Preparing A Swimming Pool For Summer

When it comes to preparing a swimming pool for Summer then there is some work involved if you want to ensure a trouble free summer season. Firstly there are some basic checks that you will need to do in order to get your pool up and running safely.

First of all if you have an above ground pool or an in ground one that you have left the water in all winter long then you will have to skim any debris off and wipe clean the sides of the pool, and clean the swimming pool ladder if you have one.. If you have emptied the pool of water then you will have to check the sides for any cracks or splits, and fix them as required depending on whether the pool is an above ground one or in ground one. If you have left the pool full of water then top it up as required prior to adding any chemicals.

If you have an above ground pool that you packed away for winter then you are going to need to unpack it and check that the sides of the pool do not have any cracks or splits in them, that can occur when they are folded up over winter. If they do have any splits you will need to use a suitable patch to mend them prior to filling with water. If not what may seem a tiny crack or split will become a huge one once the weight of the water is pressing against it!

If you have a frame set swimming pool, hang the liner on it and then scrub the inside of the pool clean (Prior to filling it with water) to get rid of any dirt or damp growth marks that may have taken hold over winter. Check the frame fits together as it should and that all sections are secure.

Prior to filling the swimming pool check that the pump and filtration system are working correctly and replace the old filters with new ones prior to filling the pool with water.

Turn on the pump and leave the water circulating for a day prior to adding any shock treatment to the water (If the pool has had water in it over winter). Then add the shock treatment to bring the chlorine level to just over 5 parts per million. Then test the balance of the water and add calcium as required and then add pH plus or pH minus to balance the pH level out at 7.4 to 7.6.

Then clean the insides of the pool again and test the water again the next day, adjusting the chemical balance as required.

Lastly check the swimming pool ladder to ensure it is both clean and fit for use e.g. it has not rusted or got damaged over winter. Following these procedures will help you get the best from your swimming pool this summer, and then at the end of the season it's time to think about preparing a swimming pool for winter.

By Richard Allen -