All Swim Supply

Spring has arrived. It is time to get the pool ready for summer. There’s nothing like taking a dip in the pool on a hot summer day. The kids will be out of school and the fun will begin. Where do you begin on preparing for the summer? What steps do you need to take? I am going to take you through the process of getting your pool set up. I have broken the setup process down into some easy to follows steps that will lead you to pool perfection in no time.

1. Take the cover off of the pool.
   -For a solid cover, you will want to begin by pumping away any rainfall or snow melt that has accumulated on the actual cover. While pumping the water away it is time to drag a leaf-net across the cover to remove any debris or leaves that have built up on the cover. As soon as this has been completed, you need to remove the weights or water bags that are holding the cover down. At one end of the pool you will want to begin folding the cover. Thoroughly clean the cover and when it has dried return it to its summer storage place.
   -For a mesh cover, begin by using a leaf net or hose to remove debris from the cover itself. You will then want to remove the cover from the anchors with the removal tool. If you cannot locate the tool, you can use a quarter of an inch Allen tool to turn the anchor down. The best thing to do next would be to spray the cover off with a hose. You will want to let the cover dry for a few hours before placing it in summer storage.
2. Take the freeze plugs out of the wall returns and skimmers.
   -You will want to put the plugs in a sealed container and store them near the cover. If they are damaged or dried out, replace them
3. Now it is time to reassemble your pump, filter, and heater.
   -You will want to begin by replacing all of the drain plugs for your filter, pump, heater, and chlorinator. If the pool happens to be above ground you will want to reconnect your hoses. Then continue by reinstalling your skimmer baskets, ladders, diving boards, and gauges. Be sure to seal any threaded connections with a thread sealant. Be sure not to over tighten any of your connections. Turn your filter valve to the filter flow. You will then want to open all of your incoming flow valves, as well as all of your return valves. Be sure to fill the pump’s basket with water. Watch for any leaks. Run the pump until you see water flowing steadily into your pool. Then kick off the pump and have the valve set for filter.
4. It’s time to turn on the system.
   -It is now time to start the pump and fill the pool. Keep your hand on the pump’s power switch while filling the pool at first. Turn on the pump and watch the pressure gauge carefully. If it goes above the normal range on pressure, turn it off. This usually happens at thirty pounds. If this happens, make sure all of the valves are open. If there is no pressure and no flow, prime your pool again. Add your chemicals within five minutes after getting your pump started. Then you need to simply follow the instructions for starting your pool heater that should be on the inside of the access panel.
5. It is now time to perform a safety inspection on your equipment.
   -Before you begin using your pool, you will want to walk around the pool to watch for hazards that may result in falling or slipping. Make sure that all of the electrical components are in safe working order. You want to watch for exposed wiring or broken conduit.
6. Now you will want to clean your pool.
   -Begin by skimming the pool, and using your leaf net. You can use your leaf net to remove large amounts of leaves or debris from the pool bottom. Next brush the pool to break any algae build up or dirt for vacuuming. Then you will want to vacuum your pool. If you will need to vacuum to waste, make sure that your pool is somewhat over filled.
7. Now it is time to check and balance the chemistry of your pool.
   - Start by getting a quality test kit for your pool. You will need to get a new test kit every spring. Be sure that you follow the directions closely.
   - Check your alkalinity first. It should be between 80 and 120 parts per million.
   - Next would be calcium. Calcium should be between 180 and 220 parts per million.
   - When the pool has been running for eight hours, you can then check your pH level. Your ph balance should be between 7.4 and 7.6.
   - After the pH chemicals have run through the system for eight hours you need to perform your chlorine shock.
   - Each pool is varied from one to another. With that in mind, be sure to closely follow the instructions on your pool chemicals. DO not just mix the chemicals together. This can prove to be dangerous. Follow the listed steps in this order and everything should be just fine.
   Caution: When incorporating chemicals into your pool, follow the instructions to the letter. The chemicals should be spread broadly and evenly. Do not ever let your chemicals concentrate in one area. If you brush your pool after applying chemicals, they will be mixed more evenly. You should do a water retest every day and make changes as necessary. The pool is ready for use when the chlorine level falls below three parts per million.

Enjoy your pool and have a great summer.

Tags: pool chemicals, pool maintenance, pool setup

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