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Summer is fast approaching, and swimming pools are in great demand during the summer months. If you are among the lucky few who own a swimming pool, then summer months will witness a lot of activity in your backyard. Before your backyard turns into a venue for pool parties and kids hangouts, it is necessary to get your pool ready for the hectic season ahead. You don’t want your family getting sick due to dirty water or suffering nicks and cuts due to slippery surfaces. We will give you tips to get your pool safe for summer.
- Clean your pool water.
Clean water means safe water. If your pool has been unused throughout the winter, then there is a possibility that algae and bacteria may have grown in the pool. Swimming in dirty water can make you vulnerable to health issues. Scoop out any debris or leaves using a telescopic pole fitted with a net. Use a manual or automatic vacuum cleaner to clean the surface of the pool. Cleaning a fibreglass pool is very easy. Dirt and algae do not stick to the surface of the fibreglass pool. Use a light brush to dislodge dirt from the surface of your fibreglass pool.
Brush the sides of the pool and check for any cracks. Clean the tiles inside the pool with a brush. All the water features like fountains or jets should also be cleaned thoroughly. Clean the filter daily till the water becomes clear. This process may take about a week.
- Clean the pool cover.
If you have covered your pool for the winter months, then it is necessary to clean the pool cover before removing it. Else any debris or leaves on your pool cover will fall into your pool.
- Check your pool equipment.
Your filtration system needs to work efficiently to keep your pool clean. Backwash your pool filter. Clean the skimmer and filter basket. Check if your pump is working efficiently. Inspect the pipes and outlets for any clogs. Replace the sand filters if they are more than 5 years old.
If you have any doubts regarding the filtration system or heating equipment, it will be good to get it inspected by professionals. Once your pool is in active use, your filtration system will need to continuously maintain the pool. Check the drain covers for any cracks or missing screws.
- Water quality.
If you have not used your pool in the winter then it will be better to get your water chemistry levels tested at a pool store. Your pool water should be checked for chlorine, alkalinity, pH, stabiliser levels and calcium hardness. A proper balance of pool chemicals is necessary to maintain the safety of your pool water.
The ideal level of pH is in the range of 7 and 7.6. If the pH level of water is more than 8 then the swimmers can get skin rashes. A pH level of below 7 can cause a stinging sensation in the swimmer’s eyes. The alkalinity affects the pH level. When the alkalinity falls the pH level becomes unstable. Chlorine is necessary to disinfect the water.
- Clean your pool surroundings.
If your pool has not been used in the winter, your pool surroundings have remained unused throughout winter. Your pool deck may have turned slippery due to algae. The surroundings may have loose or cracked tiles depending on the material you have used. Any loose pavers or fixings in the surroundings will hurt and become a cause for accidents for the swimmers.
Check your pool surrounding and any attachments like diving boards, firepits, water features, etc and get them repaired if needed. Check the lighting in and around your pool for any loose wires or fixtures. Trim any overgrown plants in your pool landscape. Overgrown plants will invite pests and the leaves will dirty your pool.
- Make your pool safe for children.
Your pool needs to be a safe place for your family. You need to be extra careful about safety if you have kids in the family. Inspect the health of your fence. Examine the locks and gates if they are working properly. Install a fence if needed. The fence gates should open outwards and the fence should be self-closing and self-latching.
- Install an alarm system.
There are alarms that alert you when the gates are open. Underwater alarm system detects wave activity using motion sensors, and they alert you if anyone has fallen into the pool. You may want to consider installing an alarm if there are children in the family.
- Install rescue equipment near your pool.
Keep a rescue tube, life ring, or life hook near the pool in an accessible place. This equipment should be stored close to the pool in a clearly marked area. Check if your first aid kit is fully stocked.
- Learn CPR.
Get trained in providing CPR and encourage your family members to undergo training for CPR. It can save lives in the event of any untoward incident.
- Send your kids for swimming lessons.
Teach your kids to swim. Do not allow them to swim unsupervised. When kids are using the pool, they must be supervised by adults who know swimming. Only people who know swimming should be allowed to enter the pool.
- Store chemicals away from the pool.
Maintaining a swimming pool involves the use of chemicals to keep the pool clean and maintain water chemistry levels. These chemicals can be harmful if handled improperly. Keep pool chemicals safely locked in a separate area away from the pool.
- Clear the swimming area.
Remove toys, ladders and access steps from the pool area after the swimming session is over. Toys lying around in the pool area will attract kids towards the pool. The ladders will give children easy access to the pool.
Once you have made your pool summer-ready it is necessary to maintain it regularly. Maintaining a fibreglass plunge pool is easy. You need to check the water chemistry levels once a week. Cleaning the pool once or twice a week will be sufficient to ensure safe swimming for your family.