Pools & Hot Tubs

  • Published on Oct 21, 2024
  • 8 minute(s) read

Getting Pools & Hot Tubs Ready for Summer

As the weather warms up, it’s time to prepare your pool and Hot Tub for summer enjoyment. Properly opening and maintaining these water features ensures they are safe, clean, and ready for use throughout the season.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to getting your pool and hot tub ready for summer, covering cleaning, water treatment, and equipment checks.

Why Preparing Pools & Hot Tubs for Summer is Important

Opening your pool and hot tub correctly at the start of summer has several benefits:

  • Improves Safety: Proper maintenance reduces the risk of bacterial growth, Algae blooms, and other potential health hazards.

  • Prevents Equipment Damage: Cleaning, inspecting, and testing equipment ensures everything works efficiently, reducing the risk of breakdowns during heavy use.

  • Enhances Water Quality: Balancing chemicals and removing debris keeps water clear and safe, providing a more enjoyable experience.

  • Supports Insurance Compliance: Regular pool and hot tub maintenance can help maintain coverage eligibility, as some insurance policies require proper upkeep of water features.

Getting Your Pool Ready for Summer

Follow these steps to ensure your pool is ready for the summer season:

1. Remove & Clean the Pool Cover

Start by safely removing the cover and cleaning it for storage:

  • Drain Excess Water: Use a cover pump or siphon to remove any water sitting on top of the cover before removal.

  • Clean the Cover: Use a hose and mild cleaner to scrub off dirt, debris, and algae. Allow the cover to dry completely before folding and storing it in a cool, dry place.

  • Inspect for Damage: Check for holes, tears, or damage, and make necessary repairs before storing the cover.

2. Inspect & Clean the Pool

Inspect the pool for any damage or needed repairs:

  • Check for Cracks or Damage: Inspect the pool walls, liner, and Coping for cracks, tears, or other damage. Repair any issues before filling the pool with water.

  • Clean the Pool: Use a pool brush to scrub the walls, floor, and waterline to remove any algae, dirt, or scale buildup. Use a Pool Vacuum to remove debris from the bottom.

3. Refill & Circulate the Water

Refill the pool to the appropriate level and get the water circulating:

  • Fill with Water: Refill the pool to the halfway point of the Skimmer opening.

  • Run the Pump & Filter: Start the circulation system by turning on the pump and filter. Run the system continuously for 24-48 hours to remove debris, distribute chemicals, and balance the water.

4. Test & Balance the Water Chemistry

Balancing pool chemicals is critical for maintaining clear, safe water:

  • Test the Water: Use a pool water test kit to check pH, alkalinity, chlorine levels, and Calcium Hardness.

    • pH Level: Adjust the pH to between 7.2 and 7.6.

    • Alkalinity: Keep Total Alkalinity between 80-120 ppm.

    • Chlorine: Maintain chlorine levels between 1-3 ppm.

    • Calcium Hardness: Aim for calcium hardness between 200-400 ppm.

  • Add Necessary Chemicals: Add the required chemicals to balance the water chemistry, including chlorine, Algaecide, and clarifiers as needed.

5. Inspect & Maintain Pool Equipment

Check all pool equipment to ensure proper operation:

  • Clean the Filter: Backwash sand or DE filters and clean cartridge filters to remove dirt and debris.

  • Check the Pump: Inspect the pump for leaks, unusual noises, or debris. Clean the pump basket and lubricate seals if necessary.

  • Inspect the Heater: Test the heater to ensure it’s working correctly. If it’s not heating properly, check the Thermostat, Pilot Light, and gas or electrical connections.

6. Check Safety Features

Safety is a top priority when preparing your pool for summer:

  • Inspect Pool Fencing: Ensure that the pool fencing is secure, meets local codes, and has a working self-closing gate.

  • Check Safety Equipment: Ensure that lifesaving equipment, such as a ring buoy, reaching pole, and first aid kit, is accessible and in good condition.

Getting Your Hot Tub Ready for Summer

Properly cleaning and maintaining your hot tub ensures a safe, enjoyable experience throughout the warmer months:

1. Remove & Clean the Hot Tub Cover

Start by removing and cleaning the cover:

  • Hose Off Debris: Use a hose to remove debris from the cover.

  • Scrub with a Mild Cleaner: Use a mild, non-abrasive cleaner to scrub away dirt, mildew, and Mold. Let the cover dry completely before replacing it.

2. Drain & Clean the Hot Tub

Draining and cleaning the hot tub helps remove any debris and bacteria that built up during winter:

  • Turn Off Power: Turn off the hot tub’s power supply before draining.

  • Drain the Water: Use the hot tub’s Drain Valve or a Submersible Pump to remove all water from the tub.

  • Scrub the Interior: Use a non-abrasive sponge and hot tub cleaner to scrub the interior, focusing on jets, seats, and waterline areas.

  • Rinse & Dry: Rinse the hot tub with clean water and dry it thoroughly before refilling.

3. Refill & Balance the Water Chemistry

Proper water chemistry keeps your hot tub safe and clear:

  • Refill with Fresh Water: Refill the hot tub with clean water, using a hose with a pre-filter if possible to reduce impurities.

  • Test & Adjust Water Chemistry: Use a test kit to check pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels:

    • pH Level: Adjust the pH to between 7.2 and 7.8.

    • Alkalinity: Keep total alkalinity between 80-120 ppm.

    • Sanitizer Levels: Maintain bromine or chlorine levels at 3-5 ppm.

  • Run the Pump: Turn the pump back on and run it for at least 24 hours to circulate and filter the water.

4. Inspect Hot Tub Equipment

Check all hot tub components to ensure they work properly:

  • Clean or Replace the Filter: Clean the hot tub filter with a filter cleaner or replace it if it’s worn out.

  • Inspect Jets & Valves: Check the jets, valves, and air channels to ensure they are clear of debris and working correctly.

  • Test the Heater: Test the heater by setting it to the desired temperature and checking for proper function.

5. Review Hot Tub Safety Features

Ensure the hot tub is safe for use throughout the season:

  • Check Safety Covers: Make sure the cover locks securely and is in good condition to prevent accidental entry.

  • Inspect GFCI Outlets: Test the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Outlet to ensure it’s functioning correctly.

Safety Tips for Opening Pools & Hot Tubs

Ensure safety when opening and maintaining your pool and hot tub:

  • Wear Protective Gear: Wear gloves and safety glasses when handling chemicals to prevent skin and eye irritation.

  • Store Chemicals Safely: Store pool and hot tub chemicals in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children and pets.

  • Never Mix Chemicals: Always add chemicals separately and follow manufacturer instructions to prevent dangerous reactions.

When to Hire a Professional

While many pool and hot tub opening tasks can be done by homeowners, certain situations require professional assistance:

  • Major Equipment Issues: If the pump, heater, or other major equipment isn’t functioning, hire a certified technician to diagnose and repair the problem.

  • Complex Water Chemistry: If water chemistry is difficult to balance, consult a pool or spa professional for expert guidance.

  • Structural Repairs: For cracks, tears, or other structural issues, hire a pool or spa repair specialist to ensure safe, reliable repairs.

How Pool & Hot Tub Maintenance Affects Home Insurance

Proper pool and hot tub maintenance can impact your home insurance:

  • Improved Safety & Liability: Well-maintained pools and hot tubs reduce safety risks, minimizing potential liability claims.

  • Compliance with Policy Requirements: Some home insurance policies require regular maintenance of pools and hot tubs to maintain coverage eligibility.

  • Lower Claim Likelihood: Proactive maintenance reduces the likelihood of filing claims for equipment damage, leaks, or injuries.

Preventing Future Pool & Hot Tub Problems

Consistent maintenance throughout the summer helps keep your pool and hot tub in top condition:

  • Regularly Test Water Chemistry: Test pool and hot tub water weekly to maintain balanced water chemistry.

  • Clean Filters Frequently: Clean pool and hot tub filters every 1-2 weeks, or as needed, to ensure proper filtration and water clarity.

  • Monitor Water Levels: Keep pool and hot tub water levels consistent, adding water as needed to maintain optimal operation.

Additional Resources

For more information on preparing pools and hot tubs for summer, visit:

  • Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP): Offers guidelines for pool and spa maintenance, including summer preparation tips. Visit APSP for more information.

  • Home Depot Pool & Spa Maintenance Guide: Provides tips, products, and advice for opening pools and hot tubs. Visit Home Depot for additional guidance.

Wrap-Up

Getting your pool and hot tub ready for summer is essential for safety, enjoyment, and efficient operation. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your water features are clean, balanced, and well-maintained throughout the warmer months.

Regular testing, cleaning, and equipment checks will keep your pool and hot tub in top condition for safe and enjoyable use all season long.