Preparing Your Pool for the Season
As temperatures rise in the sun-drenched Sunbelt states, welcoming the arrival of spring and summer, pool owners can anticipate the return of swimming season. This warm and inviting weather is a constant reminder of the joys of pool ownership. However, proper preparation is key to ensuring your pool is primed and ready for the season.
Proper pool preparation for the upcoming season can benefit all kinds of pool owners, from first-timers to seasoned veterans. In this blog post, our team at SPS PoolCare will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to properly and safely prepare your pool for the upcoming season.
Swimming Pool Care Tips
On the surface, preparing your swimming pool for the summer might seem as simple as removing a tarp, doing a little cleaning, and filling up the water. However, there are a few more steps involved. To help you get a headstart, here are nine steps you should take to fully prepare your pool for this spring and summer.
1. Conduct a Safety Inspection
During the cooler months in the Sunbelt states, there’s a chance some equipment might have deteriorated, or debris might have gotten onto your pool and patio. This is why it’s vital that you perform a self-conducted safety inspection across the entirety of your swimming pool area. This includes checking the integrity and safety of your pool equipment and accessories. If you notice any damage in your inspection, do not hesitate to contact an SPS PoolCare professional for help.
2. Clean and Remove Pool Cover
Once you have determined that the area is safe, it’s time to clean and remove your swimming pool cover. First, clear off any debris and standing water found on your cover. Once clean, remove the cover and lay it out to dry. Make sure that the cover is laid flat to ensure a full and thorough drying occurs.
3. Skim the Pool Water
In the sunny Sun Belt region, where pools are typically kept filled throughout the year, maintaining clean water is crucial. It is important to skim your pool weekly to remove debris and prevent buildup. Skimming regularly helps keep the water clear and hygienic, ensuring a pleasant swimming environment. We recommend using a robotic pool cleaner to efficiently manage this task, streamlining the process and keeping your pool in top condition year-round.
4. Clean Your Pool Equipment
With all the pool accessories back in their rightful place, it’s time to turn your attention to the equipment that keeps your pool system running. This includes inspecting and cleaning your pumps and filters. Ensure that you take the right steps in cleaning your pool filters before you place them back into your pool’s system let alone turning them on.
4. Test Your Pool Equipment
Got all of your pool equipment clean? It’s time to put them to the test! Make sure that all pumps and filters are working correctly before you turn them on. This is done by carefully inspecting all components of your pool equipment to avoid any issues once powered on. After you have tested and turned on your pumps and filters, let them run for 24 hours to provide further quality assurance to your pool system and water.
5. Test and Balance Pool Water
To keep your pool water healthy and safe, make sure you test and balance your pool water once filled and cleaned. Though you might wonder what chemicals are needed for a pool for proper chemical balance. By using a pool testing kit, you’ll need to check the pH, chlorine, alkalinity, and calcium levels in your pool. Adjust the levels of each as they are needed.
6. Shock Your Pool Water
One way to help your pool water is to shock it with high doses of chlorine. This raises the free chlorine levels to prevent algae and bacteria from contaminating the water. Make sure you apply the right amount of shock needed. This will often be determined with a chart found on the back of your shocking product’s packaging.
Request the Best Pool Cleaning Services With SPS PoolCare
For added help in maintaining and preparing your swimming pool for the summer, turn to SPS PoolCare. As our pool care professionals provide the best pool cleaning and maintenance services, we’ll help make owning your pool a joy. With several service branches across the southern and southwest United States, there’s no better team to go to for pool maintenance than us. Reach out to your local SPS PoolCare branch to get started today!
