Spring is in full swing and summer is quickly approaching. With Memorial Day weekend coming up, most pools are getting ready to open for the season. If you have a swimming pool at your multi-housing facility, call BMM for pool maintenance in the Twin Cities. We can get your pool ready to be opened and continue to maintain the pool throughout the summer.
To get you started, here are some tips and things to do before opening your pool.
Clean Area around the Pool
This is often the most overlooked step when getting a pool ready for the summer. Before focusing on the pool, take a look at the pool deck, patio and nearby planting beds. Remove any plant debris that will have the potential of getting in the pool. You’ll also want to prune any trees or hedges around the pool, especially if they hang over the water.
Check Pool Supplies
Check the expiration dates on all pool chemical containers. Cleaning supplies that are past expiration should be properly disposed of and replaced with new chemicals. Also, if a chemical was not properly sealed before being stored in the off-season, it should be replaced.
Remove Pool Cover
During the fall and winter, water accumulates on the pool cover. Be sure to avoid mixing the water on top of the cover with your pool water by using a pump or shop vacuum to remove water on the cover. After removing the cover from the pool, take it to a driveway or other solid place with a slant or slope for easier drainage. Thoroughly sweep and hose off the cover, and use cleaner or treatment if recommended by the cover’s manufacturer. Once the pool cover is clean and dry, roll it tightly or fold it and wrap with a rope to keep it tight. Store the pool cover indoors (shed or garage) and away from insects, rodents and moisture.
Inspect the Pool
Be sure to inspect the pool thoroughly for any chips or cracks and make repairs as needed. This is also a good time to remove calcium scale and stains with a thorough scrubbing. Also, inspect the filter and pump for possible damage or worn parts and replace if necessary. Be sure to reconnect any lights that were removed for the winter.
Clean the Pool
Fill the pool partway and clean any leaves, twigs and debris from the bottom with a wall and floor brush. This is also the time to dust off the algae brush and pool vacuum.
Check and Run Filter
Remove the top of the filter and check the filter cartridge (if applicable). If it’s a sand filter, refill to the indicated level. Check the piping in your filters for cracks and leaks. Turn the filter on and run it 12-24 hours to mix up the old and new water before testing or adding chemicals. Be sure to use new testing strips, not expired ones. Have a pool professional test a water sample and help you get all the chemicals balanced as needed. Continue running the filter for a few days and removing extra debris that has settled. When the water is clear and chlorine levels have come down, your pool is ready for swimming!
For more information on pool maintenance in the Twin Cities or to have our crew handle this job for you, call Building Maintenance Management at 763-541-4886 or you can Contact Us.
