Pool Cages Cape Coral: Your Checklist Before Spring Swimming

Now that spring is here, many pool owners are chomping at the bit to dive right back in! After all, there is no better way to enjoy a warm spring day than soaking in temperate waters while taking in the sights and sounds of a lively new season. However, just because the sun is shining does not mean that the pool is ready! In most cases, your pool has probably been dormant throughout winter and requires some maintenance before re-opening. Look through our pool opening checklist before diving in!

Remove the Pool Cover

Chances are that your pool cover has accumulated some standing water and debris like leaves over winter. Before removing your cover, be sure to drain all the water that is on top of it and blow away all the debris. This way, you can safely remove the cover without dumping all those undesirables right into the pool water below. If you have a larger pool, consider enlisting extra hands to aid you in the removal of the pool cover. Once it is off, lay it out, brush off any remaining dirt, then spray it down and let it dry. Your pool cover can now be folded loosely and stored in a dry place.

Raise the Water Level

Most likely, your pool’s water level has receded during winter. After all, it has probably been months since it received any kind of regular maintenance, plus it has likely been covered the entire time. Using a garden hose, add additional water to fill the pool back to its normal water level. This is typically at about the middle of the skimmer opening or halfway up the tile.

Reconnect and Reactivate All Pool Equipment

If your pool was prepared for freezing temperatures, you will need to reconnect all your pool equipment, including your filter, pump, heater, and anything else connected to your filtration system. Also, remove any winter plugs that you used to prevent freezing, if any. Be sure to remove all air from your plumbing and equipment, as air will get compressed during the filtration process and cause a hazard. Once that is all done, turn your pool equipment back on! This includes priming the pump and turning on the circulation and filtration system.

Test the Water

After your circulation system has run for a few hours, be sure to test your pool water for pH, Total Alkalinity (TA), and Chlorine levels. Keeping the water balanced is necessary for safe swimming, and it starts by adjusting the TA to a point between 80 and 120 ppm. Once the TA is within its healthy range, make sure your pH level is between 7.2 and 7.8. Finally, once both those are in line, check the Calcium Hardness (CH) of your pool. The target for CH is 200-400 ppm for healthy swimming.

Shock the Pool

Finally, after all your hard work, all that is left is to eliminate any remaining germs and contaminants in your water. To accomplish this, shock your pool with chlorine powder and follow the label instructions to ensure that you only apply what is needed. If you have an automatic pool cleaner, reinstall it at least 24 hours after shocking the pool.

Proper pool maintenance is key to ensuring a healthy and safe swimming environment for family and friends. Once you have completed this maintenance checklist, you can reward yourself with a dip in the water! To keep your pool protected from debris throughout the spring and summer seasons, consider purchasing a pool enclosure from your local Ft. Myers experts at White Aluminum & Windows! All of our pool cages are custom designed to suit your pool and constructed using high quality aluminum framing and fine mesh fiberglass screening. Enjoy increased relaxation and added safety in your pool year-round.