Getting your swimming pool ready for the summer is not all about filling it up and having everyone jump in to enjoy the water. It is more complicated than that but don’t worry, we have summarized this for you in eight easy steps.
1. Ask yourself if it is cool enough outside
Opening your pool when it is still cool outside will eliminate algae infestation. Algae loves warm, dark places and leaving your pool closed until it is hot outside will only encourage algae growth.
Although you are always welcome, you don’t want to keep running to our store just because you forgot something. We created this checklist for you so you won’t forget a thing:
Let’s face it, you need help in getting your pool ready for the season. While this activity can be done by one person, this is a difficult chore and you need help.
You will likely see cloudy water that’s a bit green. It might be tempting to just empty your pool and start anew. Don’t do that though unless you have no other choice i.e. when structural work is needed. Get your pump and filter running until the water is crystal clear. After that, you can do your usual pool maintenance. Take a look at our maintenance hacks here.
Test the water’s pH level, alkalinity, chlorine, and calcium hardness.
This isn’t complicated, you just have to take a look at the guide below:
Calcium Hardness: 150 ppm – 250 ppm
You will need calcium chloride to adjust calcium hardness.
pH: 7.2 – 7.4
Use sodium bisulfate to decrease the pH and soda ash to increase it.
Alkalinity: 80 – 120
This pH buffer is needed for your pool. You will need sodium bicarbonate to increase the alkalinity. To decrease alkalinity, you will need some muriatic acid.
Chlorine: 1 ppm – 3 ppm
Cyanuric tablets will be needed.
Wait for the water to be totally clear.
You will need to maintain your pool water for the rest of the season. Get rid of debris, brush the sides and floor of the pool, keep the water balanced, and make sure that your filtration system works.