With the arrival of the season also comes more time spent soaking in the sun beside your backyard pool. Taking steps to ensure your home pool is ready for swimming, such as balancing chemicals, testing water quality, and cleaning out debris, will help create a safe environment for all who use it.
Therefore, this article will explore how to best prepare your pool for the anticipated seasons ahead–so you can make the most of those swimming days with friends and family!
Check the pH levels
Maintaining the proper pH levels of your pool is a crucial aspect of pool maintenance. High or low pH levels can cause skin irritation, eye discomfort, and damage to pool surfaces. It is important to ensure that the pH balance of your pool is within the recommended range to keep swimmers safe and prevent damage to the pool. It is highly recommended to check your pH levels frequently and make any necessary adjustments promptly.
To properly test the pH levels of your pool, use a testing kit. This kit should contain two types of strips– one to measure pH and one to measure alkalinity. Once you take the strip readings, compare them to the recommended ranges listed in your pool manual or online. If necessary, add chemicals such as sodium bicarbonate to raise the alkalinity and muriatic acid to reduce the pH levels.
Also, most people know that chlorine is important for keeping a pool clean, but what about other chemicals? Balancing the chemical composition of your pool water is essential for proper sanitation and making sure it’s safe for swimming. Chemicals such as calcium hardness, cyanuric acid, and stabilizers should be tested regularly to ensure they are at the right levels.
Vacuum the bottom and clean the sides
Once you have balanced your pool’s chemicals, it’s time to tackle the dirt and debris that can build up in a pool throughout the season. To ensure that your pool is clean for swimmers, use a vacuum head attached to an extension pole and manually sweep the bottom of the pool and a pool cleaner to get into the corners and crevices. These two tools will help you remove any dirt and debris from the bottom of the pool, so it is ready for swimming.
Additionally, cleaning the sides of your pool is essential for removing algae and dirt that can accumulate on the walls. To do this, use a brush head attached to an extension pole and scrub the sides vigorously until all visible debris is gone. For deep cleaning, you may need to use a pressure washer to remove stubborn dirt and grime.
Preventing clogs
Keeping your pool clean is not just necessary for mitigating health risks, but also keeps it looking beautiful. Regularly cleaning skimmer baskets, filters, and filter grids is crucial to prevent clogs that can affect the efficiency of your pool’s filtration system. Clogged baskets and filters can cause the motor to overheat and even break down, causing you unnecessary expenses.
By cleaning your pool on a regular schedule, you will not only keep your pool functioning at its best but also prolong the lifespan of your equipment.
Furthermore, if you notice that the water level is getting too low (which is common on hot days due to evaporation), you can top off your pool manually with a garden hose. Not only will this help ensure that your pool’s equipment is functioning properly, but it will also help keep your pool clean and clear by preventing debris and contaminants from accumulating.
Inspect all equipment
Inspecting equipment regularly, including pumps and ladders, and replacing any worn parts without delay, can help prevent accidents or equipment failures from occurring, which could lead to costly downtime and potential hazards for those using the equipment. For instance, checking the safety cover regularly will help prevent children and pets from entering the pool unsupervised.
Finally, be sure to check for any leaks in your pool’s pipes, hoses, and fittings. If you suspect a leak, address it immediately before it becomes worse and causes further damage.
On the other hand, there are professional pool services that can help maintain your pool on a regular schedule. They will come out to check all the equipment and chemicals, vacuum, clean the sides and bottom of the pool, and perform any other repairs or maintenance necessary to keep your pool in top condition. Having a professional inspect your pool is also beneficial during the colder months when you are not using the pool and need to store it for the season.
Be sure to use a pool cover
Not only does a pool cover keep leaves and other unwanted items out of your pool, but it also helps to conserve water and reduce chemical usage. There are many types of pool covers to choose from, including solar blankets and safety covers. Solar blankets help to keep the water warm and also reduce evaporation, so you don’t need to top off your pool as often. Safety covers provide an extra layer of protection against accidental drownings by preventing small children or pets from entering the pool area without supervision.
Investing in a high-quality pool cover may seem like a small expense, but it can make a big difference in the longevity of your pool. So, if you haven’t already, be sure to use a pool cover to safeguard your pool – and your investment – from harm.
After taking the necessary steps to ensure that your pool is ready for swimming season, you can now sit back and enjoy the long swimming days ahead. Be sure to always check the pH of your pool and add fresh water if needed to keep it balanced and healthy. Don’t forget to vacuum and clean out all baskets, filters, grid systems, pumps, and ladders—replacing or repairing any worn or broken parts that you find. Finally, consider investing in a pool cover for off-season months to protect your pool from debris. These tips should help put your mind at ease so you can have a safe, stress-free time swimming in your backyard oasis!
