How to Prepare Your Pool for Summer Without Hiring a Pro

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Thinking, do I need to call someone to get my pool ready for summer? 

Can’t I do it myself with some simple steps? 

The truth is, you actually can. Getting your pool ready before the heat kicks in doesn’t always mean you have to spend big on professional services. With just a little time and care, you can make sure your pool is clean, safe, and looking good.

Let’s walk through how you can get your pool summer-ready without depending on anyone else.

Start by Cleaning Out All the Debris

If your pool’s been sitting unused through the cooler months, it probably has leaves, bugs, and dust floating around or sitting at the bottom. The first thing to do is grab your pool net and remove all the visible mess from the water. 

Also, check the skimmer baskets and clean them out. These small steps make a big difference before you even touch the filter or chemicals.

While you’re doing this, have a quick look around the pool area. Clear up toys, garden tools, or anything lying close to the water’s edge. It helps you stay safe while working and gives the space a clean, open look.

Give the Pool Walls and Floor a Nice Brush

Even if your pool looks clean from above, there’s often a layer of dirt or algae that’s stuck to the tiles and floor. Use a good-quality pool brush to scrub the walls and floor. It doesn’t take long, and it helps avoid that slimy feeling when you step in later.

This step also helps the water chemicals work better because the dirt gets mixed into the water, where it can be filtered out properly.

Check the Water Level and Top It Up If Needed

Over time, especially during the off-season, your pool might lose water due to evaporation or leaks. Before you go further, make sure the water level is correct. 

The water should usually sit at the mid-point of your skimmer opening. If it’s lower, just use your garden hose to fill it up.

This is one of those small tasks that make a big difference when you’re about to run the pool pump and filtration system.

Inspect and Clean the Pool Filter

A clean filter helps your pool stay fresh and clear through summer. Whether you have a cartridge filter or a sand filter, give it a proper clean. For cartridges, take them out and hose them down nicely. For sand filters, run a backwash cycle until the water runs clean.

A clogged filter won’t clean your water properly and could make it look dull. If your filter system feels too confusing to handle, you can also check in with a pool maintenance perth expert like 1 Pool Care for simple tips or advice. They often guide people who want to handle basic care on their own.

Test the Pool Water Balance

This is one of the most important steps. Balanced water keeps the pool safe for swimming and also protects your pool equipment. Use a pool test kit to check the main levels of pH, chlorine, alkalinity, and stabilizer. You can buy these kits online or from your nearby pool store.

Your pH should stay between 7.2 and 7.6, and chlorine between 1 to 3 ppm. If anything’s off, adjust slowly. Follow the instructions on the packets and don’t pour in large amounts all at once.

Shock the Pool if It Looks Cloudy

Sometimes after winter, the pool water looks cloudy or smells a bit different. That’s when a pool shock treatment comes in handy. It’s basically a boost of chlorine that kills bacteria and clears up the water.

You can do this step at night and let the pump run for at least 6 to 8 hours. By morning, the water should look much clearer. Just remember to stay out of the pool for a few hours after the shock treatment.

Don’t Forget to Clean the Pool Accessories

Things like pool ladders, diving boards, slides, and even pool toys can gather dust and dirt. Use some mild soap and a soft cloth to clean these items. Make sure everything is in working condition and placed safely.

You can also check the condition of the pool cover if you’ve used one. Clean it properly and store it in a dry spot to use again after summer.

Run the Pump Daily for Better Circulation

Once everything’s clean and your pool water is balanced, it’s time to keep things moving. Run your pool pump every day for at least 6 to 8 hours. This keeps the water fresh and avoids any build-up of dirt or algae.

It also helps your chlorine and other balancing agents mix well. Set a timer if your pump has one. That way, you don’t have to remember to switch it on and off daily.

Keep a Weekly Check List

During summer, regular care helps your pool stay crystal clear. Make a simple weekly checklist that includes:

• Skimming the surface
• Brushing the floor and walls
• Checking chemical levels
• Cleaning the filter if needed
• Topping up water

Doing this once a week keeps you ahead of any possible problems and also makes each task quicker over time.

Invite the Family to Help Out

Getting your pool ready for summer can be a fun family activity. Kids can help with skimming or brushing while you handle the testing and adjustments. It’s a good way to teach them how to take care of things and spend some time together outdoors.

Plus, once the pool is ready, you’ll all enjoy it more knowing you set it up with your own hands.

Final Thoughts

Getting your pool ready for summer doesn’t have to be hard or expensive. A few simple steps, like cleaning, brushing, balancing the water, and checking the filter, can give you the same results as calling a pro. You just need to stay a little active and follow a proper routine.