As the weather warms up, you’re probably itching to dive into your pool for the first swim of the season. Before you take the plunge, however, you actually need to get your pool ready and open for business. As most pool owners know, this can be quite an irritating task. But there are a few simple tips can help make this year’s pool opening much less of a pain.
Bring In an Inspector
Before you think about opening your pool, call in a qualified inspector who can help you replace or repair anything that needs fixing. It is far better to know that something is broken before you start getting the pool cleaned up and pour in more water. A good inspector will help you get your pool open by making sure that everything in in working order. This is also a good way to prevent damage later on in the season.
First Add Water
The general sequence for opening a pool involves adding both water and chemicals to the pool, but this requires a certain process. In general, the best thing to do is to fill the pool and then to allow the water to circulate for at least half a day before you add any chemicals. This allows the water to mix thoroughly, which will prevent the chemicals from concentrating in one spot or another and staining the inside of the pool. Never simply assume that you know what the pool needs. At the very least, test for pH, chlorine, alkalinity and calcium before you move forward.
Inventory
If you have been keeping a pool for quite some time, you know that there are a lot of chemicals that go into making the pool safe to use. Before you start adding chemicals to your pool, pull out all of the ones that you use and see how much you have left. Be sure to purchase everything that you are running out of and to use the older chemicals first, while they are still potent.
Examine Your Slides and Ladders
Slides and ladders that have been put away in storage for the winter may have collected stains that can affect your pool water. Examine the equipment and give it a good scrub with a mild cleanser, if necessary. Then rinse thoroughly before installing them in your pool.
A little preparation goes a long way when you want to open up a pool, so consider what you need to do this spring. Make sure that you have all of the tools that you need and that you don’t take the plunge too soon!
Post Author: andyc.
