunity to test for phosphates in the pool and treat them as needed.
Empty all baskets and check for cracks
The baskets in a skimmer and pump gather debris and protect them from becoming clogged. It’s a good idea to check these baskets for any cracks where debris could pass through. There are many aftermarket baskets out there that are built heavy-duty for long-lasting use.
Check the pool cleaner’s performance
Most pools have some type of pool cleaner that needs routine maintenance, whether it’s a suction, pressure, or robotic cleaner. Before pool season begins, check the cleaner to ensure it is driving and picking up debris.
Inspect it for torn bags or baskets, sweeping motion of tails, wheels turning, and ensure the backup valves are working. If the cleaner is not performing as it should, the technician should know how to make the repairs.
Check the maintenance tools’ condition
Pool owners who perform regular maintenance between professional cleanings should keep a few essential maintenance tools on hand, such as a pole, net, and brush. The pool technician is there once a week. Although for some pools, that is all that is needed, most pools require more. A summer pool party, a stormy day, or after mowing the lawn are just a few examples of times when the pool will need some extra care from the pool owner.
Homeowners who own these pool tools should check their condition regularly for tears, breaks, or deterioration to ensure they can perform as needed.
Test all pool equipment
Turn the equipment on and off to test that it is working. Check for water leaking on the equipment pad or air from the return jets. Check that the chlorine feeder has a good flow through it. Clean the salt cell if needed and turn the chlorine production up to the summer setting for salt pools. Test that all of the lights in the pool and spa are working correctly for safe nighttime swimming.
Increase the run-time hours
Through pool water circulation ensures the filter and chemicals do their jobs. Many people run their pools for less time during the winter months because the colder the water is, the harder it is for algae to grow.
During the hot summer, the pool must run for more hours to ensure all the pool water is circulated through the filter 1.5 to 2 times daily. This circulation is also referred to as the turnover rate. The pool technician will adjust the pump schedule to ensure complete turnover.
Trim trees and shrubs
In the winter, it’s colder, and the sun sets earlier, often hindering homeowners from completing the usual outside chores. Trimming back overgrown trees and bushes will help keep the pool clean longer and cut back on leaves and debris in the pool. Keeping leaf litter from the pool will prevent staining and protect the water flow in the baskets. Backed-up baskets result in poor circulation, leading to numerous problems, including cloudy water and broken pool motors.
Teach children (and pets) about pool safety
Pool owners must ensure that the pool is safe for their families, and that includes pool safety. Pool owners should teach their children to swim and safe practices around the pool, like not running on the deck. They can also teach their pets to swim to the steps to exit the pool when they jump or fall in.
There are numerous steps to readying a pool for the summer. When in doubt, contact a local pool service professional to help understand a pool’s needs and keep it looking bright and clean throughout the season.
In Depth Pool Service is a residential pool service for El Dorado Hills and surrounding areas. We provide cleaning, maintenance, and pool equipment repairs. Call us at (916) 633-7729.
