As the weather is warming up, there is nothing more refreshing than a splash in the swimming pool – unless your pool looks like an algae tank or mud bath. So before you grab your towel and sunscreen, contact pool maintenance professionals to inspect and fix the pool issues. However, if you want to DIY, here are the few things that you must consider before diving in your pool:

#1. Clean and remove your pool cover

There is a fair chance that debris, twigs, dirt, and leaves, etc. have made their way into your pool throughout the wet winter. If you’ve covered your pool with a pool cover, the gunk must have gathered over it. Use a broom to sweep all the debris away. If your pool cover has a large amount of water puddled over top, use a cover pump to remove it. Just set the pump and let it do its work. Once all the debris is clean and water is swept off, remove your pool cover.

#2. Check the water level

You may find that the water level has dropped over the winter, so add some water to fill the pool to the right level. Not sure if the water level is okay or low? Check the skimmer. You need to ensure that the water level should reach the middle of the skimmer opening to allow for proper circulation. Now let the water circulate for at least eight hours before adding any chemicals. This allows the old and new water to combine.

#3. Check all the pool’s equipment are working properly

The next thing you need to be sure of is that all the pool equipment are in good condition and they haven’t deteriorated or damaged during winter. Check everything including the water pump, filters, hoses, and more are running properly. Don’t forget to check other pool features such as water slides, pool alarms, ladders, and diving boards, etc. Even small damage to them can make your pool unsafe to use.

 You can also contact Life Savers professionals to inspect the condition of the pool on your behalf.

#4. Start the filtration system

Now when everything is clean and in working order, it’s time to back up and run the filtration system. Let it run for at least two hours to twelve hours to clean the pool water. You also need to be sure that the water inlets of the filter system are not clogged. Moreover, remember to replace the sand filters every 3 – 5 years for the proper maintenance of the pool.

#5. Get the water sample tested

After the pool water has circulated for 24 to 48 hours, get the water sample tested for TDS (total dissolved solids). If the levels are too high, your pool will need to be partially or fully drained and refilled.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “TDS levels should be below 2500 parts per million (ppm).”

Next, you need to test the pH and chlorine level of your pool’s water.

According to the CDC, “the pH level should be between 7.2 and 7.8, and the chlorine level should be 1-3ppm.”

You can use muriatic acid if the pH is above 7.6 and soda ash product if it’s under 7.4. You can buy these products from any of the pool supply stores or home improvement stores. However, ensure to use it as per the instructions over the packaging.

#6. Check safety

Once everything is in place, Life Saver Pool Fence recommends you make sure that your pool is completely safe for your family members, especially your kids and pets. Our experts will figure out the best solution by considering various factors including the number of kids you have, the age of your kids, the size of your pool, do you have pets or not, and your budget. Our experts will show you samples of the different pool fence types with self-closing and self-latching gates, explain their price, and help you determine the best option for your family and generations to come. If you don’t have a pool fence, be sure to get it installed before you open the pool for this summer.

Get a free ‘In-Home’ pool safety evaluation to get the total estimate for Life Saver’s Pool Fence. Our experts will inspect your swimming pool and give you a pool estimate at no cost.