Photo Credit: Getty Images/ Contributor Ken Hively
The sweet smell of sunscreen is among us. Summer is officially here, kids are out of school, and it’s time to re-open up your pool. There are several types of pools from aboveground, in-ground, fiberglass, vinyl lined, etc. but they all need cleaned especially when they re-open. Here are 5 things to absolutely do for any pool before you start pumping up your inflatables lounge chairs.
1. Cleaning out Debris
Before you remove the pool cover for the first time you’ll want to sweep and/or hose off any debris on and around the pool and cover. (It’ll save you some time during the next steps.)
After you start using the pool, you’ll want a hand skimmer handy. Skimming the pool’s surface every other day will help maintain the circulation in the pool. Removing bugs, leaves, and whatever else nature throws in there will be easier to get with a skimmer the first time you see it rather than in a few weeks when that stuff floats down to the floor.
This applies to strainer or leaf baskets too. Once a week during the summer remove the basket and give it a shake and rinse it off with the hose. You’ll notice the difference!
2. Inspect and Reconnect Equipment
If you have any lights to hook up now is the time. Also hook up your filter, pump, and skimmer valves for the water to flow through. Check all of these for any cracks or other wear and tear issues that may call the need to replace.
3. Vacuum Floors and Brushing Walls
This step is a pain in the butt, but necessary if you want a clean pool. If you don’t want to hire a service to come out, you can defiantly do it yourself.
Fill the pool to the midpoint and then use a vacuum to get all of the bits that have been collected through the winter that the skimmer can’t get. You’ll also want to grab an algae brush to clean off buildup and calcium deposits on the walls. Depending on your pool will depend on what kind of brush to use.
(Stiff brushes are best used for plaster-lined concrete pools. Softer brushes are better for vinyl, fiberglass, and tile.)
4. Changing Filters
The good news about changing your filter is once you do it, you won’t need to change it again for a while. Some people change their filters more often then what’s recommended, but that can actually make the filtration process slow down. So how do you know it’s time to switch? Pay attention to the labels. A good rule of thumb too is when the difference reaches 10-15 lbs. per square inch.
5. Balance Chlorine and PH Levels
This may be one of the more important steps before anyone gets in the pool. Measuring the chlorine and pH levels will prevent any swimmers from getting dry eyes or irritated skin! So it’s important that you use a test kit to make sure the water is safe to swim in. The ideal range on a pH scale is 7.2-7.8. The first time you test for the summer it may take a week or two before your pool is balanced and swimmable. It helps to keep the pump running during this time too.
Bonus Tip: Check the area around your pool where little ones may be barefoot. Don’t want any splinters, prickly weeds, or rocks in a foot!
For more Home and Garden tips tune in every Saturday 9a-1pm, for the Home and Garden Show with Pat Sullivan and Denny Smith right here on WIBC.
