MAKING YOUR SUMMER A SPLASH: PREPARE YOUR POOL FOR SWIM SEASON

By Jeff Waddle,
President, Home Builders Association of Midwest Georgia

As the temperatures rise outside, a refreshing dip in the backyard pool heightens its appeal. Homeowners nationwide have begun pulling off pool covers, checking filters and preparing for endless hours relaxing in the warm summer sun. To ensure your time spent outdoors is a splash, follow these simple tips on “summerizing” your pool.

First things first — remove the pool cover. Once it’s been removed, clean it thoroughly and allow it to fully dry before folding and storing it for the summer. This will prevent mildew from building up.

Chances are, it’s been a long time since you last took a swim. So make sure to clean the pool and pool area completely before jumping in. A net and leaf skimmer will come in handy for this task. Replace any expired chemicals before adding them to the water. Restart the circulation equipment and be sure the pool’s water chemistry is balanced. It’s a good idea to ensure the chemicals are stabilizing frequently for the first several days. At this time, a high quality algaecide also should be added to the water. Bring the water level back to normal and pump off any excess rainwater that may have built up over the dormant seasons.

Return circuit breakers and switches to their normal operating positions. Be certain that all the necessary wiring is connected and there are no leaks or drips around the electrical system. Items that have been removed, such as the filter and the pump, should be reassembled and reinstalled. Ladders and deck fittings must be reinstalled as well. Remember to lubricate any bolts in the ladders and deck fittings to prevent them from rusting during the swim season. Lubricating bolts now will make it easier to take them out when summer comes to a close.

Finally, wait at least 24 hours before going swimming. Be sure to retest the water and do not swim until the chlorine level is under 2.0 ppm (parts per million).

Before anyone gets in the pool, make sure a list of rules and emergency numbers is posted in the pool area. A small chalkboard can be a stylish and sensible way to inform your guests of how to stay safe in the water. Finally, keep necessary lifesaving equipment in the pool area, just in case.

By taking the necessary steps to prepare your pool for the summer, you can count on a fun-filled time in the sun all season long!

For more information on summer home maintenance and other consumer information, contact your local home builders association or visit www.NAHB.org/forconsumers.

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(Jeff Waddle, who is with David Weekley Homes, is 2005-’06 president of the Home Builders Association of Midwest Georgia, which serves a membership of approximately 650 builders and associate members in Fayette, Coweta, Spalding, Meriwether, Heard, Pike, Upson, Lamar, Butts and Jasper Counties. The Midwest Georgia association can be contacted by calling 770-716-7109 or at hbamwg@bellsouth.net. Formerly Southeast project manager for David Weekley Homes, Jeff became the company’s senior manager for Hilton Head/Savannah in February of this year.)

Add comment July 6th, 2006