With winter coming to a close, it won’t be long before the warm weather has you eager to get outside and take a dip in your private swimming pool. However, if you don’t want to miss a day of leisurely swimming this summer, there are a few things you’ll need to do ahead of time. To help you get started, the following checklist outlines a few essential steps to open your pool for the summer.

5 Steps to Prepare Your Swimming Pool for Summer

1. Scrub it Down  

Once you remove the pool cover, you may find that dirt, grime, and other debris has accumulated on the surface. To ensure a clean swimming experience, take time to skim or sweep up any loose leaves and use appropriate cleaning supplies to remove buildup from all sides of the structure.

2. Repair Cracks  

As you clean the surface, pay attention to cracked walls or chipped tiles. While this damage may seem small, it can increase the risk of injury and leaks. Fortunately, most problems can be repaired with the help of a professional if they are caught early.

3. Fill It Up

Once the surface is clean and intact, you can fill your pool with water to get it back to the proper level. After you fill it, keep an eye on the level — if it drops too much, you may have a leak that needs further attention.

4. Inspect Filtration System

When the pool is full, reconnect all your equipment and run the filtration system overnight to remove remaining debris from the water. During this time, you should also test all pumps and repair or replace any problematic devices. Additionally, be sure all filters and strainers are clean; otherwise, you may end up with clogs that dirty your swimming pool.

5. Test Water & Adjust Chemicals  

Before you can take a dip, you’ll need to make sure the water‘s pH and mineral levels are balanced to ensure a comfortable, safe swimming experience. If testing strips reveal levels are out of alignment, use pool chemicals to bring things back to normal. Next, shock the pool and add chlorine to kill bacteria and prevent it from spreading.

 

Once everything is in order, you’ll only need to follow a regular maintenance schedule to keep your pool looking and feeling fresh. If you’re a High Point, NC, resident, turn to B & H Pool & Patio Shop to make the job easier. For over 50 years, this family-owned retailer has remained a leading source of high-quality swimming pool supplies and chemicals. This shop also offers pool maintenance services to simplify upkeep and give you more time to enjoy your summer. You can learn more about these products and services by visiting the store online or calling (336) 841-3222.