When daylight saving has started, and the sun is beginning to feel warm we know it is time to think about the swimming pool.

The warmth of the sun increases the temperature of the pool water. The bacteria and algae that has been slow to multiply over winter, now speed up their activity. The longer the pool is left now, the harder it will be to get it ready to swim in. Pools are always easier to get clean and safe for swimming while the temperature of the water is cooler and the activity of the algae slower.

Depending on how you have managed the pool over winter will determine how you go about making sure the pool is clean and the water hygienic for swimming in. If you have had regular valets, then it will be ready when you are.

If you have kept the pump ticking over in winter and a reasonable level of chlorine, then to bring it up to swimming standard will be a simple task.

However, if you have closed the pool gate, turned the pump off and let it go over winter, then the work to get the pool clean may require major effort.

Every pool is unique and behaves differently depending on the materials it is made from, where it is situated in respect to shade and sun, the planting around the pool, the filter and pump’s condition and the method of chlorination.

Pools left over winter will have any chemical balancing that was fine at the end of summer now in need of attention. The heavy rains we experience in Taranaki will have diluted the water and put the water balance out and if you have a salt pool it will most certainly need a few bags of salt added.

Not to forget to mention the debris that may have accumulated on the bottom of the pool, floating on the top and in the skimmer and pump baskets.

That all being said there is a general order to do things to bring the pool up to being summer ready, for all pools in their various conditions, if they have not been regularly looked after.

1.       The first job is to physically remove the debris from the bottom of the pool and any floating around with the leaf rake. Removing as much as you possibly can will make the work of the chlorine more efficient.

2.       Empty the skimmer basket and the pump basket. They may need hosing to remove small pieces of debris that have become stuck in the mesh.

3.       With the hose fill up the pool so the water level is as high as it can go. This will come in handy later when we recommend vacuuming to waste.

4.       Balance the pH at this stage as chlorine works more efficiently within the 7.2-7.5 range.

5.       ‘Super’ shock dose the pool. Make sure the pump is on and the water is circulating through the filter 24/7. We recommend a dose of at least 5 X the normal daily recommendation. Please note that if you have a salt chlorinator, chlorine will still need to be added to ensure a super shock effect takes place.

6.       If you cannot see the bottom of your pool, we also suggest a floc is added at this stage to help the dead algae to clump together and drop to the bottom for easier removal.

7.       Brush the sides and bottom of the pool to dislodge any algae that has formed. Even if you can’t see any, there can be build up. The brushing also helps stir up the water to maximise the dispersing of chlorine and floc in the water.

8.       Check chlorine levels regularly at this stage, as most pools will need more chlorine than you would expect, to maintain high levels until it becomes clear.

9.       Keep your eye on the filter pressure as it may also need frequent back washing and rinsing, as it filters out large quantities of dirt and dead algae.

10.   Depending on the condition of your pool, after 24-72 hours, turn off the filter and let it settle, then vacuum the pool to waste. Great care must be taken when vacuuming after flocking as it is very light and easily disturbed. It is important to do a very thorough job of vacuuming. Take your time. And don’t forget to put the filter back onto ‘filter’ when you have finished.

11.   If the water has become clear, then this is the time to do a complete water balance and to resume normal chlorine dosing. If the water is not clear it may help to get a technician in to help.

12.   If you have a salt pool this is when to check salt levels and add bags as needed to maintain efficient chlorine production by your chlorinator.

13.   Do another thorough brushing of the pool sides and bottom.

14.   Set the pump to normal summer mode usually 8-10 hours a day.

15.   More debris will settle out the next day or so and a further vacuum will be required.

16.   Resume your normal summer schedule of maintaining chlorine levels, weekly water balancing and vacuuming. Shock dose (double the daily requirement) once a week to keep the chlorine working efficiently and your pool clear.

Please note that there should be NO swimming in the pool until the chlorine level is stabilised at the normal summer levels and the water properly balanced to avoid skin and eye irritation.

As mentioned above every swimming pool is unique and as such can behave differently than expected. The process that we use comes from years of experience and knowledge gained from converting green pools to clean, when I was working in Auckland and now in New Plymouth. There is no guarantee that the above process will fully recover your pool to a clean swimmable state in one go. Some pools require extra treatment, that’s when you get in the experts.

You just never know what day it is going to turn really hot, and the kids will want to jump in the pool or you want a barbecue with your friends. The sooner you get the pool ‘swim ready’ the more you can enjoy it.

Don’t forget to fill up the gas bottle and get yourself a new pair of togs. Happy swimming!