Pool Maintenance: Opening Your Pool

At the beginning of swimming season, following a few quick and easy pool maintenance steps can make a world of difference during the season.

First, drain the water from and remove the pool cover. Then, clean the cover and store it in a clean, dry place. Next, fill your pool to the middle of the skimmer, which allows for proper circulation, and check your pump, skimmer basket, and filter.

Once the pool is filled, circulate the water for one to two days and then take a sample to your pool dealer to see what you need to do to keep your water perfectly balanced. Your water's sanitizer and pH levels should also be regularly tested for free chlorine, total bromine residuals, and total alkalinity. Proper levels of these properties are:

• Free chlorine residual: 1.0 to 3.0 ppm
• Total Bromine residual: 1.0 to 3.0 ppm
• pH: 7.4 to 7.6 is ideal range (7.2 -7.6 is acceptable)
• Total Alkalinity: 125 to 150 ppm
• Calcium Hardness:
• Plaster pools: 200 to 275 ppm
• All other types: 175 to 225 ppm

Once your pool has been prepared for the season, you need to provide routine maintenance to keep things healthy. This includes preparing for a vacation or any other extended leave of absence. If you'll be gone for a while:

• Clean your pool thoroughly.
• Make sure water is properly balanced.
• Run your pump at least eight hours a day to help prevent algae and bacteria growth.
• When you return, analyze your water to ensure your pool is ready for swimming.

Pool Maintenance: Closing for Winter

Unfortunately, swimming season ends sometime. When it's time to close your in ground pool for the season, you need to winterize properly in order to protect the pool's surfaces and equipment, keep water looking its best all winter long, and save money on unneeded maintenance when it's time to reopen the pool.

Ask the professionals at Crystal Clear Pools and Spas for pool maintenance tips on what products to use to prepare, maintain, and close your in ground pool.