How to Prepare Your Pool for a Nashville Summer
The warm weather is upon us, yet your pool is still under its cover and looking worse for wear after the winter. You may be at a loss as to where to start, or perhaps you would rather have your family in the water this Memorial Day than be delayed by necessary repairs.
West Meade Pools is here to see that your pool is open and in good order for the season. We are a licensed and insured operation with a 100% satisfaction guarantee to back our work; our 4.6-star rating from more than 50 Google reviews speaks for itself. Call us at (615) 989-2424 to talk about your pool.
There is no better way to put some distance between yourself and the heat and humidity of a Nashville summer than a good swim. But making that happen involves more than just yanking the cover and diving in. Here is how to do it right.
Remove and Clean the Cover
Take care in removing the winter cover. Do not be in a hurry to remove it without first dealing with the leaves, debris, and standing water that have made themselves at home over the cold months. Tossing all of that into the pool is only going to create a headache down the road. After you have the cover off, give it a proper cleaning and let it dry out before you put it away. Storing a damp cover creates the perfect conditions for mildew, and it will not last until next year.
A Close Look at the Pool and Equipment
Before you turn anything on or add water, inspect the area. The freeze-thaw cycle we get in Middle Tennessee can be tough on a pool. Make sure to check:
- The pump, filter, and heater
- The shell, liner, and tile for any damage
- Skimmer baskets and return fittings
- Ladders, rails, and diving boards for loose bolts
- Hoses for dry rot or leaks
It is much wiser to address any issues now than to discover them in the middle of the season when you want to be swimming.
Fill and Reconnect
Bring the water level up to the mark, typically halfway up the skimmer opening. Reinstall the pump, filter, and any plugs you removed from the return lines for the winter. Check for any obvious leaks and make sure things are tight before applying power.
Circulate the Water
With the equipment reconnected, fire up the pump. Let the system run for a day or so to get the water moving. This allows your filter to do its job and helps distribute the chemicals evenly. Homeowners who skip this step are making one of the most common errors.
Put the Water to the Test
You might be frustrated by green or cloudy water, but it is to be expected after a long winter and will not resolve on its own. Check the following levels:
- pH (7.4 to 7.6)
- Total alkalinity (80–120 ppm)
- Calcium hardness and cyanuric acid
- A sanitizer, such as chlorine.
Properly balanced water is easier on your equipment, more comfortable for swimmers, and helps keep algae at bay. If the readings are way off, allow a few days for the water to adjust before retesting.
Shock and Clean
Give the walls and floor a brush and vacuum up what has settled. Then shock the pool to clear the water and eliminate bacteria. Keep the pump on and let it do its work. In some cases with a neglected pool, you may need to be patient and apply a second round of shock.
Or Leave It to Us
Not every homeowner has the time or inclination to put in the work. If you are faced with stubborn algae, broken equipment, or damage you would rather not tackle, we can help. West Meade Pools is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to serve the Nashville area. We provide free estimates, so there is no harm in calling.
To have your pool in top shape for the summer without the hassle, contact West Meade Pools at (615) 989-2424. We would be happy to hear from you.