Pool Care

Summer is here. The kids are out of school and swimming in the pool. You will want to test the water regularly with a special testing kit to make sure it has enough chlorine and the proper PH balance. There should be between.3 and .6 parts of chlorine per million in the pool, with a slightly alkaline pH reading (7.2 to 7.6). Many types of chemicals are available, read the container and follow all directions.

If the pool appears gray and smells of chlorine, there is too much chlorine in the pool and it is too alkaline. If the pool causes eye or skin irritation, it may be too acidic and not have enough chlorine. To correct the chlorine imbalance, add three times the normal amount of chlorine to the pool, every few weeks. This will clear the pool of ineffective chlorine.

Opening the Pool for Summer:

1. Remove the pool cover.
2. Replace the diving board, ladders and other accessories.
3. Remove the plugs from outlets and inlets.
4. Vacuum the floors and walls of the pool.
5. Raise the water to the proper level.
6. Backwash the filter to clean out debris.
7. Super chlorinate, and adjust the PH level.

To Clean the Pool:

1. Skim the water of trash (dirt, bugs, leaves) with a hand held skimmer.
2. Vacuum the pool and scrub the floor and walls thoroughly.
3. Clean the leaf strainer.
4. Check and clean the filter and water pump.
5. Hose down the pool deck.
6. Make sure all mechanical parts of the pool are clean and working.

To Close the Pool for Winter:

1. Lower the water level to about 1" below the pool skimmer.
2. Vacuum the pool thoroughly.
3. Remove diving boards, ladders, and accessories.
4. Adjust the PH to the proper level.
5. Add the proper winterizing chemicals.
6. Disconnect the pump and filter, drain all the water out of the circulation system to prevent freezing.
7. Plug all the inlets and outlets with winter plugs. (Available at pool stores.)
8. Cover the pool with strong vinyl or plastic cover and secure in place with heavy rocks or cinder blocks around the edges.

Keep your pool clean and bacteria free for the kids summer fun. (And yours)