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Before you jump into your pool after the fall and winter season, you’ll definitely need some maintenance first! Fortunately, opening a swimming pool is fairly easy and requires a few simple steps that we’ll cover below. If you need help along the way, don’t hesitate to contact Paradise Pools and Spas in Mississippi. There’s no reason to feel frustrated when help is available!
- Preparation
Start by cleaning out the debris around the pool that has gathered over the seasons. While cleaning, check for damage or tears around the perimeter of the pool. If you have a deck, check for seasonal wear and tear. The last thing to check is your pool equipment – safety rails, slides, ladders and diving boards. All should be safe and sturdy.
You’ll also want to gather your pool chemicals in Jackson. Check their expiration dates and replace those that are old or improperly sealed. With the cost of pool chemicals, it’s better to be safe than sorry. When these steps are complete, remove the pool cover and give it a thorough cleaning.
- Setup
Inspect the pool filter, return lines and pool pump for damage that could have happened during the fall and winter. Next, remove any drain plugs and replace directional fittings. If you previously removed the underwater pool lights, install and reattach them within the pool again. If your pool has tile stains, clean them with a tile cleaner or baking soda and tile brush.
- Chemicals and Water
We’re getting there! Fill the swimming pool until it reaches the midpoint of the waterline tile. Then do a quick sweep and remove any debris inside the pool such as sticks, leaves and algae.
When this is complete, get the filter up and running for about 12 to 24 hours. Don’t add any new chemicals until the filter has run.
If you’re not confident in your pool testing, bring in a sample to a swimming pool dealer in Jackson MS. At Paradise Pools, we check the sample for you and make recommendations based on the results. If you do plan on checking the pool water yourself, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Balance alkalinity in a range of 80-120 ppm. Raise total alkalinity with baking soda. Lower total alkalinity with muriatic acid.
- Balance pH conditions to a base of 7.4. This makes the water pleasant. Increase pH with baking soda. Decrease it with muriatic acid.
- Balance calcium hardness. “Soft” water can corrode surfaces. Increase calcium hardness with calcium chloride and aim for levels between 200 and 400 ppm.
- Shock your pool. Add two pounds of shock for every 10,000 gallons of water. Chlorine should be at 10 ppm after.
At last, you are finally ready to start off your summer right! Although maintenance will be required to keep your pool running, it’s definitely worth the time, as hours of fun are up ahead! For assistance with opening your pool, maintaining your pool or balancing chemicals, contact Paradise Pools today.
