Get The Pool Ready for Summer
Arizonans know that summer comes early and with recent temps already on the rise, it’s sure to be a hot one! Thank goodness for the cool reprieve of the swimming pool! With spring just around the corner and summer close behind, here are some tips to get the pool ready for swim season.
It’s not likely that local pool owners “close” their pool for summer. But even if the pool has been open all winter, it needs to be checked to ensure the water is sparkling clear, clean and healthy for swimming when the time is right.
First of all, it’s a good idea to test the chemicals. Oftentimes, the pool doesn’t need as many chemicals in the winter because it is not used as often and because the water remains colder in the winter. However, remember that warm water is very inviting for algae… something to keep on top of when the weather and the water start heating up. So give the water a quick test and adjust chemicals as necessary.
It’s also important to start running the pool pump more often and the weather warms up. The pump should be run more often depending on usage and season. In the winter, it may only need to be run for four to six hours per day; during the summer months, it should be run daily between eight and 12 hours.
Now’s also a good time to check the pool pump and other equipment to make sure it’s in proper working condition. The pump is the lifeblood of the pool. It helps filter out impurities and debris and also keeps the pool water circulating properly. This is crucial for multiple reasons. The flow of the water that the pump creates helps to distribute chemicals in the water evenly throughout the pool to ensure a healthy swimming environment.
The basket should be checked and emptied on a weekly basis to avoid clogs. It’s also a good idea to check the pressure gauge on the top of the filter to make sure water if flowing back into the pool as expected. If water can’t properly flow through the pump, it starts to pump air versus water, which could lead to a burn out.
Adjusting the water level is another important element of getting the pool ready for summer. The water line should fall right in the middle of the skimmer opening. It’s vital for pool owners to maintain consistent water levels as much as possible.
If it has been a while since the pool water has been refreshed, it may need to be drained and the interior surface may need to be acid washed. The pool should be drained on average every five to seven years. An acid wash of the interior surface of the pool can remove any stains and dirt, leaving behind a fresh surface that can help make the water look crystal clean and inviting for the swim season!
Finally, give the surface a good skimming, scrub the sides and interior walls of the pool with a brush and empty all the filters and skimmer baskets. With the basics out of the way, it’s time to enjoy the pool all summer long. Remember that the professionals at Aquaman Pools can take care of the maintenance and any pool repairs needed so all pool owners need to do is sit back, relax and enjoy their clean and healthy pool!
