Opening your pool can feel like a high-stakes science experiment. This is especially true when you pull back the winter cover and see something that looks more like a frog pond than a clean and inviting swimming area. You feel stressed, as you are unsure where to begin. The good news is that the opening process is simple when you follow some steps in sequential order and seek some professional help.
Clearing the Deck and the Cover
Before you can even take off the cover, you must remove all the debris. Clean off the surface of the cover itself and remove any standing water with a cover pump. Then, sweep the surrounding pool deck. This ensures nothing gets into the water.
Scrub the cover down well using a special cleanser and let it dry out in the sun. This keeps it from smelling like a swamp while it sits in storage all summer.
Reviving the Circulation System
Once you expose the water, you need to turn your focus to the circulation system, as this is essential for maintaining cleanliness. When you winterized the pool, you likely removed the drain plugs from your pump and filter to keep components from freezing and cracking. Screw these drain plugs back in place and use some plumber’s tape to create a tight seal. Then, check the skimmer baskets for cracks and point the return jets in the proper direction to ensure an optimal flow.
Upon filling the pump basket with water, turn on the switch and see if the water circulates without making any strange sounds. If anything seems amiss, shut off the equipment and call for professional help immediately so that you don’t cause any significant damage.
The Science of Sparkling Water
After getting the water circulating, make sure the chemistry is balanced and safe. Even if the water looks clear, it’s likely teeming with microscopic organisms that could make you sick. Test the water by either purchasing a test kit or working with a pool professional. You may need to add a significant dose of “shock” treatment to kill off any algae that survived the winter cold. If the water has a cloudy blue appearance after adding this treatment, allow the filter to run around the clock until everything clears. Stop running the filter when you can see the bottom of the pool easily.
Finishing Touches for a Safe Summer
Before you go for a swim, make sure everything is safe. Check the diving boards, ladders, and handrails to make sure they don’t wobble. Tighten any that are loose. Make certain that all lights work so that folks can see clearly, especially during the dark of night.
Once you have completed all these steps, schedule professional inspection and maintenance services. A pool professional can make sure all is working as expected and that necessary safety checks are in place. They can even take over the entire opening process for you so that you can just sit back and relax.
To open your pool and turn your Tallahassee, FL yard into a place to envy, contact Terry’s Pool Service.