Whether you’re a first-time pool owner or have had your swimming pool for a while, you know that swimming pool maintenance is a lot of work. From opening it to closing, there are many things you have to do. This is why so many people look to find a local pool service company to help them get things started and continue throughout the year.
Here are a few things that need to be done to get your pool ready for the spring and summer seasons.
Pool Maintenance to Prepare for Use
Here is a list of tasks that need to be done before your pool is swim-ready. As you’ll see, there are quite a few things to complete. Many people choose to hire a local pool maintenance company to get them set up for the season so they can focus on enjoying the comforts of their swimming pool.
Clean and Drain the Pool Cover
You can’t open the pool unless the cover is off and clean. There is probably a good amount of water sitting on top of your pool cover. All of the rain and snow from the winter has to go somewhere! Don’t attempt to take the cover off unless you drain and clean the cover first. If you don’t, all of the gunk on top of the cover will go right into your pool.
A pool pump is the easiest way to get any water off the pool cover. This can be purchased at your local pool store. If you try to take a shortcut, you’ll have a pile of leaves and dirt in your pool when you take the cover off. There may be a few leaves that still sneak in there, but it shouldn’t be too bad if you take proper precautions.
Take the Cover Off & Let it Air Out
Don’t try to take the cover off by yourself. You’ll want to have help to get it done the right way. Once you’ve successfully removed the cover, it’s time to let it dry out. Place it on a dry surface. Brush off any leftover debris and let it dry out. Make sure it’s completely dry. If you fold it while it’s wet, it will increase the chance that mold will form on the cover.
Raise the Water Level Back Up
Chances are that you or your swimming pool service team let some water out of your pool when you closed it for the season. Now that it’s time to re-open it, it’s time to put that water back in. Some people have pool water delivered if they don’t have good water pressure from their garden hose or if they have well water.
Reconnect Your Pool Equipment
If you want your pool to work properly, you need to reconnect any of the filters, hoses, or pumps that you disconnected before winter. This is a good time to check for any leaks or cracks in the equipment. If you notice something that doesn’t look right, get it fixed now before the problems get worse. If you hire a pool cleaning service to help you open your pool for the season, then they’ll likely inspect your equipment for you.
Re-attach Drain Plugs
Any drains that were detached for the winter need to be re-attached now. At this time also take out any winterizing plugs.
Turn Your Equipment Back On
Once you have everything clean and reconnected, turn on your filter and any other equipment. Check to make sure everything is getting power and working properly. Listen for any strange sounds as the equipment gets up and running. Look for any leaks once things are moving and make sure everything is working properly. Again, if you notice anything strange, contact a local swimming pool company such as Lone Star Pool Services. Our experts know what to look for to get your pool working properly.
Test Your Pool Water
Once you have everything connected, it’s time to test your pool water. This is to make sure you have the right amount and type of chemicals in it to make the water swimmable. You can buy test strips or take a water sample to your local pool store. Either way, you will know what chemicals you need to balance your pool.
Some people don’t like this step of pool maintenance. That’s another reason why they hire a pool service company. If you hire Lone Star Pool Services, our experts will test your water as part of your pool service plan. They will not only know what chemicals need to be added but also the correct amount. You don’t have to worry about a trial-and-error method that may leave you with green or unsafe water.
Are You Asking Where Can I Find Pool Service Near Me? Call Lone Star Pool Services.
If that short list of pool prep tasks has you tired, you’re not alone! While owning a swimming pool may seem glamorous, there’s a lot of work that goes into proper maintenance. The team at Lone Star Pool Services can take care of all your pool needs with weekly or bi-weekly service. This way you can save your time and do the things you love.
At Lone Star Pool Services & Maintenance we can set up weekly pool service that fits your schedule and budget. We have a plan that includes:
Chemical Analysis and Maintenance
- Chlorine
- pH
- Calcium Hardness
- Alkalinity
- Cyanuric Acid
- Phosphates
- Salt content on saltwater pools
- Skimmer baskets checked and emptied
- Pump baskets checked and emptied
- Pool sweepdebris bags checked and emptied
- Pool sweep wall screen checked and cleaned
- Check pool sweep operation
We also look at the following pool issues:
- Monitor pool filters and pressure
- Backwash DE and sand filters as needed
- Clean salt cell as needed
- Calibrate salt system as needed
- Monitor and maintain valve orientation for circulation adjustments
- Visual pool inspections and inspection of equipment with the reporting of significant issues
- Weekly e-mail notifications and photographs
- Brushing
- Net debris
- Clean Spa or Jacuzzi
- Vacuum as needed
In addition to our regular pool cleaning service, we have the experience needed to perform swimming pool repair, hot tub maintenance, and more. Our goal is to do the work so you can enjoy your backyard oasis.
Lone Star Pool Services is a professional and cost-effective pool cleaning and maintenance service operating in Houston, Katy, Copperfield, Cypress, Tomball and surrounding areas. If you are located in the area, get in touch with them for a free estimate by calling (832) 928-3017.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we get regarding hot tubs and pool services.
What chemicals do you need to clean a pool?
There are a variety of chemicals needed to keep swimming pool water balanced and safe. Chlorine is one of the most important chemicals. It helps keep your pool water clean and sanitary. You may also need pH increasers and reducers depending on the pH levels of your water. Algaecides are used to keep algae under control as are phosphate removers. Stain removers and tile cleaning chemicals are useful when it comes to cleaning your pool’s shell and tile areas. Clarifiers are chemicals that bind undesirable matter together for easy removal.
It’s very important to handle all of these chemicals and any others with care. Read instructions carefully to ensure proper use. Avoid mixing chemicals to prevent dangerous reactions. You should also store chemicals away from pets and children.
If handling these chemicals makes you uncomfortable or if you’d rather just leave it to the experts, then search for pool service around your area to find quality pool cleaning companies.
How much do pool chemicals cost?
The price of pool chemicals varies depending on the size of your pool, the weather, how often you use it and how many people use it, the type of pool, and many other factors. For a typical swimming pool, you can expect to spend a few hundred dollars per year on chemicals to maintain water quality.
How much does a pool cleaning service cost?
Pool cleaning services vary from area to area. You can generally expect to pay somewhere between the range of $1500 and $2500 annually for pool cleaning services depending on the size of your swimming pool. Generally, you are looking at a reasonable price right around $90-120 per month on average. If you want to handle the pool cleaning yourself and just hire someone to handle the chemical maintenance, then prices are generally lower.
Many people feel that pool maintenance cost is a small price to pay for the peace of mind knowing that your pool is clean and safe for you and your family. Weekly pool maintenance and cleaning can be time-consuming and cumbersome and we want to carry that load for you so you can focus on spending quality time in your pool and hot tub.
How do I find the best pool cleaning service near me?
You can start by asking any friends or family members who they use for their pool cleaning services. If you don’t know anyone with a pool or anyone who hires out swimming pool maintenance then learn more about hiring a local pool cleaning service here.
How often do you need pool maintenance?
Regular maintenance is vital for the health of your pool and anyone who uses it. This is what keeps your pool looking great for years to come. Depending on your pool size, weather, and how often it’s used, you likely need maintenance at least once every week or two. In rare cases, you may be able to get away with monthly maintenance. Speak with a professional pool cleaning service to learn more about your pool’s requirements. We work with the homeowner to review each job on a case-by-case basis.
What should I look for when buying a house with a pool?
When purchasing a home with a pre-installed in-ground swimming pool, there are some things you’ll want to inquire about. Here are some great questions you can ask:
- How old is the pool? When was it originally installed?
- Were permits pulled for the pool installation?
- What materials is the swimming pool made of?
- Has the pool ever had a leak?
- Have there ever been any plumbing problems?
- What are the number of drains and returns and where are they located?
- How old is the equipment (including pool heaters if applicable)?
- What has previously been used to maintain water chemistry?
- Is there a warranty?
- Who was the manufacturer and who installed it?
- Is there a homeowner review of local pool maintenance companies?
- When was the last time the pool underwent any updated plastering (if applicable)?
- When was the most recent renovation?
Anytime you are thinking of buying a house with pools & spas on the property, it’s a good idea to learn as much as possible about the swimming pool so as to not get caught off guard by expensive swimming pool repairs.
What should I keep in mind when installing a pool?
If you’re looking to purchase a home and install a pool on the property or if you’re investing in all new construction, there are some things you’ll want to consider before building your backyard oasis.
- Outdoor pools cannot be installed below overhead wires. If you’re set on building a pool in that area, then you may need to pay to reroute the wiring.
- Wires overhead aren’t your only concern. You also want to find out if there are any utility lines running under your property.
- You should also know that in many areas there are restrictions on how close swimming pools can be built to existing bodies of water due to a higher water table.
- The grade of your property can also play a role. If your property is relatively flat, then most pools won’t pose a problem. However, if your property is sloping or on a hill then you may need to reshape the surrounding terrain.
- You really need to have a solid understanding of your property. In addition to the slope and worrying about utilities, you’ll need to know a few other things including how much space is required between your property line and the swimming pool. You’ll also need to make sure you’re not building on an easement and that your property isn’t part of a wildlife or research protection area. Likewise, if you’re home is in a historic district, they may have restrictions on swimming pool installation. You’ll also need to be aware of any local pool enclosure restrictions. In some areas, you may need to have some kind of fencing around the pool.
There’s a lot of information to keep in mind when installing a swimming pool. If you’re ready to venture down this path, then it’s a good idea to speak with swimming pool installation professionals or pool engineers.
What do I do if I notice a leak in my swimming pool?
The best thing you can do if you notice a leak is call pool repair professionals sooner than later. Many will visit their clients and provide a free quote for repairing the leak. One thing is certain. It’s much better to take care of a leak as soon as it’s discovered than to let a small leak go unrepaired until it causes a bigger, more expensive problem.
We’re in the business of taking care of your pool and know what to look for. Having regularly scheduled pool maintenance allows our team to notice any leaks or problems for our customers before they become a bigger issue.
Do you offer pool cleaning services near me?
The team here at Lone Star Pool Services covers a large portion of the Houston area including. Customer service is our priority.
