Finally! We’ve turned to the page in the calendar where we can see “Pool Opening” scribbled in. However, before jumping into the water, it’s important to ensure that your swimming pool is ready for all that fun in the sun.
So how do you make your pool ready for summer? At Goodall Pools & Spas, we have it down to a science.
How to Open Your Swimming Pool
Think about how you prepare to go for a dip in your swimming pool. You put on your bathing suit, apply plenty of sunscreen, and load yourself with all the necessary accessories for fun and relaxation (e.g., towels, floats, beverages, etc.). Just as you prepare yourself to go into the pool, you need to prepare your pool to go into the swim season.
Here are the key steps to effectively opening your pool for the summer.
Step 1: Clean and Remove the Pool Cover
The first step in preparing your swimming pool for the summer season is to remove any water or debris that may have accumulated on your pool cover. Then, carefully remove the cover and store it properly to prolong its life.
Step 2: Clean the Pool
The next step is to clean the pool thoroughly. This includes removing any leaves, dirt, and debris that may have accumulated in the pool over the winter months. You can do this using a pool leaf skimmer. It’s also important to brush the walls and floor of the pool to remove any algae that may have formed.
Step 3: Check and Clean the Pool Equipment
Once the pool is clean, inspect the pool equipment to ensure that everything is in working order. This includes the pool pump, filter, and heater. You should also check the pool’s water level and adjust it as necessary. Turn on the pool pump and make sure everything is running properly before adding any chemicals.
Step 4: Shock the Pool
Shocking the pool involves adding a large amount of chlorine to the water to kill any bacteria or algae that may have formed. Normally during pool season, this should be done after balancing the pool water and should be done in the evening or at night when the sun is not shining. This allows chlorine to work more effectively.
However, for pool opening, we recommend you add a double dose of shock to your pool, then let your water circulate for 48 hours before adding any balancing chemicals. Balancing chemicals settle in layers in your water throughout the winter, and it can take a few days to get them to mix into the cold water for accurate testing and to see what you really need to add.
Step 4: Balance the Pool Water
After 2 days of the pool water circulating non-stop, it’s time to balance the water. Test for pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels. If the levels are not within the recommended range, add chemicals to achieve the proper balance. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when adding chemicals to the pool.
Step 6: Run the Pool Pump
After adding your large dose of balancing chemicals at the beginning of the season, you should continue to run the pool pump for 24 – 48 hours to ensure that the water is circulated properly. This will also help to distribute the chemicals evenly throughout the pool.
Stocking Up on Chemicals
One of the most important aspects of preparing your swimming pool for the summer season is ensuring that you have the necessary chemicals on hand. This includes chlorine, pH balancers, algaecide, and shock treatments. It’s important to purchase high-quality chemicals to ensure that they are effective and safe to use.
- Chlorine is perhaps the most important chemical for keeping your pool clean and safe. It kills bacteria and other harmful organisms that may be present in the water. You should test the chlorine levels regularly to ensure that they are within the recommended range.
- pH balancers are also important for maintaining the right balance of acidity in the pool water. If the pH levels are too high or too low, it can cause skin and eye irritation and can also damage the pool equipment.
- Algaecide is used to prevent the growth of algae in the pool. Algae can make the water cloudy and can also be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria.
- Shock treatments are used to kill bacteria and other harmful organisms that may be present in the water. Shocking the pool should be done regularly, especially after heavy use or after heavy rainfall.
Where to Get Your Pool Opening Supplies
Goodall Pools & Spas is your one-stop shop for pool opening supplies, free water testing, and expertise in Central Pennsylvania. Contact us or visit one of our five locations today. From our expert staff who is always eager to help you make your pool opening checklist to our generous selection of BioGuard® Pool Chemicals, we have everything you need to achieve sparkling water and lifelong memories in your pool.
