Summer is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to get your pool ready for some splashing fun. Whether you have an inground or above ground pool, there are some steps you need to take to ensure your pool is safe, clean and enjoyable for you and your family. Here are some ideas that you should consider when opening your pool for the summer.
Safety First
Before you dive into the water, you need to make sure your pool is safe for everyone. According to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury death among children aged 1 to 4, and most of these drownings occur in home swimming pools. To prevent this tragedy, you should follow these pool safety tips:
- Install an automatic safety cover, fence or barrier around your pool that is at least four feet high and has a self-closing and self-latching gate. This will prevent children and pets from accessing the pool without supervision.
- Use a pool cover, camera or alarm when the pool is not in use. This will add another layer of protection and alert you if someone falls into the water. Installing these types of items ot only keeps your family safe but may help reduce your homeowner’s insurance so be sure to ask your agent for more information.
- Teach your children how to swim and stay away from drains and suction outlets. You can enroll them in swimming lessons or use online resources like Swim by the American Red Cross.
- Learn CPR and keep a first aid kit nearby. You never know when an emergency might happen, and knowing how to perform CPR can save a life.
- Designate a water watcher who is responsible for supervising the pool area. The water watcher should not be distracted by phone, TV or other activities and should stay within arm’s reach of young children.
Clean and Clear
Once you have secured your pool, you need to make sure it is clean and clear for swimming. A dirty pool can harbor bacteria, algae and other contaminants that can cause health problems and damage your pool equipment. Here are some ideas that you should consider when cleaning your pool for the summer:
- Use a robotic pool vacuum to remove dirt and debris from the bottom and sides of your pool. A robotic vacuum is more efficient and energy-saving than a traditional suction or pressure vacuum, and it does not require any connection to your pool pump. We highly recommend the Polaris EVO cleaners or Maytronics Dolphin cleaners.
- Use a skimmer net to remove leaves, insects and other floating debris from the surface of your pool. A skimmer net is a simple and inexpensive tool that can make a big difference in your pool’s appearance and water quality.
- Use a test kit to check your pool’s levels of chlorine, pH, alkalinity and other chemicals. You can use something as simple as test strips or as comprehensive as the Taylor K-2005 but whatever you choose, just make sure you test! Keeping your pool’s chemistry balanced is essential for preventing algae growth, corrosion and irritation. A test kit will help you measure and adjust your pool’s chemical levels as needed.
Fun and Games
Now that your pool is safe and clean, you can enjoy some fun and games with your family and friends. There are many products and ideas that you can use to enhance your pool experience and create lasting memories. Here are some of them:
- Use a solar blanket to heat your pool using solar energy and reduce evaporation. A solar blanket is a great way to extend your pool season and save money on heating costs. It also helps keep your pool cleaner by preventing dirt and debris from entering the water.
- Install a pool slide or diving board to add some excitement and challenge to your pool. A pool slide or diving board can make your pool more fun and appealing, especially for kids and teens. However, you need to make sure your pool is deep enough and has enough clearance for these accessories and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines. We love the S.R. Smith line of slides and diving boards.
- Use pool toys and games to entertain and exercise in your pool. Pool toys and games can provide hours of fun and laughter for people of all ages and abilities. You can choose from a variety of options, such as inflatable floats, water guns, pool noodles, volleyball sets, basketball hoops and more.
Remember to always follow the pool safety tips and enjoy your pool responsibly.
Have a great summer!