The pool remains dormant from winter to spring due in part to the cold. But after the cold winter, you might want to jump into your swimming pool as soon as you see that first ray of sunlight.
The cleanliness of a pool is not overemphasized as its health and safety are of fundamental importance.
To clean it, however, you first need to give it some time. You needn’t worry. It’s not as hard as you think. Here is a guide to helping you learn how to clean a swimming pool after winter.
Let’s get your pool ready for exciting summer days!
How to clean a swimming pool after winter.
Remove the cover
You should remove the winter pool cover after to prepare your pool for cleaning.
Are you sure that’s the case?
It is one of the most complex parts of the cleaning process. Getting the cover off either an in-ground or above-ground pool often requires the assistance of someone else. It won’t get done on its own. Unless you do this, all the debris on the cover will get into the water. Make sure you take extra care when removing the cover from an above-ground or in-ground pool.
When removing the winter pool cover, please take a few extra minutes to wash it with clean water and soap. Before putting your garden furniture away for the winter, you should remove any debris. Should not be fold covers until they are completely dry.
Depending on its size, it may need several hours of hanging or laying out. Your perfectly optimized content goes here!
Quickly inspect the pool
It would be best if you inspected your pool after the pool cover has been taken care of.
Be on the lookout for loose tiles, cracks, stains, or algae growth that may indicate a problem. More minor issues will worsen when the weather gets warmer, so there’s no need to wait until things get hot.
Warning! Draining a swimming pool thoroughly isn’t recommended, especially for those who have underground pools. Pools can be damaged if all of the water is removed to refresh them. Your pool will likely come out of the ground without the weight of the water. If you learn how to clean the pool after winter properly, you can avoid very costly repairs.
A well-fitted pool cover should keep dirt and debris from entering the pool during the cold winter months. This is important every time you close your pool, so you don’t have to drain it when you decide to open it again.
Check the Pool Water Level
During the winter, your pool may lose some water. There’s nothing to worry about. So, before you start cleaning your pool, make sure the water is at the right level. Water levels that are too low will make it impossible to balance the pool chemicals correctly.
Check the water level. If your pool is below the water level, top it off. Ideally, your pool’s skimmer opening should be right at the center of your water level.
Remove Any Winter Equipment
If you live in an area where there is snow or cold weather during the winter, you may need to winterize your pool. As you prepare your pool for the summer, you will need to remove any winter equipment again.
If anything is attached to the swimming pool, such as a plug, ice compensators, or other equipment, it must be removed. It may be necessary to put the skimmer basket back where it belongs in an above-ground pool.
Prepare the pool filter and pump for pool cleaning
Before you turn the pool pump and filter back on, it is a good idea to check them for damage. Also, clean out debris if the pool pump and filter have become dirty during the winter. You should also be aware of and address any damages that occur right away. By following the instructions provided by the manufacturer, you can easily make sure that your pool equipment is working properly.
Turn them on if everything looks good! Run a backwash on sand filters that are used in pools. If necessary, change the sand inside your filter.
The O-rings and elements around the cap should be checked if using cartridge filters. Then you can proceed with replacing the filter cartridge if necessary.
Open all valves on your pump and remove the plugs. If you want your pool to be properly circulated, turn on your pump for eight hours.
During the first few minutes, keep an eye on the pump and filter. By doing so, you’ll ensure they’re working properly and do not leak.
Once everything is up and running, let it run for several hours. Allowing your pool pump to run for the longest possible amount of time will help the pump to remove any debris that accumulated inside your pool over the winter.
Scrub and vacuum your pool
Vacuum the pool while the pump is running. If you have the best pool cover should prevent debris from falling into the pool.
If the vacuum is used, dirt that used to be on the floor may get sucked into the pool. As a result, you should let the pump filter the water for at least 24 hours. As part of this step, you should clean your filter cartridges and baskets if necessary.
Also, you should clean the walls, steps, and ladders with a pool brush. Remember to clean corners and behind things the vacuum cannot reach when you use a pool brush to scrub the pool where your pool vacuum cannot reach, purchase the best pool brush!
Those who need new skimmer nets or pool vacuums should purchase them now so they’ll be ready when you need them.
Pool cleaning tools such as skimmer net, pool vacuum, and pool brush should be in good working condition.
Testing the pool water
After your pool pump runs for a full day, you can test the water chemistry. Your local pool shop can test your pool water. Can also be used Test kits to test the water in your pool on one’s own.
Your pool’s pH, chlorine levels, and minerals should be accurately measured so you know how much chlorine and other chemicals you should add.
Balance the Pool Chemicals
If the pool water is not balanced, you may need to rebalance it. After getting the results of the water testing, you can determine whether rebalancing is needed.
The water in your pool should be well balanced to prevent skin and eye irritation.
I’ve provided a quick list of the various chemicals you need to be aware of.
Briefly
- pH level – 7.2 to 7.4.
- Total alkalinity – 80 to 120 T
- Calcium – 150 ppm to 250 ppm.
- Chlorine – 1 ppm to 3 ppm.
pH Level
The pH level of your pool should be around 7.2 to 7.4. If it’s higher or lower, you need to correct it. If it is low, add soda ash to make it normal. To lower the pH level, you can use sodium bisulfate.
Calcium
Current industry standards should maintain calcium hardness between 200 and 400 parts per million in swimming pools and 150 to 250 parts per million in spas. Try to keep your calcium hardness at the middle point between low and high.
Your pool water will be too “soft” if you don’t have enough calcium. To make the water in your pool more calcium-rich, add calcium chloride.
The calcium hardness in water can be decreased by partially draining and refilling it with lower hardness water.
Chlorine levels
The chlorine level in your swimming pool to hover between 1 to 3 ppm. For low levels, you may add more solid granules of chlorine or liquid.
You can either wait for the chlorine to recede or add fresh water to your pool to bring the level down if your pool has a high chlorine level.
Total Alkalinity
The total alkalinity of your pool should be between 80 and 120. If it’s too low, add some sodium bicarbonate to raise it. With muriatic acid, you can lower a high level.
To avoid wasting money on unnecessary pool chemicals, test the water. You should only add the chemicals that your pool needs.
Conclusion On Cleaning A Pool After Winter
The purpose of this guide on how to clean a pool and pool water after the winter season is to assist you in maintaining your swimming pool.
Now you know how to clean a swimming pool after winter! Your pool size could affect the length of time it takes to complete the entire process.
If you have kept your swimming pool well covered throughout the winter and you have minimal debris in the water, restoring the chemistry levels to your pool may be a lot faster.
When the water is crystal clear and the chemicals are functioning as they should, you’re ready to swim in hot summer!
