When the winter season ends and temperatures start rising, most pool owners are ecstatic to re-open their swimming pools for summer activities. Reopening your pool is not as simple as peeling off the tarp and jumping in; you need to take care of a few steps before enjoying this home luxury. Make sure you follow the steps below, possibly with the help of a swimming pool company, before opening your pool for use.

How to Prepare Your Pool for Summer

1. Clean Up And Check Up

The first step to re-opening a swimming pool is to do some basic cleanup. Remove any branches and natural debris that have made their way into your pool, and sweep the surrounding area to keep more mess from falling inside. Once it's cleaned up, do a basic check of your pool walls, ladders, and other basic features to ensure nothing deteriorated over the winter. You should also examine your pool deck for cracks or loose tiles to ensure it's safe to walk on.

2. Reinstall Vital Pieces

Many people take apart certain components of their pool to keep them safe during below-freezing temperatures. Make sure you remove all winterization plugs placed on your filter and pump. Replace them with their proper drain plugs, and turn on your filter. Make sure it's working as expected before moving forward. 

3. Fill Your Pool and Balance It

Use a garden hose to fill your pool to its water line. Once it's full, pull out your pool chemical kit and test the water's chemistry. You may need to add chlorine or other chemicals to balance the alkalinity, pH, and hardness rating. If you don't know how to use these chemicals, you can always call a swimming pool company. Once you're sure the water is safe and clean, you'll be able to use your pool as you wish.

If you need help opening your pool after the winter season, call up Distinctive Swimming Pools Inc. in Washington Depot, CT. This swimming pool company services families throughout Fairfield and Litchfield, and they have been in business for over 75 years. They're members of the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP) and the National Plasterers Council (NPC), so you know you can trust them with your swimming pool needs. Call (860) 868-3622 to schedule their services, or visit their website to become a new customer.