Summer is fast approaching and you'll want to be ready for gatherings with friends and loved ones, relaxing, and just enjoying the sunshine and warm, fresh air. A perfect place this summer to do your entertaining is in your own back yard.
Start with the pool in your quest for the ultimate backyard retreat. Now is the perfect time to remove all the dirt and grime from the winter months. A healthy pool system should take water from the pool into the half open box or hole that is embedded into the walls of the pool and should go into the skimmer. From there the water will be pumped out of the skimmer by the pump to the filter where particulates and dirt are trapped and then shot back out into the pool by the pool return valves. If you've plugged them up for winter, you'll want to remove the plugs from the skimmers and the returns. Be sure to store them in a place that will keep them together and safe from possible dings. Now, check and make sure that the water level is sufficient. Due to possible evaporation, loss of water may occur and you may have to add a little extra water to fill your pool back up to par.
Next, be sure to check the chemical balances of pH, alkalinity, and chlorine. The pH test will enable you to keep your water at a perfect pH for swimming and should range from 7.2-7.8. Perfect neutrality is 7.0 so you will want your water to be just slightly on the basic side of neutral. The Alkyl test should be anywhere from 120-180 and the chlorine should be values ranging from 1-5 to keep your pool in optimum conditions. Testing should be done once a week or after a heavy rainfall.
Check the temperature and adjust heaters accordingly, comfortable swimming temperatures should be around 75-85 degrees for summer.
Vacuuming your pool is important to ensure the maintenance of homeostasis of your pool system as well as protecting it from clogs, algae and to maintain cleanliness. Push handle vacuum systems are easy to use but require daily time to use. A wonderful new invention is the Aquabot pool cleaner. An Aquabot pool cleaner is a self-mobile cleaning system that will enable your pool to be clean and ready any time you want to use it.
Getting your pool in tip-top shape is a wonderful way to achieve an oasis retreat in your back yard and with technology of today, it has never been easier. Preparing for those dog days of summer by opening your pool is just the first step to an oasis to relaxation!