After the cold winter months, everybody is usually eager to plunge into their swimming pools and relax. However, it takes time and effort to ensure that your pool is ready when the temperatures start rising, and conditions become favourable.
Before anything, it is essential to have a good cover to keep your pool in a usable condition during the chilly season.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare your pool for summer.
- Clean Your Pool and Filter
After taking off your pool cover, the first step should be removing any leaves and other debris that make the water murky. At this time, avoid focusing on the water’s colour, as it is likely to be green or light brown. Instead, focus on the items that can clog your swimming pool filter.
Once you remove all the unwanted items, move on to cleaning the filter. The best way to do this is by eliminating any clogging and placing the filter under running water for a few minutes.
- Add Chemicals
This second step involves adding water and chemicals. Mixing clean and dirty water should not be a concern since the chemicals, like dam cleaner, will help eliminate the dirt.
After adding water, turn on the filter and the pump and let them run for a day or two. If the pump does not start processing the water instantly, add more water to fasten the process. Ideally, you should add two kilograms of chlorine for every 19,000 litres of water. You can also view more information here.
- Balance the Chemical Levels
Chlorine usually takes 24 to 48 hours to clean the water in your pool. After this period elapses, you need to test the chemical levels to ensure that the pool is ready for use.
It is advisable to use a pool chemical test to ensure that the water has the right chemical levels. Alternatively, you can have a professional do it for you.
The recommended chemical levels are one to three chlorine parts per million, pH range of 7.4 to 7.6, calcium ranging from 200 to 400, and alkalinity of 100 parts per million. If these go beyond the set levels, the water can be dangerous.
- Vacuum and Scrub
Once you confirm that the chemical levels are okay, leave the pool unused for a few days. Over this period, monitor the water colour and equipment such as pumps and filters.
When the water turns clear, use a vacuum and a scrubber to clean the pool’s surface. Then add a ladder, a diving pad, and other accessories that you need. Lastly, cover the pool to ensure that it stays in a pristine condition.
Conclusion
Summer provides favourable conditions for swimming. For this reason, you need to follow the steps mentioned above to ensure that your pool maintains a tip-top shape. For professional help to make it easier look into Pool Inspections Melbourne.
Although most of these tips are DIY, you can hire a pro to do it if you find it overwhelming. This is the recommended approach since some of the chemicals can be harmful if applied incorrectly.
