If you’re a homeowner with a pool, preparing your space for summer can feel like a huge undertaking. Diving into your backyard oasis and enjoying the cool, refreshing water after a long day is one of the highlights of the season. However, before you dive right in, it’s important to ensure your pool is properly prepped for a safe and enjoyable swimming experience. Taking the necessary time to prepare your pool will enhance your overall experience, maintain optimal water quality, and prevent accidents.

Here are tips for getting your pool ready for safe swimming this summer.

Clean and Inspect

Start preparing your pool by thoroughly cleaning it. Remove any dirt, debris, and leaves from the water and the surrounding areas. Scrub the walls and floor of the pool and look for signs of damage or cracks that need repairing. Addressing the issues early on can prevent the deterioration of the pool and any safety hazards.

Check the Pool Equipment

Inspect your pool equipment, like the pump, filter, and skimmer basket. Make sure that they are in good working condition and don’t have any blockages. Clean or replace the filter regularly to maintain proper filtration and circulation of the water.

Test Water Chemistry

Maintaining your pool’s water chemistry is vital for safe and healthy swimming. You can use a pool testing kit to check the pH, chlorine, alkalinity, and other chemical levels. Ensure the water is balanced and sanitized by adjusting the levels. Improper water chemistry can lead to bacterial infections, algae growth, and skin and eye irritations.

Shock and Sanitize the Water

Before getting into the water, make sure to shock the pool, which means adding chlorine at a high level, killing bacteria and algae. After shocking the pool, make sure to add sanitizing agents throughout the season to maintain proper disinfection.

Install Pool Safety

To make your pool area as safe as possible, install barriers like a fence or gate, as well as pool covers, safety nets, and alarms. This is especially crucial if you have young children or pets.

Once your pool is ready for swimming, regularly maintaining it is key. Schedule a regular cleaning routine and skim the water surface daily to remove debris. Clean the pool’s filter and monitor the water chemistry regularly. This will ensure your pool is safe and clean to use all season.