Is it already that time of the year when we are all getting the pool ready for the summer? Judging by the weather – it definitely is! Although it’s always hot here, summer is the ‘traditional’ time to open your pool and enjoy everything it has to offer. So, if you still haven’t opened your pool to the public then you probably have a couple of questions roaming around in your head. How to clean a pool? What chemicals do I need for my pool? And, is there a pool service near me? Those are all valid questions to have before your swimming pool cleaning and opening. Lucky for you, we answered all of them.
Check out our blog and get all the tips on how to prepare your pool for the summer.
It Isn’t a Good Idea to Empty the Pool
No matter where you live, even if it gets cold, and what other excuse you have to do it, emptying the pool is still not a good idea. And, you’ll see why.
The first thing you need to have before you winterize your pool is a cover. It will make getting the pool ready for summer a lot easier. Not having to pick up leaves from the pool is one of the benefits a pool covering allows you. And when it comes to swimming pool cleaning, it’s a pretty wanted benefit. A lot of people empty their pools because of fear of cold weather, but this isn’t the way to go. Wherever your pool is situated, the weight of the water is necessary to keep it in place.
Most pool owners make the mistake of emptying their pool during the winter, which ends up costing them their pool. The weight of the water in the pool usually keeps it in place no matter what level the groundwater is at the moment. However, if you decide to empty your pool during a high groundwater table your pool may pop out of place. So don’t make this mistake if you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a new pool.
Clean the Pool Before Anything Else
Swimming pool cleaning usually starts with a process called “chemical opening.” It is the first step of every “how to clean a pool” manual. Now is the time to do it. You’ve used some plugs and covers to keep your pool closed during winter and spring, but summer is here, and you can take them off. It’s best to keep the cover on before you clean it. Take off all the branches and other debris that may have accumulated, sweep the covering and be careful not to tear it. After you’re done, uncover your pool.
Make sure to check all the baskets and remove all the plugs from the pool.
Correct the Water Level
Hopefully, you left the water inside the pool, and now it’s still in place. If you haven’t already, checking out a “pool service near me” might be your best option.
Water levels tend to change during the winter, and most likely you’ll have to add some water to correct the level in your pool. Also, clean out the pool filter. The filter cleaning process varies depending on the type of filter you have. A sand filter cleans out the dirt when the backwash setting is on, a D.E. filter needs to be taken apart before cleaning, and a cartridge filter is good to go after being hosed down. Just remove the cartridge first.
Get the Water Tested by Professionals
Most people who aren’t professional pool cleaners don’t know how to clean a pool properly and are left wondering “what chemicals do I need for my pool?” Well, googling “pool service near me” is one of the best ideas for getting the pool ready for summer. Just one of the things professionals can do for you is to have your water tested.
We can give you all the numbers you need to make your pool summer-ready. We can calculate your current water state and tell you how to adjust everything before the opening. You’ll get all the numbers, from the alkalinity to the chlorine levels. And, in most cases, it doesn’t cost nearly as much as it’s worth. So call us at Florida Pool Patio, and have your water tested before the next step.
The Most Important Step – Balancing the Chemicals
In order to have the pool ready for the summer, you need to prepare the water first. Certain chemical characteristics must be fulfilled before you take a dip.
- Let’s start with chlorine. Chlorine levels in your pool should vary from 1 to 3 ppm (parts per million). How do you affect those levels? There are two most common solutions. If you don’t have any metal in your pool, you can try cyanuric-based tablets. You shouldn’t use them if your heater or filter is made out of metal since the tablets might eat through it. If you can’t use them, try going with a plastic chlorinator. It’s best to hire someone who knows what they’re doing and have them attach the chlorinator to the filter system.
- The alkalinity can vary between 80 and 120. Fix it by using soda ash to increase and muriatic acid to decrease the levels. By keeping optimal alkalinity levels, the PH value of the water will stay consistent.
- The PH levels in your pool need to be between 7.2 and 7.4. The levels increase and decrease when you adjust the alkalinity, so using the same solutions to adjust the PH will work. You can use sodium bisulfate to decrease PH levels as well.
- It’s also important to adjust calcium levels in the pool. The softness of the water determines how much calcium it consumes. Use calcium chloride to adjust these levels and have your calcium hardness between 150 and 250 ppm.
Vacuum the Floor
No matter how clean you keep the pool all year long, it will still need vacuuming before the summer. Vacuum the floor to make sure there is no dirt and dust stuck to the floor and clean the walls to make sure everything is top-notch!
Wait a Week or So
Even when you’re done with all this, your pool won’t be quite ready for visitors. Putting the cover back on is a great solution to keep the dirt out of the water. Keep your filter running for the next few days and wait until the water is completely clear. You can jump in the pool only when you can see its floor. Then it’s ready!
Keep up the Good Work
This shouldn’t be a “one and done” job. Keeping your pool clean throughout the summer will make it a lot easier to open for next season. So, check your water chemicals daily, keep the filter clean, and vacuum weekly.
It would be best to have professionals test everything once a month, and you can always contact us for all of your swimming pool needs and services! Also, browse our website for more pool-related blogs!
