Tips for Opening a Pool Neglected for Years
Opening a neglected pool is a lot like waking up a sleeping beast. When you see the green, murky water, and the debris piling up around the pool, it can be overwhelming. It might seem like repairing and cleaning are insurmountable tasks, but everything can be possible with a good plan of action. Restoring a neglected pool takes time, effort, and patience, but the end result is always rewarding. In this post, we will share essential tips for opening a pool that has been neglected for years.
1. Assess the pool
The first step in opening a neglected pool is to assess the level of damage. You need to be aware of the extent of harm, and what kind of repairs the pool might need. Look into the area around your pool and scrutinize every nook and cranny that might need to be repaired. Inspect the pump, filter, and heaters to ensure they are functional. This might seem like an unnecessary step, but it could save you a lot of trouble and potential disaster in the long run.
2. Clean the pool
Neglected pools have a lot of debris, algae, and dirt that has accumulated over the years. Before you can start repairing the pool, you need to clean it up first. Getting your pool "swimmable" again may take a few days or weeks, but it’s essential to deal with this step first. Start by removing any debris or leaves using a skimmer, brush the walls and floors of the pool, and vacuum the remaining dirt. If the pool is still green or murky after this cleaning, consider draining the pool and starting over.
3. Balance the pool chemistry
Once you have cleaned up the pool, the next step is to balance its chemistry. A balanced pool chemical level ensures that the water is safe for swimming and prevents damage to your pool. Use appropriate treaters to balance the pool chemistry levels, including pH, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness. It’s important to wear gloves and protective equipment while handling these chemicals as they can be harmful.
4. Repair or replace pool equipment
After balancing the pool chemicals, it’s time to inspect the pool equipment again. Turn on the filter, pump, and heater to check if everything is functioning correctly. Evaluate the equipment and determine what needs to be repaired or replaced. If you are unsure about what to do, consult a professional pool repair specialist.
5. Maintain your pool
Once your pool has been entirely restored and is in working order, it’s important to maintain it regularly. Ensure that the pool is covered when not in use to avoid debris falling in again. Skim and vacuum the pool regularly, check the chemical levels, and clean out your pool filter weekly. Regular maintenance keeps your pool safe and healthy, gives you peace of mind and extends the life of your pool.
Conclusion
Opening a neglected pool is a task that requires time, effort, and patience. However, the end results of having a sparkling clean pool can make all the work worthwhile. Before you start this journey, assess your pool and equipment, clean the pool, balance the pool chemistry, inspect the equipment, and maintain the pool regularly. If you’re unsure or need professional assistance, consult All Phase Pool Remodeling for top-notch pool repair services in St Augustine, FL. Contact us today for free estimates!