After suspending your swimming pool activity over the winter months, you’ll soon need to be back in ‘pool mode’ as spring and summer approach. Let’s take a quick look at some strategies to employ and how to best prepare your pool for the onslaught of summer!
Clean-up
Cleaning: vacuum and clean the whole pool and empty the hair and lint collector.
pH: bring the pH level up to scratch and check every two weeks in the lead up to peak season.
Water Quality
Filtering: wash, clean and check the condition of all the pool filters in your set up and start running the filter at a normal rate if it was reduced during the winter.
Skimmer Basket: start emptying the basket regularly again and keep the water level to approximately 50% of basket opening.
Functions
Pump: check the operation of the pump, for leaks and condition of the general area where the pump is housed.
Servicing: re-acquaint yourself with the servicing schedule and plan your next professional service
Lighting: run your lighting system once a week to prevent any accumulation of moisture and check exposed earthing wires for damage.
Pool Area
Pool Surrounding: ensure no loose pavers or uneven ground has appeared over the winter.
Ladders: check ladders and steps for corrosion, rot or decay.
Pool Fence
Cleaning: give your glass panels a pre-season clean with warm water and vinegar in a 50/50 mix. If your panels have EnduroShield®, then simply hose them off and squeegee as usual and use a microfibre cloth if you find a problem area.
The Gate/s
Operation: check the closing spring tension of your gate/s and the function of the latch.
Corrosion: conduct a corrosion check and lubricate with WD40 if necessary.
Is your pool area still compliant?
- are all gates self-closing from any angle – and also self-latching?
- have any objects been moved close to the pool fence during winter?
- are overhanging branches and plant foliage still within the regulations?
- do your gates remain latched when pulled or slammed shut?
- do you have a first aid sign visible, showing CPR methods and ‘000’ EMERGENCY hint?
Pool Rules Refresher
Safety: Involve all pool users in a rule refresher as summer approaches. Remind them about slips and falls on the wet ground, supervision and the pool depth indicators. Remind your pool users to NEVER:
- prop open a gate or leave it unlatched
- leave unsupervised children inside the pool area
- leave climbable objects close to the pool or spa boundary walls – e.g. chairs or plant pots
- neglect any aspect of pool maintenance
And Don’t Forget…
- toys and games left in the pool may attract the attention of children
- a person with resuscitation skills should be present at the property when a pool is in use
- the property Owner / Tenant is to maintain all aspects of pool and spa safety
- pool chemicals should be safely stored and segregated as recommended
- many adult pool injuries and fatalities are due to a lack of good judgement and common sense
- air-filled and foam toys are not life-saving devices
- water is the 10th leading cause of death for children there are said to be 40 deaths per day globally from drownings
