During the summer months, when the weather starts getting warmer and days longer, people naturally crave an inground swimming pool, and preparing your pool for the summer season is inevitable to avoid potential accidents, costs, and inconvenience. The best thing for any pool owner – first-time or experienced – is a plan for preparing their pool. In this article, here are the crucial steps to get your inground swimming pools for 2024 ready for the sunny days ahead.
- Initial Inspection and Cleaning
The first step to protecting your pool and equipment is giving a detailed review of the pool. Visible signs may include cracks in the structure or worn lining, and when inspecting the deck appearance, loose tiles may be found, among other things. Be sure to deal with any debris that may be on the cover before you start removing it. This step enables your pool to be safe and clean from the start.
- Water Level and Quality Check
After uncovering the pool, check the water level. If it has dropped significantly over the winter, add water until it reaches halfway up the skimmer opening. Take one of your pool testing kits and determine the pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels to check if they are at the recommended levels. A swimming pool that properly functions requires water quality and equipment protection.
- Cleaning and Circulation System Check
Empty the pool and scrub it with a vacuum and a brush all around, affecting wall and floor areas. After cleaning, ensure that the circulation system is in good condition; pump, filter, and skimmer included. Clean the skimmer basket and ensure the pump and filter are working efficiently. Backwash the filter if needed to improve its performance.
- Shock Treatment
Maintain proper circulation by cleaning the pool, checking the circulation system, and completing a shocking process, which applies a great deal of chlorine to kill the remaining bacteria, algae, or other organic matter. Use the manufacturers’ recommended guidelines regarding the correct quantity. Leave the pool to circulate for no less than a day before you go to the following process.
- Final Adjustments
Following the shock treatment, analyse the water chemistry once more and revert to the initial settings if necessary. Check that pH, alkalinity, and chlorine residual are within proper ranges and proportions. It is also helpful to correct calcium hardness and cyanuric acid levels and alter them if necessary. The right water level is essential for maintaining the swimming pool and safeguarding its users while preserving the longevity of pool equipment.
- Safety and Accessories Check
Check all child-resistant safety elements, such as pool covers, gates, and alarms, and ensure they work efficiently. Inspect the ladders, diving boards, and slides of a swimming pool. Replace any swimming pool equipment or appliances when they are worn or torn out to ensure that your pool is safe for use. It is essential to ensure that rescue equipment like life rings and reaching poles are conspicuous and well-maintained.
- Regular Maintenance Routine
Ensure that certain routines are adopted to maintain a clean and hygienic inground swimming pool throughout the summer. Check water chemistry frequently, sanitise, inspect the pool, and schedule routine tasks such as backwashing the filter and skimming the surface for debris. Consistent maintenance prevents problems and ensures a pleasant swimming experience.
Conclusion
As much as preparation is vital for the inground swimming pool in summer, it is also essential to be systematic when it comes to tasks that need to be done. If you can do the above steps, your pool will be clean, safe, and ready to enjoy the sun and water. Embrace the season with confidence, knowing your pool is perfectly prepared.