The warm weather is almost here! That means it is almost time to get back in the water. Here is our guide to safely reopening your pool.
Not So Fast: Safely Reopening Your Pool
Even though the weather is heating up, that doesn’t mean you can simply take off the cover and hop in! Safely reopening a pool is just as delicate a process as
safely closing a pool. In the next few sections of this post, we’ll talk about some of the necessary steps for every pool owner.
Draining and Cleaning the Cover
A
pool cover is a big help during the colder months. It can keep debris and other grime out of the water. However, it is important to note that pool covers keep out
most debris, but not all of it. There is always a risk of gunk getting into the pool. In fact, homeowners should assume that this is the case.
There is also the chance of dirty water collecting on the surface of the cover each year. Before removing the cover, be sure to drain it using a sump pump. Before removing it, get rid of as much excess water and debris as possible.
Afterwards, wipe the cover down with a towel and carefully store it away. This means folding it neatly and keeping it in a cool dry place. A clean, neatly stored pool cover can help make closing the pool easier when the summer ends.
Reconnect Filters and Pumps
The next step in safely reopening your pool is to reconnect the equipment. Depending on your unique pool, this can include the filter, pump, heater, vacuums…you name it! Anything that was disconnected last year should be carefully and meticulously reconnected.
Shock, Test and Balance the Water
Next, let’s take a closer look at that water. Chances are, the pool water will need a fresh infusion of chemicals. This will balance the pH levels and keep the water crystal clear. Now is a good time to use a chemical shock to eliminate any possible bacteria that may be lurking in the liquid. After a proper shock, be sure to run the filter for a few hours.
Once done, test your levels with a dip strip. Once everything is balanced and safe, you are nearly ready to swim!
Safety First
Besides getting the water clean and clear, safety takes precedence when it comes to reopening your pool. According to the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the top accidental killer of children who are between one and four years old. On average, roughly ten people die from unintentional drownings every day. Of these, two will be children aged 14 or younger. Those are some sobering facts for parents and pool owners everywhere.
Installing a sturdy pool fence provides a powerful barrier between the water and any curious children, or even pets. This fence should be a minimum of four feet tall to prevent little ones from climbing or jumping over the barrier.
Beyond this, we recommend including a self-latching safety gate. This special gate closes and locks automatically behind a person. The peace of mind that this precaution offers cannot be beaten.In fact, his is just one of several safety precautions that should be installed in any pool area and home. To learn more, read our dedicated article about
layers of safety.
Now that you know the basics of safely reopening your pool, all that’s left to do is take a dip! Happy swimming, everyone!
