With summer in the air, it’s time to drop the weight of 2020 and get your pool in shape for a fun filled summer. But after months of inactivity, the thought of opening your pool can seem like a lot. Cleaning and uncovering your pool can be exhausting work but it’s worth it in the long run. Here are some tips that will help you open your pool for the summer.
You may already see debris from rain and other storms. Clean off the debris and check for any holes or damage to the cover. If you see a hole in the cover, don’t drain the pool. To get water off the cover you can use a submersible pump or a siphon for an above ground pool. When all the water has been drained you can remove the cover. To avoid mold, ensure that the cover is clean and dry before you store it.
If your drained your pool during winter, bring the water levels back to normal operating range. Remove all winter equipment/plugs and reconnect the pool equipment. If you used antifreeze for your plumbing, ensure that you drain it.
Check the filter and ensure its clean. Now its time to start your filter system; make sure you prime the pump before starting the motor. The goal is to get rid of all the air from the plumbing and equipment. Be advised that air will be compressed at this stage and you need to release any built-up pressure before you open the pump, filter or chemical feeder. Check for leaks.
Hopefully you had a pool cover on during the offseason, but if not, you want to remove any debris, dirt and sand with a leaf rake, net or eater. Once the pool has been cleared, it’s a good idea to run the pump for at least 8 to 12 hours before you add any chemicals. This allows fresh water to combine with the existing pool water.
After the allotted time, test the water thoroughly, adding the necessary chemicals to balance the water chemistry. The levels should ideally be at:
If you need help balancing your pool’s levels, let Phoenix Services help. We’ll give you the top pool chemical needed for de-winterizing your pool. Our team will point you in the right direction.
Getting your pool ready for summer may take time, but that’s a small price to pay for a happy and memorable swimming experience. If you want to improve the quality of your pool even further, contact us online or call at (850) 305-0607.
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