Spring is here and hot weather will soon follow, so it's time to start thinking about your swimming pool maintenance. After not using your pool at all over the long winter, you should take the proper steps to open it up again. To help you out, Distinctive Swimming Pools, the most trusted swimming pool contractors in Washington Depot, CT, discusses some of the most important maintenance tasks.

5 Key Swimming Pool Maintenance Tasks for Spring

1. Clean & Remove Pool Cover

Drain accumulated water off the cover using a cover pump, and blow leaves and debris away with a yard blower. Remove the cover carefully to avoid dumping debris into the pool. Clean the cover thoroughly and store it.

2. Remove Plugs & Reattach Pool Equipment

Remove the winter plugs you installed last year to prevent freezing and reattach drain plugs. Next, reinstall the filter, water pump, water heater, and other equipment you removed last winter to prevent damage due to cold temperatures.

3. Adjust Chlorine & pH Levels

Fill the pool, turn on the circulation system for a few hours, and test the pool chemistry for alkalinity, chlorine, and pH balance. Adjust these, if necessary, until the levels are as follows: pH = 7.4 to 7.6; chlorine = 2 to 4 ppm; total alkalinity = 80 to 120 ppm.

4. Clean & Filter Pool

Clean the pool with a special brush and vacuum to remove remaining dirt and debris. Areas of particular concern include the steps, ladder area, diving board, and around any other pool equipment. Let the filter run for 24 hours to remove any remaining debris or algae.

5. Add Pool Shock

Add enough unstabilized chlorine to shock the pool and remove any algae blooms. This should return your pool water to a crystal-clear state, so it is now ready for use!

If you need assistance with swimming pool maintenance this spring, Distinctive Swimming Pools is ready to help. To have them open your pool, call (860) 868-3622 to speak with an expert about your needs. Visit their website for more information.