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Spring Forward Into Pool Season
October 26, 2019
Spring Forward Into Pool Season
The long awaited pool season is finally upon us. Before you and your family can dive in you must take the proper steps to open your pool. Water & Pool Solutions, Inc. can ensure that you will have a safe and effective pool opening. By hiring Water & Pool Solutions, Inc. we can help you complete the following steps to get you splashing and sun bathing this summer.
1. Drain and Remove Cover –
The first step to getting back in the pool is to clean the debris off of the pool cover before removal to prevent contaminating the pool. Drain any standing water on the pool cover with a pump or siphon. A mild detergent can be used to clean the cover. After cover is removed, cleaned and dried, fold up and properly store away from insects and moisture to prevent mold and mildew damage.
This is also the perfect time to inspect you pool cover to determine if it will make it through next year’s fall and winter. Examine the wear and tear, look at the sewing and feel the fabric. If the fabric is stiff or brittle, or beginning to fray it may be time to consider replacing the cover. No need to wait until the fall to do this let Water & Pool Services, Inc. find the optimal coverage for your pool.
2. Raise the Water Level –
After the pool cover is removed, the water level of the pool must be filled to its optimal level. Filling the pool with the garden hose easily does this. Filling the water level can also be the first step in helping you identify leaks.
3. Reconnect Pool Equipment & Remove Winterized Plugs –
Putting together filters and pool pumps can be confusing. Let our specialists assist you with priming your pool pump, reassembling and start-up of filtration equipment, reassembly of ladders, diving boards, lights, etc. All winterizing plugs will be removed from your pump, filter, heater, and pool cleaners and will be replaced with the normal drain plugs. All antifreeze will need to be removed as well from any lines.
4. Start running your pool equipment and system -
After your equipment is reassembled and drain plugs have been replaced you may start turning all of your equipment back on. Crank up the pool pump and filter and let it run. Once running, check the valves and adjust for the proper flow. Your pool pump should be left running for 24 hours. Our specialists will test and adjust all equipment so that it operates properly.
5. Equipment & Safety Inspection -
Water & Pool Solutions, Inc. will also inspect the pool and uncover any problems before they arise. You don’t want to get stuck with a broken filter, pump, or cracks or leaks in the pool surface during the dog days of summer. Let us help you identify any problems now. Check water level and watch out for leakage the first few days of opening your pool.
Check your pool and pool deck for slipping and tripping hazards. Also, check your pool access points. Make sure that pool gates and any doors leading to the pool have operational locks, and even possibly alarms.
6. Clean the Pool –
Skim the leaves, vacuum and then use a pool brush to scrub the pool. Some commercial pools require a deeper clean during the opening process, which is why we also offer a drain and wash option. To complete a drain and wash, the pool must be completely emptied before it is cleaned with either chlorine or acid.
7. Add Start-Up Chemicals –
Once your pool has had a chance to run, the chemical balance of the pool must be tested and start-up chemicals will be added. It’s best to take water from the deep end of the pool while the pump and filter are running for optimal testing. One of our professionals will test the pH levels and add calcium, chlorine and Alkalinity as needed. Idea chemical levels are:
- pH – 7.2 to 7.6
- Total Alkalinity – 80 to 120 ppm
- Chlorine – 1.0 to 3.0 ppm
To maintain a swimming pool it is important to understand what chemicals are needed to keep it swimmable.
- Chlorine –
Chlorine is the primary pool sanitizer. It is stabilized and comes in a tablet or granular form. One does of chlorine lasts 3-7 days and it kills algae and bacteria.
- Bromine –
Bromine is an alternative to chlorine and is more stable at higher water temperatures than chlorine. Although, Bromine can be expensive and it burns off faster than chlorine.
- Alkalinity –
Alkalinity is a measure of how much alkaline is in the pool. If the alkalinity is too high than your water may appear cloudy and the chlorine begins to lose its effect. If the alkalinity is too low than green water and skin or eye irritation can occur.
- Calcium hardness –
Calcium levels must be managed in your swimming pool. If there is too much calcium the water is considered hard and can cause issues on your pool or equipment surfaces. If the calcium levels are too low, the water is considered soft and can be corrosive.
- Metal Remover –
Metal removers will deactivate and remove metals in pool water. Metals in water combined with chlorine is what causes hair to turn green.
- Algaecides –
improper chlorine levels in a pool cause Algae. Algaecides will help prevent algae but will not kill it.
8. Shock the pool –
Water & Pool Solutions, Inc. will shock your pool to eliminate any remaining bacteria or contaminate. Unlike chlorine, shock is un-stabilized and only lasts a day or two. If shock is added to your pool it is advised that you avoid swimming for 12-24 hours.
9. Weekly Maintenance –
Once your pool is swimmable for the season it is essential that it be maintained over the hot summer months. Once the proper chemical levels have been reached and the pool is filtering and circulating properly, your pool can be set to a schedule. The pool should be circulated every 6-12 hours daily to keep its optimal water chemistry.
You can trust Water & Pool Solutions, Inc. will keep your pool maintained with weekly or bi-weekly pool service conducted by our professionals. Our services will allow you to worry less and relax more. Services include the following:
- Skimming, vacuuming and brushing the pool
- Cleanout of pool pump and skimmer
- Backwash pool
- Testing, adjusting and maintaining pool chemicals
- Inspect pool equipment
Water & Pool Solutions, Inc. provides numerous services including repairs, maintenance and equipment upgrades to your pool and hot tubs. Don’t wait until the last minute to make your repairs or schedule services to open your pool for this summer. Call us today and we will provide you a free estimate.
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