5 Steps to a Proper Pool Opening
LET’S GET READY FOR SWIM SEASON!!!
Hopefully, you are finding your pool in good shape after the long winter and now you are ready to get everything ready for swim season. I know we are all ready to hear the sounds of children and family laughing, splashing, and playing in our pool. Here are few tips for those of you that don’t close the pool in the winter.
Step 1: Check your Equipment
This is a really good time to look over all the equipment. Check for any leaks, lubricate the orings, make sure the filters are clean and check for any cracks in the baskets.
Step 2: Salt Cells & Water feature pumps
For those using salt chlorine generators, it is a very good idea to clean your cell at the beginning of each season. This can easily be done by pouring a water/muriatic acid solution to the cell and letting it soak, which will in turn remove any unwanted scaling or build-up on the cell, which (if present) can prevent the system from generating chlorine properly. Doing this twice a year is a great idea. We recommend doing it in the spring and in the fall.
Water Features Like This Require Water Feature Pumps
Make sure you turn the cell up so that it will start producing chlorine when the water temp starts to rise. Also, if you winterized your water feature pump, be sure and re-attach all necessary plugs. Typically, most pool pumps have at least two plugs. All unions should be re-attached and tighten, including the salt chlorine generator when applicable. Don’t forget to get the pump breakers turned back on.
Step 3: Obtain water sample
Have your water checked. Hopefully, you have been staying on top of it during the winter, however, it is a good idea to have them professionally checked regularly in order to keep things in balance. Over the winter, it is typical for things like salt and Borate (Supreme) to get low and they will need a spring boost to keep things good for the swim season. You can bring a water sample to our store (insert hyperlink to our address) and we will give you a computerized results in a few minutes.
Step 4: Chemicals
Balance all your chemicals. Add Chlorine, Acid and other chemicals to balance the chlorine levels, pH and Alkalinity which are among the most important. We also recommend have phosphates, metals, hardness and stabilizer checked and add chemicals accordingly.
Step 5: Cleaning
If you are like most of us, and paid a little less attention to your pool during the winter months, you may have to vacuum and brush the walls. If the pool water is cloudy or you have visible algae, it is best to shock the pool, brush the walls and then let the pool filter run for 24 hours before attempting to do more. Remember, depending on how bad the water quality is, this process may require consistent back-washing or cleaning of the filter as to assist with clarity.
