Preparing your Pool for Summer

SEBASTOPOL — Following its winter dormancy, you’ll need to spend a little time getting your swimming pool ready for summer use. Preparing your pool primarily consists of two aspects: cleaning and sanitation.

Cleaning
Use a vacuum and/or handheld net to remove stray leaves and any other debris that has accumulated in your pool during the winter. In addition to cleaning the pool itself, you should clean your filter by disassembling it and using a garden hose to wash off the individual parts. Keep in mind that once you start using your pool again, you’ll need to adjust your filter’s runtime from the offseason minimum to about eight hours a day.

Sanitation
One of the main aspects of sanitation is obtaining a proper pH balance, which should fall between 7.2 and 7.4. You’ll also need to add chlorine—aim for a chlorine-to-water ratio of between 1.5 and 3 parts per million (ppm). A good way to determine if your pool’s chemical levels are correct is to take a water sample to your local pool supply store for testing (many stores provide this service for free). Once you have your pH and chlorine levels stabilized, all that’s left to do is enjoy your pool.