Spring is such an exciting time. Buds on the trees and warmer weather encourage friends and family to get back outdoors after the colder months. As a pool owner, it is the first sign that your summer pool fun is just around the corner — which means it’s time to do some spring cleaning on your pool.

Unfortunately, just because the weather warms up does not mean your pool is ready to go. You need to take some action to help ensure that your pool is safe and sanitary before using it this season. Take the following steps to prepare your pool for spring.

1. Remove and Clear Your Pool Cover

If you live in a cooler climate and covered your pool, start by removing the water off the top of the cover. Use a leaf rake or pool brush to clean debris off the cover, as well.

Spray your pool cover and let it dry. Once it is dry, you can fold it or roll it to store it for the season. Taking the time to allow the cover to dry completely will help avoid mold and mildew problems while in storage.

2. Ensure the Water Level of Your Pool Back at a Normal Height

A drier climate can cause the water level in your pool to decrease. You can use a garden hose to refill the water to halfway between the skimmer opening. To ensure your pool is functioning properly, it is important that the water stays at this level so you might have to refill the pool more in drier months when there is less rain. 

3. Start the De-Winterizing Process by Reconnecting Pool Equipment

There are certainly some parts of Arizona, Florida, and Texas that are warm enough to warrant using a pool the whole year. However, most people will opt to winterize their pools for at least a couple months out of the year. Winterizing in the warmer states looks slightly different from winterizing in the central or northern parts of the country.

Start the de-winterizing process by reconnecting your pool equipment. Your pump, heater, filter and anything else that was disconnected should be reconnected. Remove any winter freeze plugs, if you used them. Double-check that filter pieces are where they should be (including the internal grids and cartridges). Don’t forget the drain plugs and return valve fittings!

4. Review All of Your Equipment for Repairs and Replacements

Spring is the perfect time to thoroughly check your overall pool system. Look for any parts and pieces that seem worn, need a more detailed cleaning, or have cracks or holes. Addressing these problem areas before restarting your system can save you headaches during the upcoming season.

Some of the key areas to review include:

• O-rings

• Pipes and hoses

• Plugs and valve covers

• Filters (including internal components)

 Once you have done a thorough review, it is time to start your system.

5. Start Your Pool System

Every system has a slightly different startup process. Be sure to review your manual and follow the instructions specific to your system.

In general, you start this process by pumping the sitting water out of your skimmers and drains using the waste setting on a multiport valve. Then, be sure that all of your valves to and from the pool are open before you start priming your pump. Finally, prime the pump and turn on your filtration and circulation systems. Be sure to bleed any air from the system if you have an air relief valve.

As a rule, it is a good idea to let the pump run for about 24 hours before using the pool (you can run the pump while continuing to clean).

6. Clean the Pool and Treat the Water

Your initial cleaning for the year is vital to the health and safety of your pool for the whole season. Brush the tiles and pool walls; clear the water’s surface with a leaf rake or skimmer; and use a vacuum head and hose to clean the bottom of the pool.

You should also do your normal testing and adjustment of your pool chemistry but wait to do any testing until after the pump has run for a few hours. Add the appropriate chemicals to get your pool chemistry where it needs to be.

After the pool sits overnight, you might also want to shock the pool to eliminate any remaining germs and contaminants. Should you have questions or concerns about any details in this process, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local pool maintenance company for help.

Getting ready for summer swimming means more than just taking off the pool cover. A thorough inspection and cleaning in the spring will help your friends and family enjoy a safe and sanitary pool experience this year.

Author bio: Hillary Rymer is VP of Marketing at Pool Troopers. Raised in Florida, Rymer grew up around swimming pools and even swam for the University of Alabama. She is passionate about pool safety providing backyard freedom to all pool owners.