Springtime means more quality time spent outdoors in the sunshine—and in the water! If you’re ready to use your pool, it’s important to prepare it for the season. The team at Bethel Feed & Supply Pet & Garden Center, based in Clermont County, OH, carries a selection of chemicals designed to treat your pool along with garden supplies and pet accessories. Below, these experts share their tips for a successful spring pool opening.

Garden Supplies Team’s Top 5 Tips for Opening Your Pool in the Spring

1. Drain & Remove the Pool Cover

If your pool was covered during winter, take the time to drain and clean it properly before you remove it. This ensures that your pool water will be relatively clean after it’s uncovered. Protect the cover with an anti-mold product and store it away for the season.

2. Fill the Pool Back Up

Maybe you drained the pool prior to closing it for winter or simply eliminated just a bit of water. In either case, it needs to be filled up again. You can do this easily using your garden hose.

3. Make Sure Equipment Is Connected

Chances are that you disconnected the equipment when you winterized the pool, too. Check the status of the pressure gauge, drain plugs, heater, and filter, and replace any parts as needed. This is also the time to make sure that the rails and ladders are properly installed.

4. Remove Any Winterizing Plugs

Winterizing plugs are used in openings inside the pool to minimize the changes of water damage. These plugs need to be replaced with the standard drain plugs during pool season.

5. Test the Water Chemistry

You can’t be sure of the water’s quality without testing the chemistry. Using the pool-treating chemicals available at the garden supplies store, test the pH, alkaline, and chlorine levels to ensure that the water is safe for swimming. You can use specific chemicals to reduce or increase alkalinity, stabilize the pH balance, and ensure that there’s enough calcium.

Offering an extensive selection of garden supplies, Bethel Feed & Supply Pet & Garden Center is your one-stop source for your outdoor needs. Turn to them when you need the right solutions for your pool water. Visit their website to learn about these and other products, including pet accessories and field fencing. You can also give them a call at (513) 734-2246.