Summer’s Around the Corner – Is Your Swimming Pool Ready?

A backyard swimming pool is one of the best ways to beat the summer heat. Has your pool woken up from its winter hibernation yet? If not, here’s how to get it ready for another season of outdoor fun.

Check the Pool for Wear and Tear

Before you begin the pool opening process, give your pool a thorough inspection. Do you see any signs of deterioration, such as cracks or stains in the liner, broken tiles, or rust? These problems not only create cosmetic concerns, but they can also hide underlying safety issues. Consider replacing the vinyl liner or renovating your pool before opening it this season, especially if the original installation is over 10 years old.

Start the Cleaning Process

Now that cold weather is long gone, it’s safe to reassemble the filtration system. Be sure to clean the filter before turning it on. You can simply hose down a cartridge filter, but if you have a diatomaceous earth (DE) filter, you may need to disassemble it for a more thorough cleaning. If you have a sand filter, set it to backwash before switching it to the normal setting.

Next, top off the water level, skim the pool, clean out the baskets, and remove any plugs you installed when you closed the pool last fall. Prime and start the filter pump to get the water circulating, and turn on the heater. If any of this equipment malfunctions or appears damaged, call a pool maintenance technician for assistance.

Have the Water Professionally Tested

It’s critical to get the chemical balance right at the beginning of summer. This gives you a head start on maintaining a clear swimming pool free of algae blooms and excessive bacteria. For this reason, it’s wise to leave the first chemical test to a professional. In fact, if you don’t have training or experience with pool chemicals, you may want to hire a skilled pool maintenance technician to check the balance routinely throughout the season.

Wait for the Water to Clear

Don’t jump in the pool just yet. To give the filtration and pump system time to mix up the chemicals, plan to run the pump for 24 hours before going swimming. You may also want to brush and vacuum the pool to deter any algae problems heading into summer. This is yet another service provided by professional technicians during the pool opening process.

Get Help Maintaining Your Pool All Summer Long

Yes, you could balance the chemicals, vacuum the pool, clean the skimmers, backwash the filter, and blow the deck area every week or two throughout the season—or you could hire an experienced pool maintenance provider to perform these tasks for you. With services from Millennium Pool Service, you can swim in clean, crystal-clear water all summer long without the hassle of maintaining your pool yourself.

For help opening your pool, or to schedule ongoing pool maintenance this summer, please contact us today at our locations in Frederick, MD or Springfield, VA.