Pre-Season Clean Up
During the pool opening season, owners need to take some basic steps to ensure that the water and all surfaces are clean, sanitized and ready for swimmers before the warm weather really hits. Getting rid of debris, removing and storing the pool cover, and balancing the pool chemicals are all important steps in cleaning up your pool after an eventful winter. To learn more, this helpful guide offers useful tips and helpful information designed to make it easy to open your pool this year.
Cleaning Up Around the Pool
The landscaping around a pool can take quite a beating during the cooler months of the year. It’s not uncommon to find broken branches, leaves and other debris piled up around your pool area once we enter into Spring and the temperatures begin to increase. Before you begin cleaning the pool itself, clean up the area around your pool. Remove any large branches, get rid of any garbage that has blown into your yard and trim up your landscaping. Starting out with a yard that is clean and well-maintained is a great way to start enjoying your pool season.
Removing Water & Debris from the Pool Cover
Once the area around the pool is clean, it’s time to clear off the winter pool cover. Remove all large pieces of debris by hand and use a pool cover pump to remove excess water from the pool cover. It’s important to remove as much water from the cover as possible as this will make it easier to remove and store it when not in use.
Removing the Pool Cover
When the pool cover has been drained and cleared off, remove it from the pool. Solid Pool covers tend to be fairly heavy, so always grab a partner for assistance to prevent accidents. If you’ve done a good job at cleaning the cover and removing all the water, it will make the job easier to handle.
Properly Storing Your Pool Cover
Once the pool cover has been removed, allow it to completely dry while laid out flat on your lawn or patio. Inspect the pool cover for any signs of excessive wear and tear, as you don’t want to be surprised by damage once it’s time to close the pool. Replace your cover if it is damaged, as this will make it much easier to close your pool at the end of the season.
Before folding and storing the cover, apply a light coating of a mildew removal product to prevent mold from developing. Storing the cover in a protected, cool place where it will stay dry is the key to getting the most use out of your pool cover.
Inspecting Your Pool
The best time to inspect your pool for problems is when you are performing pool opening activities. Look for any signs of excessive wear and tear, including small cracks or chipping in the tile. Even the smallest spaces can be prone to developing problems with mold and mildew, so be sure to inspect all areas of the pool walls, stairs, floor and tile for signs of trouble.Addressing small issues now will help prevent much larger problems down the road.