Spring Ahead: Readying Your Florida Pool for the Spring

Whether you are from New England or Florida, the spring is something to be excited about. New birth and new growth are just around the corner. Are you ready for spring? Folks in Florida who own pools are starting now, as once spring hits, they want to get in their pools. It’s been a long winter. Opening your pool in Florida is just a little different from opening one in New England. Most pools in Florida are open year-round. There are still important steps to think about after the cooler months, storms, and lower use.

Here is a practical checklist that may guide you through the process.

• Inspect your pool before you get in.
  • The water level should be mid-skimmer.
  • Check for cracks in the deck or pool surface.
  • Inspect the line for scale.
  • Remove debris from the skimmer basket and pump basket.
• Check Equipment.
  • Make sure the pump primes properly by turning it on.
  • Inspect the pump lid O-ring for cracks.
  • Check for leakage around the valves and plumbing.
  • Check the heater, confirm that it is firing correctly.
• Test the Water. With Florida’s heat and humidity, algae grows quickly.
  • Test for the following:
    • Free chlorine (2-4 ppm)
    • pH (7.2-7.6)
    • Total alkalinity (80 – 120 ppm)
    • Calcium hardness (200 – 400 ppm)
    • Cyanuric acid/ stabilizer (30-50 ppm for non-salt; 60-80- for salt pools)
  • You may need to:
    • Shock the pool
    • Add stabilizer
    • Brush walls and steps
    • Vacuum thoroughly
• Florida Specific Issues.
  • Phosphates from rainwater
  • Pollen buildup
  • Screen enclosure debris
  • Early algae blooms as temperatures rise
  • Heavy afternoon rains dilute chemicals
• Safety Counts.
  • Test pool alarms 
  • Gates and latches should close properly. Lock if small children are around.
  • Inspect pool lights.
  • Review child safety barriers. 

Do You Have a Pool Cover

If so, now is the time to roll it up and store it until you need it again next winter. You will want to pull it off, lay it out on your driveway or lawn. Use a nonabrasive cleaner to clear off any mold that may have accumulated. Rinse completely and allow both sides to dry completely before folding it up and storing it. 

Give Your Pool a Good Cleaning

This is the perfect time to do your “spring cleaning,” so to speak. Give your pool a very thorough cleaning. Then get the hose and fill up the pool, or call Poolworks to do the tough cleaning. 

If you just don’t want to put in the effort to open up your pool, call Poolworks. We can do the minimal or completely open and clean your pool. Any repairs can be taken care of at that time as well.

Pool Works provides exceptional professional pool care, pool repair, pool remodeling, and all pool maintenance needs. Our company is family-owned and began business in 1984. We are the pool company most trusted by residents in Lakeland, FL, and throughout Polk County, FL. All of our technicians are drug-tested, background-checked, licensed, certified, and trained, and our customer service is second to none.