Whether a swimming pool is being filled for the first time, getting refilled after a major repair, or getting prepped to be used after the winter season, there is a proper procedure to follow for pool start ups.
If your swimming pool hasn’t been used for quite some time, you’ll need to carry out a pool start up to get it ready for another season of fun and leisure.
Pool start ups make a swimming pool ready from the floor, pool walls, to the chemical levels of the water.
Below are some of the steps you need to take to ensure a successful pool start up.
Before you reopen your pool, take some time to do some ocular inspection around your pool.
-Do some basic cleaning as needed; sweep away accumulated leaves and debris, trim overgrown hedges and trees (if applicable).
-You can use a pool brush or a skimmer to get rid of the dirt on the surface.
-This is also the best time to check the pool deck for any damage, wear, and tear.
-Make sure to clean and repair any deck furniture issues to avoid accidents.
-Inspect the pool equipment for any dirt and damages including slides, ladders, safety rails, rescue equipment, diving boards, etc.
Prior to filling the pool or adding substantial amounts of fresh water, it is recommended to test the pH, alkalinity, and calcium levels using a good-quality test kit.
Doing so will help determine the treatment needed once the pool is full to prevent problems from the water source.
For a pool start up, you will generally need to add a variety of chemicals to balance the water chemistry and ensure that the water is safe to swim in.
The specific chemicals you will need will depend on the current water chemistry, but some common chemicals used in pool start up include:
It’s highly recommended to follow the instructions provided by your pool professional or in the test kit manual.
You may also want to consider adding a clarifier or algaecide to help keep the water clear, and a water stabilizer to help prevent chlorine from evaporating too quickly.
The duration of pool start ups can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the size of the pool, the type of pool (inground or above ground), and the specific steps that need to be taken to get the pool ready for use.
In general, it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to start up a pool.
This includes filling the pool with water, adding chemicals, and getting the filtration and circulation systems running properly.
As part of the pool start-up routine, you need to check the filter and return lines for any cracks, leaks, or damage.
If you have a sand filter, add sand as needed. For cartridge filters, inspect the cartridge and replace/clean as you see fit.
This will ensure that the sequestering agent and clarifier are completely mixed and penetrated in the water to effectively avoid stain formation, colored, or cloudy water.
Should I shock my pool when I first fill it up? Technically, yes.
You will need to add an extra heavy dose of chlorine to “shock” your pool. This can be doubled with extra circulation to ensure that all the water in the pool gets treated properly.
After doing so, the water hardness, also known as alkalinity, should also be checked.
Shocking the pool using a non-chlorine substance will destroy the organic wastes in the water and prevent them from interfering with the sanitizer.
This will also halt any possible food source for algae. Pool shock treatment will also give the pool water a “polished” and crystal clear look.
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