How to Get Your Pool Ready for Summer | Handyman Hacks
by Sydney
Posted on Tuesday Apr 23, 2024 at 08:51PM in Seasonal
Before diving into your backyard pool's cool, clear water, make sure it actually is cool and clear with our summer pool prep guide! We put together a simple 7-day checklist to help.
Already dreaming of backyard summer parties? Our rental department is here with everything you need! From seating arrangements to fun food machines like popcorn and cotton candy makers. And, to truly make your backyard stand out, don't miss our selection of yard decorations available at our Oakville & Telegraph Handyman Hardware locations. Cheers to an unforgettable summer with a perfectly prepped pool and a spectacular setting!
Get Your Pool Ready for Summer in 7 Days
Day 1: Start With the Basics
1. A fresh pool filter:
A fresh filter is more effective at trapping debris and impurities. This helps your water stay clear and reduces the burden on your pool's chemical balance. Check the condition of your filter and replace it if it's worn out or heavily soiled. We sell filters online and in-store. Not sure which one you need? Bring in your old filter, and we’ll be happy to help!
2. Remove large debris with skimmers and brushes.
It is important to remove leaves, insects, and other debris regularly. The last thing you want to do is take a big gulp of mosquitoes mixed with leaves! Use a skimming net to remove floating pieces from the surface of the water.
After you’ve skimmed the water’s surface, brush the pool walls and floor to dislodge any dirt or algae that has settled.
Day 2: Check and Interpret pH Levels
The pH level of your pool water affects both your health and the effectiveness of the chlorine.
Ideal pH levels should be between 7.2 and 7.8.
If the pH is too high, it can cause scaling on your pool equipment and reduce the effectiveness of chlorine.
A low pH can corrode metal equipment and cause irritation to summer swimmers.
Adjusting the pH to the right level is important for maintaining the overall health of your pool. Kids? Bring them into the science! It’s a fun chore that you can do together.
Day 3: Shock the Pool With Chlorine
Shocking the pool helps restore its clarity and cleanliness. Always perform this step according to the manufacturer's guidelines and make sure no one swims in the pool for a specified period after shocking.
Day 4: Continue to Brush and Add a Clarifying Agent If Necessary
After shocking the pool, continue brushing the walls and floor to remove any remaining algae or deposits. If the water appears cloudy, add a clarifying agent.
Clarifiers work by causing tiny particles to clump together, making it easier for them to be filtered out or to settle to the bottom, where they can be vacuumed up.
Day 5: Comprehensive Water Analysis
After you’ve adjusted the initial pH levels and shocked the pool, conducting a comprehensive water analysis is the next step.
This includes testing for alkalinity, calcium hardness, cyanuric acid, and any metals present, like iron or copper. Each of these elements plays a vital role in the overall balance of your pool water and can impact water clarity, swimmer comfort, and equipment longevity.
You may use at-home test kits for these measurements. Based on the results, you’ll adjust the chemicals in your pool to achieve the optimal balance.
Day 6: Daily Checks
Now is when you’ll check the work you’ve done from the first day. Checking the water clarity, chemical balance, and overall cleanliness can help prevent most issues before they become significant problems.
Day 7: Set Up for Routine Maintenance
The long-term goal is a pool that takes care of itself, right? We can’t get you that, but we can get pretty close. Setting up a routine maintenance schedule helps maintain a clean and safe pool with minimal effort over time.
Establish a weekly and monthly schedule that includes skimming debris, brushing walls and floor, checking chemical levels, cleaning or replacing filters, and inspecting pool equipment for any signs of wear or malfunction.
Handyman Hack! Keep a log of your maintenance activities and chemical levels to track the health of your pool over time and make informed adjustments.
Bring the Party to You! Handyman Hardware’s Rental Department
Why go out when you can bring the party to you? Thanks to Handyman Hardware's Rental Department, planning a backyard hang has never been easier.
We offer a wide range of party supplies that you can rent to make your event a hit without the hassle of purchasing and storing bulky items.
Our inventory includes sturdy tables and chairs to accommodate any number of guests. For a touch of fun, add a Snow Cone Machine, Cotton Candy Machine, or Popcorn Machine to treat your guests to fun snacks. And, once the temps heat up, keep the party going with our powerful fans and protective canopies.
Looking for more ideas? We wrote a blog with 7 Tips to Host an Effortless Backyard Party. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, family reunion, or a neighborhood barbecue, we have everything you need to bring your party to life.
Yard Decorations
Your yard should reflect your unique personality! We stock an array of yard decorations at our Oakville and Lindbergh locations to suit any vibe. Choose from garden statues and wind spinners to functional yet stylish birdhouses and feeders.
You never know what we’ll showcase each summer that will add whimsy and character to your yard. Be sure to visit us in-store to see our ever-expanding inventory.
Dive Into Pool Season With Everything You Need From Handyman Hardware
Splash into summer with Handyman Hardware! We're here to help you find the perfect balance between keeping up with pool maintenance and enjoying those relaxing days floating in the sun. If you have any questions about our pool supplies, don't hesitate to give us a call or drop by one of our locations. We’re committed to helping you make this your most refreshing summer yet! Cheers to sunny days and clear waters!