{"id":371,"date":"2021-04-28T17:28:54","date_gmt":"2021-04-28T17:28:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peekpools.com\/custom-pool-news\/?p=371"},"modified":"2021-04-28T17:28:54","modified_gmt":"2021-04-28T17:28:54","slug":"6-little-steps-for-opening-your-pool-this-spring","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/peekpools.com\/custom-pool-news\/6-little-steps-for-opening-your-pool-this-spring\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Little Steps for Opening Your Pool this Spring"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The temperatures are still a little too chilly for swimming, but make no mistake…warm weather and Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner! If you want to spend that weekend relaxing in the tranquility and warmth of your backyard pool oasis, get ready with these six little steps. Prepare the pool in spring (while it\u2019s too cold to swim anyways) and you\u2019ll be ready to enjoy the summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 1: Clean up the exterior<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

No, the first step is not to rip the cover off the pool. Inspect and clean the deck. Trim any hedges or trees near the pool that could overhang or provide a hazard to an epic cannonball. Clear debris from the pool cover. After all, whatever is on top of the pool cover could fall into the pool when you remove the cover. Break out the pool and deck furniture for inspection and cleaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2: Gather the chemicals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before you remove the cover and start treating the pool, you need to make sure you have the proper tools for the job. And by proper tools, we mean the right chemicals, in sufficient quantities, that are not<\/strong> expired. (If they are expired, please dispose of them properly.) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3: Clean and Inspect Pool<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You finally get to remove the cover, but you\u2019re not quite ready to jump in. (Clean the cover and store dry to increase longevity.) Now that you\u2019ve got the cover off, clean any debris or film from the water or walls. Give it a once-over from cracks or holes. Hairline cracks probably won\u2019t affect the integrity of the pool. But if you see large cracks, it\u2019s best to contact a professional<\/a> for an evaluation and estimate to ensure it is safely and properly repaired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 4: Fill and Pump<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before you grab the garden hose to begin filling the pool back to the desired level, unplug suction and return lines. (Safety first!) Fill the pool and fill and prime the pool pump. Once you turn the pump on, check for leaks or wet spots. If you see some, this could mean a seal has failed or is leaking. Addressing this could save you from bigger issues down the road, like the pump burning out mid-summer. Once you\u2019re satisfied the pump is operating correctly, it\u2019s time to treat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 5: Shock and Filter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Test the water for chlorine, pH level, alkalinity and calcium hardness before you start adding anything. Once you know your baseline, begin adding the necessary chemicals. For reference, you\u2019re shooting for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n