Swimming – how refreshing and exhilarating it can be, especially on a hot summer day. So, if you are one of the privileged people to have your own swimming pool, no doubt you enjoy a cool dip now and then. Swimming pools help in having a great family time splashing in and around the water. The occasion can become festive just by being around a swimming pool. That is not all. It lends a grand appearance to the home and enhances the beauty and attractiveness. For many, a swimming pool is a significant criterion while deciding to buy a home or not. While the swimming pool can be a great source of fun and excitement, cleaning it, especially in winter, seems like drudgery. So, How to clean a swimming pool after winter? Yes, of course. Simply follow the below steps:
Pre-cleaning preparation:
Before you start the actual step of cleaning the pool, you need first to make sure that you have all the cleaning supplies, test kits, and so on. Pool cleaning tools such as skimmer net, pool vacuum, and pool brush should be in good working condition. If not, get them replaced first. Next, the surrounding area of the swimming pool needs to be attended to. Such as overhanging tree limbs, flowers, shrubs need to be pruned so that they do not drop leaves & flowers into the pool.
Do not procrastinate. Summer will come sooner than you realize, so do not neglect or delay cleaning the swimming pool. Prepare a schedule and stick to it.
Pool cover:
If you have an above-ground or in-ground pool, make sure you take extra help in removing the cover. You might be tempted to drag it off by yourself. However, this will only create more work. The dust and other debris collected on top of the cover will slide off into the pool. So, take help from others and get the cover off from the pool carefully. You also need to wash the cover thoroughly, dry it out, and then fold it. It can now be kept away safely till the next season.
Pool Check-up:
Once the cover is off, the first step is to make a thorough inspection of the pool. This ensures that there are no loose tiles, algae growth, or any crack and stains. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. Please note all the repairs, whether minor or significant, and arrange for its repair immediately.
This also includes checking the Pump and Filter for any damage or if any dust particles are stuck. The pressure gauge, valves, and plugs need to be checked thoroughly. Take a close look at the cartridge element and O-rings around the cap. Backwash the sand filters, and for other filters, you can simply clean or replace the mesh.
After a quick service, let the motor and filter run for some time before you take a dip. There is no need to drain out the pool entirely to refresh the water. If the water level has reduced during the winter, top it up with some freshwater. Remove any winter plugs and ice compensators if they have been installed.
Vacuuming & Scrubbing:
Once the motor is running, you can immediately start scrubbing the dirt accumulated on the floor., walls, ladders, and steps, and do the vacuuming. Keep the pump filter on for at least 24 hours after the vacuum is done. While this step is going on, clean the filter cartridges and baskets in between to prevent clogging. You can use a pool brush and attach it to a telescopic pole and run it over the floor. This will remove the accumulated grime.
Shocking the pool:
This term refers to raising the chlorine levels in the pool for a while. This will kill the bacteria. This sort of cleaning is also recommended after the pool party when the water becomes a little murky. However, this action needs to be done carefully. Over or under chlorinating can damage you, the pool liner, and the filter.
Check the Chemical balance:
Check the pool chemicals for the right balance in chemicals, such as the pH balance. Algae can bloom when there are chemical imbalances. Sunlight and other dirt particles will also speed up their growing process. The ideal pH balance should be in the range of 7.2 to 7.4. Calcium level should be between 150 to 250 ppm, and chlorine should be between 1 and 3 ppm. The alkalinity should be maintained between 80 and 120
Tips for cleaning a Swimming Pool After Winter
1. Toss in one or two tennis balls into the skimmer basket or the pool. The natural fibers on the balls can absorb the oils which build up around the waterline.
2. The pool deck should be kept clean. The dirt, algae spores, and bacteria will move directly into the pool from the deck if not.
3. Wear proper swimsuits. Wearing street clothes onto the swimming pool should be strictly taboo. The chemicals, fibers, etc., of street clothes, can get into the pool and contaminate the water.
4. After the swimming pool is cleaned and the pool pump and filtration process have started, it is better to wait for a minimum of 24 hours before taking a dip.
Final words about Cleaning a Swimming pool after Winter
Follow the above steps and tips for a long-lasting swimming pool with low maintenance costs. The above steps are essential. Usually, the whole cleaning process will take about a week. So, plan accordingly in advance. Besides that, maintain a regular schedule of cleaning the filters regularly and vacuuming. This will keep the swimming pool spic and span, and you can enjoy your swimming pool for days to come.
Cleaning the swimming pool after winter may seem a drudgery, but it can be accomplished with proper planning and a little help. So do not get worked up or stressed out about it. Whether you have above ground swimming pool or otherwise, cleaning them can be done with a little bit of effort & a proper schedule. So, go ahead and have fun at the poolside parties, or have a good lap swimming workout or just laze around by lounging near the water and soaking up the sun.