Five Common Mistakes When Opening Your Pool
Have you noticed the days are getting longer, the rain has subsided and the kids are spending their evenings outside? It’s a sure sign the time is right to pull back the winter cover and open the pool. Before you spring into action, change into your bathers and jump straight in, just pause for a moment - opening it for the new season is not a ten-minute job. Hands up if you’ve been guilty of pool-opening mistakes that’s led to increased maintenance costs. This guide should help you to avoid the common pitfalls opening your pool at this time of year.
Here are the common mistakes:
Failing to clean down the pool cover
While you’ll want to uncover the pool and see it in all its glory, avoid being rash and pulling back that cover before you’ve given it a proper clean. Remove debris as much as possible before attempting to roll it back. Use a leaf blower to clear debris and scoop up any leaf mulch and a hose to rinse it down. Always roll the cover away so there are no unnecessary folds to make it brittle.
Forgetting to inspect the pump lid O-ring
Swimming pool O-rings used all over your pool equipment can easily get damaged. The O-ring, a solid rubber ring creates a watertight seal to prevent leaks. Over time an O-ring can wear out or get damaged that will decrease pump performance. Protect and inspect it at the start of every swim season.
Neglecting your pump
You may have added your chemicals and cleaned your pool, only to turn on your pump – and while you can hear it’s working – you realise it’s pumping debris into your sparkling water.
A quick check of your pump in advance is something you must never neglect. We suggest giving the pump a backwash to ensure it’s clean for the new season. Check the motor is working and the pressure is correct.
Adding chemicals all at once (to save time)
There is a temptation to add all your chemicals together at once, but it is definitely a no-no. Chemicals need to be added gradually over time. Balance your water with the correct pH, alkalinity, calcium and cyanuric levels.
After balancing the water, on day one shock the pool, on day two add a clarifier that will restore lacklustre pool water to give it sparkle and clarity. On day three add stain and scale treatment. On day four add algaecide.
A shock of chlorine will get rid of any nasty contaminants, such as algae, bacteria, and organic matter that accumulate over the winter season and may cause cloudy water.
Not checking water levels
When you open your pool, the chances are the water levels will be low. The pool’s circulation system consisting of the pump and filter requires an adequate water level to efficiently function. A water level that has dropped can lead to inadequate flow with the increased potential for air drawn into the system to damage the pump.
If you’re considering buying a fibreglass pool, investigate the range available at Factory Pools Perth. Our vast selection of fibreglass swimming pools is constructed and installed to the highest possible standards. If you need extra convincing, check out our online reviews to discover why we’re the affordable pool company of choice in WA.
Five Common Mistakes When Opening Your Pool
Have you noticed the days are getting longer, the rain has subsided and the kids are spending their evenings outside? It’s a sure sign the time is right to pull back the winter cover and open the pool. Before you spring into action, change into your bathers and jump straight in, just pause for a moment - opening it for the new season is not a ten-minute job. Hands up if you’ve been guilty of pool-opening mistakes that’s led to increased maintenance costs. This guide should help you to avoid the common pitfalls opening your pool at this time of year.
Here are the common mistakes:
Failing to clean down the pool cover
While you’ll want to uncover the pool and see it in all its glory, avoid being rash and pulling back that cover before you’ve given it a proper clean. Remove debris as much as possible before attempting to roll it back. Use a leaf blower to clear debris and scoop up any leaf mulch and a hose to rinse it down. Always roll the cover away so there are no unnecessary folds to make it brittle.
Forgetting to inspect the pump lid O-ring
Swimming pool O-rings used all over your pool equipment can easily get damaged. The O-ring, a solid rubber ring creates a watertight seal to prevent leaks. Over time an O-ring can wear out or get damaged that will decrease pump performance. Protect and inspect it at the start of every swim season.
Neglecting your pump
You may have added your chemicals and cleaned your pool, only to turn on your pump – and while you can hear it’s working – you realise it’s pumping debris into your sparkling water.
A quick check of your pump in advance is something you must never neglect. We suggest giving the pump a backwash to ensure it’s clean for the new season. Check the motor is working and the pressure is correct.
Adding chemicals all at once (to save time)
There is a temptation to add all your chemicals together at once, but it is definitely a no-no. Chemicals need to be added gradually over time. Balance your water with the correct pH, alkalinity, calcium and cyanuric levels.
After balancing the water, on day one shock the pool, on day two add a clarifier that will restore lacklustre pool water to give it sparkle and clarity. On day three add stain and scale treatment. On day four add algaecide.
A shock of chlorine will get rid of any nasty contaminants, such as algae, bacteria, and organic matter that accumulate over the winter season and may cause cloudy water.
Not checking water levels
When you open your pool, the chances are the water levels will be low. The pool’s circulation system consisting of the pump and filter requires an adequate water level to efficiently function. A water level that has dropped can lead to inadequate flow with the increased potential for air drawn into the system to damage the pump.
If you’re considering buying a fibreglass pool, investigate the range available at Factory Pools Perth. Our vast selection of fibreglass swimming pools is constructed and installed to the highest possible standards. If you need extra convincing, check out our online reviews to discover why we’re the affordable pool company of choice in WA.
