8 Spring Pool Maintenance Hacks You Should Know

Spring has sprung, which means it’s almost time to open the pool! Before the warm weather rolls in, you need to make sure that your pool is in great shape so that it’s ready to go as soon as the temps hit their peak. That means getting the water back to safe swimming levels and warming up your pool equipment so that it works efficiently year-round. Always start the opening process or seasonal cleaning by testing your pool water so that you know exactly what you’re dealing with coming out of winter.

1.      Add a Dose of Chlorine—During the off-season, your pool water sits and collects bacteria. When spring arrives, you’ll need to “shock” the water with a bit of chlorine and other products that sanitize the water. We recommend using the AquaPill Spring Pill in your skimmer at this time of year, in addition to your regular chemical routine. It includes a clarifier for crystal-clear water, a scale inhibitor to prevent scale from building up and a stain inhibitor to prevent stains that can develop from copper, iron and manganese.

2.      Trim the Trees and Shrubs—Spring is the best time to get the yard and garden ready for a fruitful season, so it’s not a bad idea to give some attention to the landscaping surrounding your pool during this time. Make sure that overgrown trees, shrubs and bushes are trimmed to minimize debris falling into the pool. You’ll also want to diligently rake the area to make sure that no yard trimmings blow into the water once the pool is open.

3.      Clean Your Pool Cover—Spring is all about deep-cleaning, especially those parts of your home that don’t normally get a whole lot of love. Cleaning the pool cover can help ensure that unnecessary bacteria and particulates don’t enter the water. Start by hosing off the cover to get rid of debris before removing it. Once the cover is off, treat it with Natural Chemistry Spray-On Cover Cleaner. This cleaner works well on automatic, solid, solar and even mesh pool covers.

4.      Replace the Filter Cartridge—In general, your pool filter cartridge should last about 2,000 hours, which usually translates to between one and two years for most pool owners. We always recommend refreshing your pool filter cartridges during the spring, simply because it’s the easiest time of the year to remember to do it. When your pool’s filter is clogged or dirty, it loses its ability to sanitize and purify, leaving behind murky and dirty swimming water.

5.      Install a Water Leveler—If you haven’t already started the process of automating your pool, we’d recommend starting small with a water leveler. One of the most important tasks in the spring is, of course, making sure that water levels are high enough for comfortable swimming. An automatic water leveler monitors and maintains the ideal water level, with zero effort on your behalf.

6.      Make Minor Repairs—In addition to cleaning, spring is also the ideal time of year to perform a bit of a routine tune-up. Inspect any ladders, rails and steps for broken hardware, chipped surfaces or loose fittings, and make sure that everything is safe and secure. You’ll also want to inspect your pool filter and any other mechanical components to make sure that they’re running efficiently and properly.

7.      Apply an Algaecide—If you’ve opened your pool for the season only to find pea green pool water, this may signify that your pool is hosting a colony of algae or that it’s become a receptacle for pollen, which, of course, is everywhere this time of year. Spring is a good time to use an algaecide, not only to get rid of those pre-established algae blooms but also to prevent new ones from forming throughout the year.

8.      Open Your Pool Early—Finally, if the weather permits, consider opening your pool early or midway through the season. The experts say that those who wait until later in the year or summer tend to experience more algae bloom. On the other hand, when you open your pool earlier in the year, the cooler water–coupled with your chemical treatments–will prevent bacteria and algae from growing.

Remember, the team at Backyard & Pool Superstore is always here to help you find the right spring pool supplies for your specific concerns and applications, both on- and off-season.