It Doesn't Feel Like It, But Late Winter is the Time to Prepare for Summer Pool Fun.
Regardless of possibly only use your pool on the hottest days of the Summer, your pool needs care all year long.
Here are three things every pool operation needs to do during the off-season for smooth operations all summer long.
Keep an Eye Out for Potential Problems With Your Pool During the Winter
Any professional pool company will tell you that it is always better to uncover minor problems and fix them before they become serious (and expensive) problems requiring a shut down of your pool in the middle of the Summer swimming season.
Pool owners should be monitoring their pool water supply’s chemical and bacteriological composition even through the Winter. Even if you live in a place with snow and there is snow on the pool cover, you will still need to keep tabs on the water in your pool.
Monitor your filter and heater periodically through the colder months. Check the chemical levels. And enlist the help of an experienced pool service company if you don't want to do these things completely on you own. In addition, pool professionals can address minor problems before they become operational disasters.
Remember Your Pool During "Spring Cleaning"
When the date you want to start using your pool in the warmer months (aka the opening date) gets closer, you may want to follow this checklist of things to do:
(A) Remove the pool cover. It’s helpful to power wash it to remove accumulated dirt, grit, and salt. Then let it dry and store it away in a dry place.
(B) Clean out any debris that might have collected in your pool over the "off season." Make sure to do this before filling your pool with water.
(C) As you fill your pool, make sure that the water comes at least up to the middle of the tile line and that it reaches to the skimmer openings. If you have an auto-filling feature, you should still check periodically for a week or so to ensure your pool is staying full.
(D) Clean and inspect the pool filter. You should check the grids or media cartridges for any holes. And, you should check all of the "O-rings," looking for cracked or missing seals. You want to make sure that there is a tight seal at each connection. You will need to change the sand filter about once every five years.
(E) Reinstall plugs for the filter, heater, and pump. Make sure the lines stand up to the required pressure (PSI) and that they do not leak.
(F) Test the pH balance in the pool water. When that is set, "shock" the pool with chlorine to fight bacteria, fungi, parasites, and any possible viruses.
(G) You should get your pool chemicals and cleaning equipment stocked and ready to use.
(H) Check air and water flow.
Again, be aware that all these checks can be be done by a trusted pool professional.
Think About Hiring Lifeguards Early!
For the past two summers, lifeguards have seen high demand and short supply. It might help to offer your lifeguards upward career mobility by training them to help out with the paperwork, filings that you need to file with the city and state, the pool opening and closing announcements, and possibly care of the grounds.
Looking for Someone to Take Over All Aspects of Operating Your Pool?
Pasadena Pool Cleaning and Repairs stand ready to help out. Call us at (626) 605-1956 or request a quote