Blossoming flowers and budding trees indicate longer daylight hours to enjoy the outdoors. The warmer temperatures mark the beginning of swimming season. However, before you jump in the water, some preparations need to happen before you enjoy a clean, healthy, and safe pool this season. Pool contractors in the Tri-Cities area, Promier Landscapes, is sharing the 2020 Pool Opening Guide.
1. Drain and clean the pool cover
Remove the collected water from your pool cover. Once removed, you should sweep or use a blower to remove leaves and debris on the cover to prevent debris from falling into the water.
2. Remove the pool cover
You may need assistance if you have a large pool or have a safety cover. If debris falls into the pool, there is no need to worry as you can clean the pool before swimming.
3. Clean and store the winter or solid safety cover
Once the cover is removed, spread it out on the lawn. Brush off the remaining dirt while spraying it with water and allow it to air dry. Once dry, apply a light coat of talcum powder to both sides of the cover to prevent mold and mildew build-up while in storage. Finally, loosely fold the cover and store it in a cool, dry place.
4. Raise the water level
Using your water hose, refill the water level where it reaches halfway up the tile or approximately the middle of the skimmer.
5. Reconnect the pool equipment
If you winterized your pool by disconnecting the pool equipment, you need to reconnect the filter, heater, pump, and any additional equipment. If you have an above ground pool, reconnecting the plumbing lines and skimmer are necessary.
6. Remove winterizing plugs
Remove the winterizing plugs from your return lines and your skimmer. Remember to wait until no more antifreeze is present before removing the plugs to prevent contamination. Then, reinstall the standard drain plugs in your equipment for the heater, filter, pumps, and other equipment that has a drain plug. Finally, reconnect the remaining valve fittings that were removed during the winterizing process.
7. Turn the system on
Prime the pump to get the system ready for full capacity use. Then, turn on the filtration and circulation system and check your equipment for noises or leaks. Remember to open the air relief valves to bleed the air from your filtration system until water spurts out, signifying the release of the air.
8. Add metal free to prevent staining
Metals like iron and copper can accumulate in your pool water. Therefore, add 1 liter of MetalFree to every 20,000 gallons of water to prevent stains or discoloration. Once MetalFree is added, run the filtration and circulation systems for approximately two hours.
9. Test the chemistry
After your pool equipment is reconnected, test your pool for the pH balance. Using a test kit or test strips, check the alkalinity and chlorine levels. The ideal levels are below:
- pH: 7.4 to 7.6
- Total alkalinity: 80 to 120 ppm
- Free Available Chlorine: 2.0 to 4.0 ppm
- Calcium Hardness: 200-400 ppm
10. Balance your water
The balance of your water is critical for a safe and healthy swimming environment. Begin by controlling the pH and chlorine by adjusting the total alkalinity. Adding pool chemicals to alter the water composition may be required for optimum swimming conditions.
11. Adjust the pH balance
After the tested total alkalinity reaches the range of 80-120 ppm, it is time to adjust the pH balance. An acceptable pH range is 7.2 – 7.8, but the ideal range is 7.4 – 7.6.
12. Adjust calcium hardness
The calcium hardness target range is between 200 – 400 ppm and should consistently remain above 150 ppm.
13. Brush and vacuum the pool
Once the pool chemistry is at peak readings, it is time to brush and vacuum the pool paying close attention to the steps, lights, ladders, and other crevices where dirt and debris may hide.
14. Run the filtration system
To get a clear pool after brushing and vacuuming, run your pool’s filtration system for 24 hours to clear the remainder of the dirt and debris.
15. Shock the pool
Shocking the pool eliminates remaining germs or contaminants in the water. Read the instructions of the shock product before adding it to the water, and follow the directions accordingly.
Pool design in Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol, Tennessee
A pool is often a welcome addition to your yard and can offer endless hours of family fun during summer. Therefore, proper care and maintenance are needed to get your pool ready for the swimming season. For more information about in-ground pool construction, or to find out how much it costs to get a new pool in Kingsport, contact Promier Landscapes by calling (423) 872-2988 or contact us online for a consultation.