2 minute read
Getting Your Pool Ready For Warmer Weather
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By Bradley Gilpin, Picture Perfect Pool Services
With spring fast approaching many homeowners will be getting their pools ready for the swimming season. Proper water chemistry and good physical cleaning are paramount in this endeavor. The back-yard pool is often out of site and out of mind during the off season, which in our beautiful community extends from mid to late October to mid to late April. During this off season several things take place that can have a tremendous effect on your pool water and pool surface.
The wind and rain deliver a heavy blow to your pool and require extra maintenance. The wind primarily brings a large amount of debris: dirt, ash, and a lot of organic matter like leaves, pollen, and in some cases, branches are all deposited into your pool. The rain brings airborne pollution, nitrogen containing compounds, pollen, algae spores and other material.
To begin rectifying this situation, the obvious place to start is with a physical cleaning of your pool. Of course, there are many techniques for removing debris; but normally a simple deep leaf net for the large debris, a vacuum for the fine debris, and a brush to touch it up will suffice. Once the bulk of the debris is removed you can begin to bring your pool back to health.
I like to draw the analogy of the swimming pool to that of a human body. The pool controls are the brain, they tell the equipment when to turn on and how long to operate. The pool filter is much like the body’s liver as it helps to filter out harmful material. Naturally, the pool circulation pump is the heart. They all need to be working in unison to create proper circulation, filtration and sanitization for success.
Next let’s address the water balance and treatment of the pool water. Foremost the pool needs to be balanced. A pool is said to be “balanced” when the pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, TDS (total dissolved solids) and cyanuric acid are all within the proper ranges. Remember chemicals alone will not produce safe, healthy and clear water. The water must be properly circulated and filtered as well.
Specialty chemicals like phosphate removers and enzymes will help breakdown the organic load from the wind and rain, and let’s not forget your sanitizer (usually chlorine) as well. Once the water is rejuvenated and properly balanced and sanitized it’s time to clean the filter. Then with the help of your pool heater, solar system, or Mother Nature, it’s time to begin the swim season.
Of course, there is no way to replace keeping up on the maintenance of your swimming pool, which always makes it easier, but if you have forgotten about your pool during the off season, now is the perfect time to start.
