Get Your Pool Ready for Summer
With temperatures as hot as they are, we can imagine that you’re on the ends of toes, eager to bring your pool out of hibernation. But in order for your pool to be the reprieve you know it to be, you’ll need to give it some good ole’ TLC because it’s probably just a tub of green, murky water peppered with twigs and branches and other debris.
We’re sorry to say that you can’t simply fill your pool and cannon ball in; it’ll take some work but you’ll find it all worth it in the end. After all, a swimming isn’t just a pit filled with water straight from the hose; it requires balanced chemicals and some maintenance.
How to Prep Your Pool For Summer
1. Though it might be tempting to empty your pool, we must warn you that you should never, under any circumstances do this. Draining a pool can cause serious problems, for it is the water that keeps your pool grounded. An empty pool can actually lift your pool out of the ground since there is not weight to keep it down. You’d be looking at an entire pool replacement.
2. Begin the cleaning process with a “chemical open.” With the pool cover still on, put the filtration system together, clean out the baskets, and remove any pugs that were placed in your pool when you winterized it.
3. With all the recent rainfall, there isn’t much concern about topping it off. However, in the case that your water levels are low, go ahead and top it off. Clean the filter before turning it on. In order to clean the cartridge filter, remove the cartridge and wash it with a hose. If your pool uses a D.E. filter, you may be required to take it apart in order to give it a good clean. If you have a sand filter, adjust the setting to backwash; this will clean the sand. Then readjust the setting to normal.
4. To ensure that your pool is ready for the summer, have the water tested by a professional. Simply take a water sample to a swimming pool store and they’ll test it for you. This includes testing or mineral content, total alkalinity, and the pH and chlorine levels.
5. Based on the test, you may have to adjust the chemicals, which will require some chemistry.
pH levels should be between 7.2 and 7.4
Total alkalinity should be between 80 and 120
Calcium hardness should be between 150 ppm and 250 ppm (parts per million)
Chlorine should be between 1 ppm and 3 ppm
6. You’re almost there, but don’t cannon ball in just yet! You must clean the filter every day until the water is clear. You can expect the process to reach completion in about a week. Chlorine levels may have to be adjusted as the process goes on, meaning that you may have to add more. When the water is completely clear, you can remove the cover.
7. Finish the cleaning process by vacuuming all the leaves and debris.
8. Now, at last, here is what you’ve all been waiting to read during this entire article. CANNON BALL!
Swimming Pool Maintenance
In order to really get the most out of your pool, it’s important that you maintain your pool for the entire season. This means keeping the filter clean, vacuuming the pool once a week, and testing the chemical levels every day. To ensure maximum efficiency, have your water tested monthly by a professional.
If at all during the pool prepping process you need the help of a professional, don’t hesitate to give the experts at Texan Blue Pool Service a call. We’re here to ensure that you enjoy your pool all summer long.
You can reach us at 877-730-7665 or visit us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.