Ready, set, splash: Preparing your pool for summer
“Healthy pool water keeps swimmers safe and happy, while also protecting your pool equipment for the long haul.
Summer is just around the corner, and it's time to get your pool prepped for the season ahead! A fun-filled afternoon by the pool with friends and family is hard to beat. But let's be real, a dirty pool would kill the vibe – so we have put together a simple guide to prep your pool for the warmer months ahead:
Spring clean your pool cover
When removing your pool cover after winter, start by clearing debris, pollen and accumulated water using a pool cover pump or vacuum. This prevents mess when you pull the cover back. Next, carefully remove the cover and give it a good clean with mild detergent, cold water and a soft brush. For stubborn build-up, a specialised pool cover cleaner not only removes grime but also helps extend the life of the cover.
Give your pool a thorough clean
Start by skimming the surface with your pool net to remove any floating debris. Then, run your robotic pool cleaner for a thorough clean, making sure to empty its filter or debris bag afterwards so it's ready for the next use. Don’t forget to brush down steps, corners and walls where algae often starts to form - these tricky spots are easy to miss but can quickly affect water quality. Finally, scrub the waterline with a gentle cleaner like White Magic erasers from Mitre 10, which won't damage your pool's surface.
Inspect and maintain pool equipment
Get your pool equipment summer-ready by checking that everything is running efficiently. Replace your filter cartridge with a clean spare and inspect for damage. If you have a media filter, swap out the media if needed. Inspect O-rings for cracks or damage and replace if needed. Make sure your chlorinator, pump and heater are all functioning properly. It’s also important to check flow rates and listen for unusual noises from pumps or motors - small issues now can become expensive breakdowns in the middle of summer. Finish off by giving your pump shed a thorough clean.
Fill, test and adjust your pool water
First, check your pool water level - it should be about halfway up the skimmer opening and top it up if needed. Once your pump and filtration systems have been running for 24-48 hours, test the water using a pool testing kit to check pH, chlorine, alkalinity and calcium levels. Adjust these levels as needed to ensure the water is safe and healthy. Balancing pool chemistry can feel like trial and error, especially if rainfall, heat or heavy pool use quickly throws things off. Even experienced pool owners sometimes find this part time-consuming. Consider shocking the pool with a high dose of chlorine to kill any bacteria or algae that may have developed over winter.
When the water's crystal-clear and the bottom's visible, your pool's ready for summer fun!
Need a hand?
Keeping your pool summer-ready isn’t always straightforward - regular cleaning, chemical balancing, and equipment checks can be more complex (and time-consuming) than they first appear. That’s where we come in.
Our Pool Care Programme takes the hassle off your hands by:
Regularly testing and balancing your pool water to keep it healthy and sparkling clear
Cleaning and inspecting your pool and equipment to prevent problems before they start
Supplying and delivering the right chemicals, parts and accessories so you’re never caught short
Providing expert advice tailored to your pool, site and lifestyle needs
Whether you need a one-off service to get you started for summer, or an ongoing care plan to keep your pool perfect all year round, our team has you covered. Contact us today for pricing and pool care options and enjoy your pool the way it’s meant to be - stress-free.