Carolyn J. Braden • 3 Minute Read
Dive into Spring with these Pool Prep Tips
Spring is a great time of year. And when we see some sun, all we want to do is get outside, especially if we have privileges such as decking, a garden and even a swimming pool. Before you go dipping your toe, here are some pool prep tips to get your pool ready and safe this year.
While you can maintain most pools yourself, we had to hire help to get our pool back in shape after hurricane Ian flooded it in 2022. See our 15 second pool transformation that took place in spring 2023 below or via my YouTube channel @carolynjbraden:
How About Making it an Indoor Affair?
Pools are generally outdoor amenities. Yet the weather doesn't always favor outdoor swimming, depending on where you live. Covering and converting your pool into an indoor swimming area can be an excellent way to get maximum use from it. Companies like A First Class Aluminum offer superb services for using their skills to cover pools. Using top-grade aluminum pool enclosures will keep your pool clean and safe all year round for tons of fun without the sun!
A unique pool design
Pool Prep Tips for Your Tools
Spring is the time when we generally begin to dig out all the old tools from the shed. The lawnmower, trowels, and pool equipment are at the top of the list. It is advised that you clean the pool each week, even if you cover it over winter. However, most people leave it over the colder months and get back to it when the weather warms up in April. So get back into the shed and grab your telescopic pole for leaves and debris, the pool brush, and any testing strips, too!
Keeping your pool clean helps you enjoy it more often
Skim and Vacuum the Swimming Pool
When they aren't being used, swimming pools will become generally unsafe, unhygienic, and unpleasant. After an extended period, the pool will need a good skimming along the bottom to catch any gunk and debris. A handy pool vacuum is also recommended. Doing the prep work beforehand is part of making the pool as clean as possible. It also ensures that any chemicals you need to add to further decontaminate the pool won't be clogged up in the filters.
A safe pool is the best pool
Make the Swimming Area Clean, Safe and Inviting
Pools are an excellent functional outdoor space. But they are dangerous if not attended to and looked after correctly. There are some jobs you need to do as a responsible pool owner. It is hard work, but it prevents injuries and accidents later on. Try these to make it safer:
Keeping ice from decking is vital in winter, but clean it because it attracts grime.
Shock the pool to ensure any algae is killed for an effective clean.
Glam up the pool area with some outdoor and pool lighting.
Add some water features, such as fountains, for extra flair.
Don't forget to add lifesaving equipment close to the swimming area.
Just cleaning the general pool area will help prevent trips, slips and falls. Which is what you need around water. Some quality of life features will also help you enjoy your pool more.
Checking the water levels helps keep the pool safe for swimming
Check the Water pH Levels
Water gets filthy because living things, such as bacteria, thrive in it. As you know, a swimming pool needs chlorine and must be at a neutral pH level for safe use. After using a skimmer and vacuum and shocking the pool, you can begin adding the much-needed chemicals. Test the water's pH levels before adding anything, though. A good range is between 7.4 and 7.6. If the level is above or below this, add pool chemicals according to the instructions.
Keeping your chemical levels safe helps you enjoy your pool more often
Chemical Pool Prep Tips
As mentioned, some chemicals need to be added to the water. One of the most crucial is chlorine. Chlorine helps kill lingering bacteria and bacteria from users of the pool. The recommended chlorine level is between 1 and 3 parts per million. Pool test strips are a quick and easy way to test your chlorine levels. For water hardness, your pool is best at 150 and 400 parts. Alongside pH levels, these two are crucial for keeping your pool safe, clean, and hygienic.
Keep your pool covered if you do not have a screened in cage around it
Don't Forget About the Pool Cover
Pool covers are a lifesaver when you have an outdoor pool. The winter's debris and dust can get all over it, though, and it needs some TLC. Before rolling back the cover, you must clean it, or all the organic matter will get into the water and become harder to remove. Simply use a leaf blower to remove the debris to an area where you can easily remove it. The cover will also need a good clean after being exposed to winter weather for a few months. Alkaline powder will do!
Summary
Enclosing the swimming area allows you to use the pool all year round. But it will also keep it clean, meaning less pool prep for spring and other seasons. Clean the pool with chlorine and ensure the pH levels are good. For an outdoor pool, also show the pool cover some TLC!
If you loved this article, we know you’ll love this one too: 5 Poolside and Beach Day Must Haves
Carolyn J. (C.J.) Braden is the owner of Carolyn’s Blooming Creations is a regular contributor and editor for CBC. She has been featured in numerous media publications such as InStyle Magazine, on HGTV, on Bustle.com, and more. She is the author of the books Georgia McMasters in Amethyst Lake Cemetery, How To Be Yourself: 3 Ways To Help You Being You, and the illustrator for the children’s book Bridging Connections. She is a former classroom teacher that now dedicates her life to educating others on how to live their most healthy, creative and happy life. Learn more about her visiting our About Us page.
This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate links. All opinions and ideas expressed in this post, however, are based on my personal point of view.