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As the winter season comes to an end, you’ll need to put in some extra effort to open your pool for spring.
By following our steps, you will be able to prepare your pool for the summer season in no time. If you have any questions or wish to upgrade your pool, feel free to contact the top swimming pool contractors at Solda Pools.
1. Remove the pool cover
Before removing your pool cover, pump excess water off the cover and scoop out debris to prevent it from entering the pool. After removing the cover, thoroughly clean it and allow it to dry. Then, you are ready to fold and store the cover as per manufacturer recommendations for the season.
2. Clean and inspect the interior
For Concrete pools, examine your tiles and plaster for cracks or chips. For Vinyl pools, examine the liner and coping track. After you complete this task, remove winter plugs from your wall return and skimmers.
Reattach the directional fittings and drain plugs. Carefully inspect your filter, pump, and return lines for damages or wear and tear. If there is any, then replace the broken parts. The final step is reattaching your underwater pool lights.
3. Take inventory and check chemicals and test kits
Examine your pool’s chemicals and ensure nothing has expired. Properly discard chemicals that are past expiration. Consider the following product inventory to balance and sanitize pool water:
- Chlorine tablets for sanitization and to help maintain clean pool water.
- Shock treatment to sanitize and super-chlorinate your water.
- Muriatic acid and Sodium bisulphate lowers water pH.
- Bromine provides a chlorine alternative.
- Pool salt for saltwater pool system.
- Calcium chloride for low calcium levels and soft water.
- Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) to increase alkalinity.
- Algaecide prevents and kills algae growth.
- Clarifier assists the filtration system in removing fine particles.
- Test strips check sanitizer level, alkalinity and pH.
4. Clean, inspect, and reconnect the hoses, pool filter, and equipment
Ensure all your equipment is working. Filters, pumps, drains, hoses, skimmers, and equipment should be clean and usable. Reconnect the filter, hoses, pool pump, and electrical equipment removed during winter.
5. Fill your pool to the appropriate water level
Add water to your pool with a garden hose. Fill it up midway across your skimmer.
6. Prime/test the pool pump
Turn on your power to run the filtration and circulation systems. Allow the filter to run for a minimum of 24 hours.
7. Clean and vacuum the pool floor and walls
Begin by skimming the pool’s surface water to eliminate floating debris. Vacuum your pool floor and walls to get rid of dirt and algae. Remove garbage from baskets. Finish by removing and cleaning the calcium scale or water line ring on your pool. A pool grade cleaner and a brush work well for this task.
8. Reattach handrails, ladders, and accessories
Find your handrails, ladders, slides, and diving boards. Then, reattach them to the pool. Lubricate all the bolts to eliminate rusting. Removing them is easier when closing your pool. You can also take out any pool furniture and begin washing your cushions.
9. Check to ensure equipment works properly
All equipment should be in good working order. Replace any of the following items if necessary:
- Vacuum plate
- Vacuum hose and head
- Skimmer net
- Telescopic pole
- pool brush
Steps to Test, Shock, and Balance Pool Water
Have your pool circulate for 24 hours prior to testing the pool water.
Once all your equipment is ready and in good working order, prepare your pool for use. Since the water has sat during the winter, it is necessary to remove any algae and bacteria. Restore pool chemistry to a proper pH/alkalinity level that will not irritate the skin and eyes while swimming.
Owners may require a few days to restore the water balance and water clarity before using the pool to ensure it is clean, clear, and safe for swimmers. Once you have the correct balance, you must maintain it throughout the season.
Test pH Levels and Alkalinity
Using a pool strip, check your pool’s chemistry. Adjust Alkalinity first because beginning with proper alkalinity levels makes other chemicals function better together. It also prevents swings in pH levels.
Next, adjust your pH. The reading is on a 1-14 scale. If it is below 7.4, then your water is acidic and above 7.6 it is alkaline . Maintaining correct balances is essential to reduce smell, decrease eye irritation, prevent corrosion, avoid scaling, and keep the water clear.
Shock the Water
Add heavy amounts of chlorinating products like calcium hypochlorite or liquid chlorine to remove bacteria, organic matter, and algae. Adding shock to the pool increases chlorine in your water within the 5-10 ppm range, compared to 1.0-3.0 ppm.
Clear Murky Pool Water
The pool may take two to three days to clear up. You may have a few extra steps to take if the pool still looks cloudy. You will need a concentrated algaecide if algae is present. Liquid clarifiers can clear your water of fine dirt particles.
Perform a Final Water Test
The pool is almost ready to enjoy. Do another water test to ensure everything is within acceptable ranges. Once the chemistry is balanced and the water is translucent, celebrate by entering the pool.
Solda Pools: Swimming Pool Contractors for all Your Pool Needs
If you need chemicals or equipment, or have questions, contact Solda Pools at 289-201-2487. As expert swimming pool contractors, Solda Pools knows everything there is to know about caring for your pool and maintaining optimal conditions.
You can also visit our webpage, or email us at sales@soldapools.com for further information.
