So here we are together again, embarking on another pool season. To us, a new pool season means another year of enjoying the good weather while barbecuing with friends and family around the pool. In fact, I can almost taste the barbecue now. Are you ready for it? Better yet, is your pool ready? Believe it or not, most pool owners get a late start in opening their swimming pools for the season. Sure, there are a few factors that play a role in determining when to open the pool, e.g. the weather, money, time, and opportunity.

Still, even if you have certain things holding you back from physically opening the pool, there are things you can do to jump- start the preparation. Most of the time, pool owners don’t actually realize they are falling behind schedule until it’s too late. Trust us, we encounter the “last- minute- motor- shopping” stories every season. If we polled pool owners to check who were confidently ready to open their pools, how many of you could say yes? My guess is the majority of pool owners will say no. Either way, let’s explore the five areas all pool owners should check before opening their pools.

1. Turn ON and Run Your Equipment

Here’s a serious question, when is the last time you ran your pool equipment? Seriously. Pool equipment is very similar to an automobile in the sense that if you don’t operate it frequently, it may have some trouble starting. So, first and foremost, you want to make sure your equipment is running smoothly and no leaks are present. Fire your system up and carefully look for water leaks around the equipment. You also want to ensure not too much air is getting back into the system or blowing back into the pool returns. A little blow back is okay, but too much can affect the system’s functionality.

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2. The Equipment

Once you have your equipment on, leave it running for approximately 30 minutes. This allows each piece of equipment to cycle on and gives it time for any technical issues, if any, to present itself. A piece of equipment to pay special attention to is your filter. We cannot express how important this inspection is. The filter is one of the most important parts of your swimming pool. It helps to keep your water chemistry in line, pool clarity up to par, and it can even help extend your motor’s longevity.

If your motor is pushing water through your filter but your filter is dirty, worn down, or simply backed up, then you’re actually putting more strain on your motor than necessary. This can wear down your motor before you get into the heart of your pool season. Trust us, no one wants to replace their pump motor by the 4th of July. Make sure to check for high-pressure readings, dirty cartridges or even filter elements with broken bands. If you have a D.E. filter, make sure to check for D.E. powder in the swimming pool. All of these areas can have a negative affect the operation of your swimming pool system.

When it comes down to checking the pool equipment, most pool owners neglect their maintenance equipment. Maintenance equipment includes your pool cleaner, vacuum hoses, nets, brushes and telescopic poles. These are absolutely necessary for maintaining a clean pool. If you forgot to run your pool cleaner in the first step, here’s another opportunity to start it up. Let your cleaner run for 10 to 15 minutes before inspecting for worn down parts. Between the chlorine and the sun, small parts and bristles tend to deteriorate faster. Run your hand along your brushes to ensure your bristles are intact. Also, we recommend you check your nets for enlarged or stretched holes.

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3. Bugs, Bugs, and More Bugs

Although this is a rather simple step it’s also very important. In fact, it’s proven to save pool owners huge headaches down the line. Insects, bugs and other rodents in the wrong areas create nuisances for pool owners. It’ll shock you to see some of the things pool owners have seen inside their pool lines and equipment. It’s always a good idea to check for ant hills, lizard nests, and bee or wasp hives. Be sure to check areas like your motor, filter, timer, and even your breaker panels. Bugs find all sorts of different places to hide. Always keep some pesticides handy, a water hose or even just a good old fashion wipe- down rag. Trust us, it’s the little things that matter.

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4. The Water

Now that we already checked our systems for air leaks, good filtration, and rodents, we can move on to one of the biggest curve- ball scenarios pool owners find themselves in: water chemistry. Most pool owners assume that since their pool had no algae blooms or sudden drops in chlorine levels during the offseason that their pool should be fine. This is not the case at all.

If you drained your pool and haven’t used shock or tablets, you probably find yourself in one of those curveball scenarios. Once your stabilizer (CYA) drops, it’s only a matter of time before you start to see algal blooms. You usually start to see algal blooms once the temperature rises again. In short, algae are no fun. Get your water tested ASAP. Make sure your levels are up to par as soon as you get your system up and running.

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How to Balance Your Pool Water

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5. Entertainment Area

Lastly, do you have basic entertainment stored away in your storage? If not, here’s the perfect opportunity to ensure your pool is party ready. Simple lounge chairs, toys, and umbrellas add excitement and beauty to your pool. Ultimately, this is what it’s all about- creating an environment full of peace and relaxation. You can’t prepare yourself enough for that.

Even if you haven’t opened your pool yet or don’t plan on doing so for another few weeks, consider checking these 5 areas out anyway. No, these five areas aren’t guaranteed to save a dying pool, however, it can give you a jump start in preparing your pool for the summer fun ahead.