Get Your Pool Summer Ready

First, remove your pool cover, clean it and store it away securely. Over the winter months, pool covers can accumulate a lot of dirt and grime. So, make sure your pool cover is clean and properly stored away for when it’s needed again at the end of the summer.

Fill your pool’s water surface level to midway up the skimmer openings and tile line. Throughout the week, add pool water as necessary to maintain the correct water level. If needed, be sure you inspect your auto-fill and make sure it is working properly.

Debris can sneak into your pool during the off-season. Remove any leaves and other debris that might have gotten into the water when your pool was not in use.

You may have performed this task at the end of the last pool season. If not, now is the time to make sure you start the season with a clean filter.   To make sure your pool filter is still doing its job, here are some important items to address:

• Check the media cartridges or grids for cracks or holes 
• If you have a sand filter, change the sand if needed – recommended every 5 years
• Add new D.E. (after backwashing and before filter startup)  
• Inspect all O-rings to ensure they properly seal 
• Inspect the filter gauge to make sure it is still working

Next, it is time to replace all of your winterizing plugs. Reinstall your drain plugs for the pump, heater and filter. Use Teflon tape or another thread sealant to prevent pump air leaks or filter drips.

To get your pool pump and filter ready take the following steps:

• To eliminate any air in the plumbing lines, make sure to add water to the suction lines with a garden hose.
• Open the filter gauge pressure relief. Then, mark or document your starting PSI. 
• Inspect your controller for the correct time, hours of operation and programs for variable speed or variable flow pumps.
• After the filtration system is operational, inspect all components in the equipment area for leaks. 
• Open all suction and return lines, utilize the multi-port valve and clean out any debris in the line by discarding to the waste position. Prior to operating the pool, remember to return the multi-port valve to the filter position.

You’ll want to have a test kit handy to make sure your pool water chemistry is balanced appropriately. Maintaining the proper balance is crucial to keeping your pool water healthy. There are various types of pool test kits you can choose from, such as test strips, liquid reagent kits and digital testers.

Use a chlorine or non-chlorine shock(MPS) to thoroughly disinfect your pool water. If your pool has algae, use chlorine to eradicate it. Prior to shocking, be sure to brush the algae from the pool walls.

Check and inspect your pool cleaning equipment. Your pool tool list can include the following: 

• Telescopic pole
• Skimmer net 
• Vacuum head and hose 
• Leaf vacuum (if needed)
• Nylon and wire brush
• Vacuum plate

Make sure you have the correct chemicals available for balancing the water and keeping your pool disinfected, balanced and algae-free. Some chemicals you might consider are:

• Cal-Hypo or sodium chloride shock
• Muriatic acid
• Sodium bisulfate (dry acid)
• Sodium bicarbonate
• Soda ash
• Calcium chloride
• Algaecide