Spring is here, and you’re probably already enjoying some quality time in your pool! However, you also probably haven’t been doing much of that over the past few months. Even though we Central Florida pool owners don’t need to go through the winter ritual known as “closing the pool” like our counterparts in cold climates do, there are still some tasks to perform to prepare your pool for the peak swimming season!
We at Certified Leak Detection provide the following four easy steps for getting your pool in top condition for all the fun that you, your family and your friends are looking forward to this year!
- Inspect equipment
Check your pool’s pump, filter, and heater for any damage or wear. Clean the filter or replace cartridges as needed. Addressing issues now prevents costly repairs later. Our blog post – “Your Guide to Pool Equipment Maintenance” – provides detailed instructions on inspecting and maintaining the pump, filter and automatic pool cleaner.
Since Central Florida pools typically stay somewhat in use during winter – especially if you have visitors from “up north” who consider temperatures too cold for our thin blood as perfect for a swim – you hopefully have been keeping an eye out for signs of pool leaks. Undetected, unrepaired leaks can increase your water bill and damage your pool. The skimmer is the most typical culprit. Fortunately, unlike other leaks, it is not all that hard to detect. The most obvious sign is that the water level drops below the skimmer and stays there. Our blog post – “Is Your Pool Skimmer Leaking?” – covers this type of leak in detail.
If you suspect a leak but the skimmer looks innocent, perform a bucket test, which we describe step-by-step on our website. You also can perform a dye test to find the location of the leak. Should these methods not provide conclusive proof, of course, call us to quickly and accurately locate any leak!
- Balance the water chemistry
Test and adjust the water’s pH, chlorine levels, alkalinity and calcium hardness. As Presidential Pools & Spas notes, balanced water ensures a clean and safe swimming environment.
Ideally, your water chemistry should meet these levels:
- pH: 7.4–7.6
- Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
- Chlorine: 2–4 ppm
- Calcium Hardness: 200–400 ppm
- Deep clean and vacuum the pool floor
Speaking of thin blood, this is one of the tasks you probably weren’t eager to perform when mid-day temperatures were in the 60’s. If necessary, remove plant debris from the pool. Then, clean pool tiles. Be sure you use the right type of brush. A stiff-bristle brush or pumice stone is recommended for concrete pools, while a textured soft sponge is best for fiberglass pools to prevent damage. Commercial cleaning products for pool tile are available, but if you’re more the DIY type, you can use a mixture of vinegar and water.
Vacuum the floor of your pool according to manufacturer’s instructions. If for some reason an excessive amount of debris is present, you may want to vacuum directly to waste if possible, as running the debris through the filter can quickly cause clogging.
As our blog post – “10 Common Pool Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid” – points out, vacuuming your pool is important, but it is just as important to brush your pool. According to PoolSupplies, “Your pool needs a good brushing every now and again to prevent scum and algae from building up and ruining your pool. Just like brushing and flossing your teeth, you will need to follow vacuuming your pool with a good brushing.” Use a wide, heavy-duty pool brush to reach hard-to-find areas. Focus on areas such as the ladder, steps, waterline, stairs, corners and crevices.
- Shock the pool
Shocking the pool is one of those tasks that pool owners think they have down pretty well. However, there’s more to it than meets the eye. Keep in mind that the goal of shocking your pool is to raise the free chlorine level of the pool water to roughly 10 times the combined chlorine level. Reaching this mark is the breakpoint chlorination. You need to reach breakpoint chlorination every time you shock your pool. Not hitting the breakpoint can result in even more chloramines in your pool. Chloramines are chemical compounds that form in pool water when chlorine reacts with nitrogen-containing substances like sweat and urine. They can cause skin, eye and respiratory irritation, and can contribute to metal corrosion.
Our blog post – “What You Need to Know About Shocking Your Pool” – covers this topic in greater detail. As for when and how to do so, the basics are as follow:
- Shock your pool at dusk, as the sun will burn off unstabilized chlorine. Shocking your pool at night ensures the chemicals work properly.
- Test the water. You will need to check the pH level in your pool. Pool test kits can measure the FC and TC of your water. To find the CC of your pool, subtract the FC from the TC. This will let you know how much chlorine you need to add to the pool.
- Calculate the amount of shock you will need to mix. Refer to the amount indicated on the package of the shock chemical you plan to use. Be sure to follow instructions.
- You can add some granular pool shock to your swimming pool directly, but most varieties need to be mixed with water before use. Mix the granular pool shock with water ahead of time, if necessary. This will save you time and help prevent calculation mistakes. Pre-mix the pool shock in a five-gallon bucket. If using liquid pool shock, follow label instructions.
- Ensure the pool pump is running.
- Pour the mixture into the water, around the edges of the pool.
- Let the pump run for about six hours or more.
- Test the water to ensure proper chlorine levels.
- Don’t use the pool right away. Wait for the free chlorine levels to drop to 1 to 3 ppm.
- Wear gloves and safety glasses while working with pool chemicals.
The Take-Home Message
Taking the time to get your pool ready for swim season will pay off by saving time and effort later – as well as the possible extra expense of a needed repair that went undetected. You’ll be ready to enjoy all the fun your pool provides, and make great memories with family and friends! Although we got a little ahead of ourselves in promoting our leak detection expertise, finding a leak in your swimming pool can be a difficult job. Some leaks are easy to locate, but there are many that pool owners can’t detect without professional assistance.
Certified Leak Detection uses technology and techniques we have developed over 20 years in business. In addition to quick detection and repair of swimming pool leaks, we provide industry-leading leak detection and repair for spas and hot tubs, as well as fountains. Serving areas throughout Central Florida – including Orlando, Longwood, Lake Mary, Sanford, Kissimmee, Clermont and Winter Springs – our team is ready to answer your call.
Contact us for quick, reliable service!