After months of sitting dormant, your pool needs more than just a quick skim before you jump in. Spring pool cleaning is a necessity, and skipping steps early in the season tends to create bigger problems once the warm weather fully arrives. Taking the time to do it now means cleaner water, a healthier filtration system and fewer headaches all summer long.
Remove and Store the Winter Cover Properly
Start by pumping any standing water off the top of your pool cover before removing it. If the cover is weighed down with water, it’ll be difficult to handle and easy to tear. Once the water is cleared, carefully pull the cover off and rinse it thoroughly before putting it in storage. Also make sure it’s completely dry before storing. Residual water caught in between folds can mold or mildew.
Clean the Pool Shell Before Filling or Treating
Before you start running chemicals, you need to physically clean the pool. Brush down the walls and floor to loosen algae and sediment that settled over winter, then vacuum thoroughly. Skimmer baskets, return jets and drain covers should all be checked and cleared of debris.
Test and Balance the Water Chemistry
Water chemistry is the foundation of a healthy pool. After winter, pH, alkaline, calcium hardness and sanitizer levels all need to be tested and adjusted before the pool is ready for use. Since alkaline acts as a buffer that makes pH easier to stabilize, you should always check those levels first. Once it’s in range, adjust the pH and then sanitizer levels. Rushing through this step or skipping it usually leads to skin and eye irritation, cloudy water and possible damage to pool surfaces and equipment.
Inspect and Start Up Your Equipment
Spring is also the right time to inspect your pump, filter and heater. Make sure all fittings and connections are tight. You should also inspect the filter and clean or replace the media if needed. Run the pump and watch for any unusual sounds or leaks before leaving it unattended. Catching a mechanical issue now is far less disruptive than dealing with equipment failure on a busy summer weekend.
Shock the Pool and Give It Time
Even if your water looks clear after balancing, shocking the pool is an important final step before opening. A shock treatment kills any lingering bacteria, algae spores and contaminants that build up over the off-season. After shocking, run the filter continuously for at least 24 hours and retest the water before anyone gets in. Patience at this stage makes a real difference in the clarity and safety of your pool water going forward.
A thorough spring cleaning sets your pool up for an entire season of trouble-free enjoyment. Each step builds on the last, and the time you invest before opening day pays off every time you look out at clear, sparkling water. If you live in Hillsborough, NJ or a surrounding area and need pool cleaning services, make your first call to S&R Pool & Spa.