Did you know that pools cost an average of $1,200 to $1,800 each year in the United States?
Opening and closing the pool tends to eat up a lot of your money, but so do chemicals and water treatments. If you are getting a pool or want to learn more about maintenance to save money, there are several things you must do.
Continue reading to discover all of the steps for pool maintenance that you can do yourself!
Remove the Cover
If you live in an area where the pool gets closed down for part of the year, the first step is removing the cover.
Some people recommend spraying the cover down and letting it dry before you put it away for the warm season. Work with another person to unhook the straps that are holding the cover down and avoid letting it drop in the pool.
If you have bolts sticking out of the ground that held the tarp in place, you will want to remove them or lower them back into the ground for safety. It is typical of the pool to look dirty and discolored once that tarp gets removed.
Once the cover has been removed, you will want to look into getting insurance for swimming pools to help protect yourself. Pool opening shouldn’t take long to do.
Inspect the Pool Area
After the cover has been removed and put away, you can begin your pool and deck inspection.
Inspecting the pool is crucial after it has dealt with mother nature for the winter season. If you have vinyl siding, look for areas that may need to be patched or filled. Concrete siding should also be checked for major cracks and breaks.
If the pool is looking okay, you will want to then move onto the deck or surrounding area. To be safe in the pool this summer, all areas need to be inspected for cracks and damage. Doing this can prevent injury and serious issues from getting worse.
It is often easier to inspect the pool area when the water is at a lower level and before you add the chemicals.
Set Up Your Surroundings
Another aspect of pool maintenance that you need to focus on is the surroundings of the pool.
There should be about 4 feet between the pool and your furniture or belongings to allow adequate space for moving around. Move toys, cleaning devices, and furniture to the side. This will help get obstacles out of the way while opening the pool and keep you safe.
Make sure that you are aware of your local laws to ensure that you are giving enough space between your pool ad belongings. This is also the time to consider getting warning signs and safety signs that display the depth of the pool.
Check Your Pump Room
The pump room is one of the most important areas of your pool that you will have to tend to.
Make sure that you are monitoring the flow meter and filters to ensure that the pool will be able to regulate itself. Some of the filters might need to be back washed for higher efficiency and productivity.
If you hire a company, they will fill chemicals into the pool reservoirs that are stored in the pump room. When the pump is shut off, do your best to remove hair and lint from the strainer, this will help keep the pool clean.
Look for any damage that may have occurred over the past season to prevent issues from getting worse.
Begin Brushing
Brushing is one of the most important steps when cleaning and opening your pool.
By brushing the pool throughout the year you can get rid of debris and dirt that is sitting at the bottom of the pool. Make sure that when you are using the brush you move slowly so that the dirt doesn’t rise and mix in the water. Moving all of the debris to one area will make vacuuming simpler and take up less time.
You can remove algae and improve the way that the chemicals work in the pool by brushing frequently.
Vacuum the Pool
Another activity that you will have to work on throughout the year is vacuuming.
Vacuuming is especially important when you open the pool because there is so much dirt and debris built up. Make sure that you slowly work your way through the pool and frequently clear out the filter while vacuuming. This will help get rid of algae and dirt, making the pool look cleaner and more welcoming.
Add Chemicals & Check the Water
Depending on the type of pool that you have, you will have to shock the pool and add chemicals to balance the water levels out.
A pool maintenance company can assist you with this step if you are unsure of what your pool requires each season. Both salt and chlorinated pools require specific chemicals that balance the pH level of the water.
Once you notice that the water is looking clear, you can test the water to ensure that it is safe to dive into!
Close It down
Many people recommend beginning a pool closing by thoroughly cleaning out the pool and the filters.
After the pool has gone through deep cleaning, you can begin winterizing it the week before your anticipated closing date. You should also monitor the water level at this time and remove some of it to get the levels down lower for the winder. Make sure that you drain your pool lines and add pool antifreeze to protect your piping over the winter.
Once all of this has been done, you can put the cover back over the pool and wait until the next season!
The Ultimate Pool Maintenance Guide
There are many things and steps to consider when working on pool maintenance at home.
Opening and closing the pool becomes a lot simpler when you utilize this guide and easily work through each step. By starting at removing the cover to closing the pool, you should have all of the answers in between.
Don’t be afraid to work with a pool or spa professional to get help with your pool if you encounter any issues. Be sure to check out our blog for more articles about chlorine swimming pools and how to maintain your yard!