With the warm weather approaching, it's time to think about opening your swimming pool for the season. These following tips and advice should help you in preparing your pool for summer!
1. Remove the cover. If there are leaves or other debris on the cover remove them before removing the cover.
2. Pump off any standing water if you have a solid cover.
3. After removing the cover, be sure to clean it, let it dry, and store for the season.
4. You will need to add water, bringing the level up to its normal operating level.
5. Remove any freeze plugs, Gizzmo's, and other items installed to protect against freezing.
6. You should have cleaned your filter thoroughly when you closed the pool for the winter. If not, you should do it now.
7. Now, start your filter system up, being sure to prime the pump before starting the motor. Be sure to purge all the air from the plumbing and equipment.
8. Check for any leaks.
9. Assess the pool itself. Hopefully, you had a solid cover on and the water is as clear and blue as when you closed it. If not, you will want to remove any large debris.
10. Any dirt, sand, algae, or other small debris should be vacuumed to waste.
11. After cleaning the pool, it's time to check the water chemistry.
- DO NOT begin by throwing a bunch of chlorine or other chemicals into the water. Adding chlorine and other chemicals in certain circumstances can damage and/or stain your pool surface.
- Allow the water to circulate at least 8-12 hours, so that the water that was added has time to mix with the water in the pool.
- After that time, test it thoroughly, then add the necessary chemicals in the proper sequence to balance the water chemistry. We suggest taking a water sample to your local pool professional to have it tested for pH, Total Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness, etc. Be sure to follow the procedure they describe to avoid damage to your pool's surface.
Tile lines can be cleaned with baking soda and a sponge if you do not have any pool tile cleaner. Do not use any household cleaners (especially abrasives) to clean the tile. You do not want to swim in these chemicals.
Of course if this list feels too long then you can always use a Swimming Pool Service who would prepare the pool for you for summer and will also offer weekly or monthly pool servicing. Xpertfind.com will help you find the right pool service specialist. Just post your swimming pool job and xpertfind.com will do the hard work of finding 3 local quality swimming pool specialists who can provide you with quotes for the swimming pool service. Which swimmingpool specialist you go with is your decision.
With the summer season setting in, it is now the time to indulge in outdoor activities. Needless to be mentioned, but the most popular outdoor activity among all is swimming. For some of us, swimming pool is the focal point of our house, and we try to decorate it with proper seating, lighting and accessories. On the other hand, for many people, swimming pool area is an entertainment zone where various activities besides swimming such as gardening, lounging, evening parties, cooking, etc are enjoyed. No matter whatever is the use of a swimming pool, preparing the pool area in advance will allow you to enjoy pool activities to the extreme.
First of all, you need to remove the pool cover. Drain the water, clean the cover and keep it in a safe place for future use. Remove all sorts of debris from the pool and check the circulation system. It is always better to change the first filled water in 24 hours.
If your house is the only lot on the block where all the children of the neighborhood flock together, you should consider investing in swimming pool activity gears such as flotation devices, beach balls, and fun games to keep the children occupied.
If parties and get together around the pool area is a common activity for you, making the guests comfortable and relaxed is the sole purpose which should be catered while planning pool entertainment. For this you need to create proper seating arrangement. Choose garden furniture pieces featuring sleek lines and team them up with oversize cushions to get the contemporary look. Colorful ottomans in water proof fabric may also be select to spice up things. Place few tables near the seating area in order to keep the drinks, snacks and other miscellaneous things.
Lighting around the pool is another vital factor that should be given optimum consideration. Proper pool lighting will allow you to enjoy evening parties around the pool. The entire pool area can be easily illuminated by hanging overhead lighting fixtures from tree branches or garden parasols. Tabletop lighting and lanterns can be employed for lighting the dining areas. In addition, also consider installing lighting fixtures around the pool to ensure safe footing.
