Get Your Pool Ready for Spring

Performing basic pool maintenance once a year is a smart idea, and spring is an ideal time to do it before the hectic summer season begins.

Pool Works Pools & Spas of Auburndale, FL, would like to share a simple checklist of things you can do to get your pool in shape for spring and summer.

Clean the pool

Start by skimming debris out of the pool, then run the vacuum for 24 hours to clean the bottom of the pool. Make sure there are no leaves clogging the filter.

A thorough cleaning will produce an environment in which the chemicals you’ll be adding will do their job well and not get held up in the pump and filtration system.

During cleaning, keep an eye out for cracks or discoloration in the pool’s surfaces. If you spot damage or other issues you don’t know how to handle, contact your pool maintenance company.

Test the water

After the pool is clean, do a water test. You can buy test kits that test for critical elements such as pH, water hardness and chlorine. You’re probably going to need to make some adjustments to the chemical composition, so a good test will give you the right starting point.

Add chemicals

Add chemicals according to what your test told you was needed. Remember to have the pool pump running so that the chemicals will circulate well throughout the water. Levels you’re aiming for include:

Chlorine: 1 to 3 parts per million

pH: between 7.4 and 7.6

Water hardness: between 150 and 400 parts per million

Pool components

You’ll be doing several tasks here.

• Clean and reassemble the pool filter.
• Take a close look at the filter as well as the heater, pump and other components to see if anything is damaged.
• Test outlets, electrical panels and pool lighting.
• Lubricate the pump motor and apply new silicone seals.
• Clean out the pump basket; lubricate the O-ring on the lid with an approved pool lubricant. Make sure the lid is tight when you put it back on.
• Run the filter pump. After it catches prime, release the pressure at the port.

Clean the pool cover and accessories

Spring is a good time to clean the pool cover, which will prolong its life and make it easier to work with. Use an approved cleaner and take the time to do the job well. During cleaning, check the cover for cracks, splits and other signs of damage.

Accessories and components you may want to clean and get looking great for the spring and summer include:

• Noodles
• Floats and rings
• Ladders and steps
• Railings
• Diving boards
• The entire pool deck
• Outdoor seating and tables

Help if you need it

Some people love to work on and maintain their pools. Others just like to use them. If you’re in the latter category, Pool Works is always available to help with your spring pool maintenance tasks as well as other important work, including:

• Structural and mechanical repairs
• Qualified inspections
• Resurfacing and pool upgrades
• New pool construction

We’re so sure that you’ll love what we do for your pool, we offer new customers a free month of regular service after the first six months!

If you need help with any aspect of your swimming pool, call the experts at Pool Works at (863) 967-2863. You can also get in touch with our simple contact form.