{"id":11073,"date":"2023-04-20T09:14:18","date_gmt":"2023-04-20T13:14:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/?p=11073"},"modified":"2024-03-21T09:58:04","modified_gmt":"2024-03-21T13:58:04","slug":"your-5-step-guide-to-backyard-pool-prep","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/your-5-step-guide-to-backyard-pool-prep\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Prep Your Backyard Pool in 5 Easy Steps"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Prepping a backyard swimming pool for the summer season can be a simple process for any do-it-yourselfer, regardless of whether you have an in-ground or above-ground pool. Imagine no more stressing over when the pool service company can fit you into their busy schedule and <\/strong>saving yourself hundreds of dollars!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Just wait until temperatures are consistently above freezing, then follow these 5 easy steps. You’ll be ready to relax poolside in no time.<\/p>\n

Step 1: Remove and store the pool cover <\/em><\/h2>\n

If you have a solid pool cover, the first thing you need to do is to remove any standing water. (Skip this step if you have a mesh pool cover.)\u00c2\u00a0Using a\u00c2\u00a0submersible pool cover pump<\/a><\/strong> will help speed up the process. Clean off as much debris as you can using a brush, leaf net or blower. This will help avoid having dirt, leaves or branches fall into the pool when you remove the cover.<\/p>\n

\"Swimtime<\/a>Be sure to leave the pool cover in place until after you have raised the water level and balanced the chemistry.<\/strong><\/em> Once the water is clear, carefully lift off the pool cover, lay it somewhere flat and let it air dry. Sprinkle the cover with talcum powder to prevent mold and mildew, fold it loosely and store it in a dry place.<\/p>\n

Step 2: Adjust the water level and chemicals<\/em><\/h2>\n

Pools typically lose water during the winter.\u00c2\u00a0 Use your garden hose to bring the water level in the pool to its normal height. To ensure a clean and safe swimming environment, it is essential that you test the chemistry of your pool water. You should evaluate pH, alkalinity, bromine and chlorine. Do-it-yourself pool and spa test kits <\/strong><\/a>that use test strips<\/strong><\/a> make water testing easy and accurate. Look for models with digital and automated color matching readouts for best results. Adjust the chemicals as needed and be sure to run the circulation and filtration system continuously, 24 hours a day.<\/p>\n

\"Swimtime<\/a><\/em>Step 3: Clean and vacuum the pool<\/em><\/h2>\n

It typically takes about a week after adding the chemicals until you are able to see the pool floor. Once the water is clear enough, vacuum the dirt and debris. An automatic pool cleaner <\/strong><\/a>will eliminate the chore of manually vacuuming. These robotic cleaning machines scrub the floor of the pool and suck up dirt and debris. Look for models that don’t require a hose, booster pump or pool filter system connection. To remove floating bugs, leaves and twigs from the pool’s surface, use a long-handled skimmer net.<\/p>\n

Step 4: Install proper pool safety equipment<\/em><\/h2>\n

Check with your local municipality for the latest information on what pool safety measures are required in your community and make sure you are in compliance. Regardless of local regulations, at DIY we urge all pool owners to install a triple layer of protection <\/strong><\/a>to maximize safety and peace of mind. Your pool safety equipment should include:\"MagnaLatch<\/a><\/p>\n