Summers by the backyard pool is one of Australia’s favourite past times, Whether it’s splashing around with the kids, hosting a afternoon BBQ with friends, or a dip first thing in the morning, there’s no denying that the pool is one of the most used places in the home from November right through to April.
And with the year 2020 flying by and Christmas and school holidays just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to start getting your pool ready for summer 2020/21.
1. Check over all of your pool equipment
Now’s a great time to do a thorough check to make sure that your pool equipment is working as it should be or if something may need replacing. Make sure to check over your pool pump, filter, skimmer basket, and chlorinator, looking for any excessing backwashing or poor water quality.
2. Top up if needed
If you don’t use a pool cover you may notice that your pool’s water level has dropped during the winter months. Now’s the time to fill it back up, aiming for the water level to hit the middle of the skimmer opening. It’s important to keep an eye on your water level, especially during the warmer months when the pool is being used and the sun is out for longer periods of time. Too little water and you run the risk of your skimmer sucking in too much air, causing your pool’s pump motor to burn out. Too much water and the debris like leaves and twigs will float too high and won’t get stuck in to the skimmer.
3. Get a water sample tested
Since your pool most likely hasn’t been used over the last few months it’s important to get it’s PH and sanitiser levels ready for the summer season. The best way to do this after winter is to get them professionally tested by your local pool shop. Once you have your pool ready for summer, you can do weekly tests at home to ensure that your pool remains in safe levels.
4. Shock treatment
If you put your pool cover on at that start of winter and haven’t touched your pool since, then you may need to do an extra ‘shock treatment’ to get it safe and ready for swimming. A shock treatment means simply raising the chlorine level of your pool beyond 5 ppm. This will oxidise and kill all the dead algae, bacteria and skin cells that are living in your pool.
5. Do a safety check
A really important check, especially if you have small children at home or plan on having families visiting during the holiday season. Make sure your pool area is safe from possible hazards, anything small children can use to climb, and that your pool gate is locking as it should be. Also make sure that your CPR instructions are easily visible and that adults using your pool know what to do in case of an emergency.
Now your pool is ready for the busy summer season it’s time to get the rest of your house ready! Check out our blogs on how to avoid a summer electricity bill spike, and the 5 best ways to get your home ready for summer storm season.
