Supplies
Sort through your pool supplies, safely and responsibly disposing of those that have expired. Eliminate unwanted chemicals by taking them to Green Island Recycling Depot in Sydport for proper disposal.

Check the date on chemicals and replace expired chemicals, test strips, and reagents.

Cover & Deck
Hose or sweep away water and debris from the pool cover and pool deck.

Carefully remove the cover and clean it. Allow the cover to dry to prevent mildew and then fold and store it for the summer.

Reinstall deck ladders, diving board, and other deck fittings. Lubricate nuts and bolts on diving board, ladders and rails with non-corrosive spray or lubricant.

If the pool water is low, bring it up to normal, (1/2 to 3/4 up on the skimmer is ideal).

Equipment

• Reinstall or reassemble the pump, filter, electric heat pump, salt system, etc
• Reinstall underwater lights.
• Remove the plugs and replace return outlet fittings.
• Check for leaks and proper operation.
• Oil or propane furnaces should be professionally serviced before operation.

System Start-up
Start-up filtration system on backwash, backwash for 2-3 minutes, rinse for 60-90 seconds, position dial valve to filter. Run pool, backwash when required. Adjust pH, once pH is balanced shock pool, add algaecide 12-24 hours later, reshock pool if necessary. When you can see the bottom of the pool carefully remove any debris.

Weekly Maintenance

• Manually vacuum or brush any dirt and debris, which has not already been removed by your cleaning system, toward the main drains.
• Net any debris off the surface of the pool water.
• Clean out the skimmer and pump baskets.
• Check the filter pressure to determine if backwashing or cartridge cleaning is necessary.
• Test the levels of chlorine, pH and alkalinity.
• If the pool has a chlorinator, brominator, or salt system check the levels and add as needed.

Filter Maintenance

Whether you have a sand filter, DE filter or cartridge filter, regular maintenance is a necessity in order to maintain optimum water quality.

• Never swim alone.
• No running around the pool.
• No rough playing or “dunking”.
• No glass containers, metallic objects or electrical appliances around the pool.
• Use pool toys with care.
• Always check the depth of the pool before diving. Dive only when and where it is safe (not on top of swimmers and not in shallow water).
• Children should not use the pool without adult supervision, and the adult should be a strong swimmer.
• Keep a first-aid kit and a list of emergency phone numbers near the pool.
• The pool deck should be kept clean and clear of debris. Dirty surfaces can become slippery and can cause accidents.
• Pools don’t mix well with alcohol. Keep inebriated guests out of the pool.
• Allow a meal to “settle” before going into the pool. If you are overly tired, go to bed, not for a swim.
• Swimmers with open sores and infections should not use the pool.
• Do not overexpose yourself to the sun.
• Children, particularly, like to use the diving equipment and slide. Supervise them and make sure that there is no horseplay.
• Allow jumping and diving only from the front of the board.
• There should be a periodic safety and maintenance check for all pool appliances and equipment.
• Children should rest periodically to avoid over exhaustion.
• Begin teaching your children to swim at the earliest possible age. Until they learn to swim well, teach them to scream in the event they should fall in the water. This will greatly increase the chance of someone hearing them and coming to their rescue.
• Learn CPR/mouth-to-mouth resuscitation techniques.
• Regularly check gate latches, 2nd springs, and check the batteries in pool alarms to ensure a safe and secure swimming pool.
• Always keep floating toys and games out of the pool after being used.