Seasonal checklist on your pool

FROM THE POOL DECK
with Vincent Munyeza

It’s important to have a winter seasonal checklist for your pool. As the pool has not been in use during this winter period, a lot of things are either ignored or left unattended resulting in them failing to function when the pool is opened in summer.

I have complied a checklist which applies both to domestic and commercial pools. Have a look at the checklist and ensure you have done what is appropriate for your pool.
1) Start seasonal opening procedures at least one month prior to scheduled opening day of your pool.
2) Conduct a complete inventory.
3) Check for winter damage and vandalism.
4) Make sure that chemical and maintenance contracts are in effect
5) Check to see that repairs and/or renovations scheduled during the off-season were completed
6) Replace worn or missing rescue equipment.
7) Restock the first aid kit.
8) Pump any accumulated water and debris off the top of the winterizing pool cover.
9) Remove the winter pool cover. Clean and store it away for the season.
10) Turn the water supply back on.
11) Empty all debris from the pool. Don’t try to pump out dead or decaying leaves and animals.
12) Drain the pool with a trash pump.
13) Pump remaining liquid from the pool using a sump pump with an auto shut-off.
14) Rinse down the pool using a high pressure nozzle and hose. Flush out the gutters and skimmers.
15) Sandblast, acid wash, chlorine wash, recoat, repaint, replaster, fiberglass, and/or patch liner tears, or otherwise prepare pool surface.
16) Remember to paint or touch-up depth markings, drop-off lines, lane lines and targets, step edges and graphics before refilling the pool.
17) Clean all pool and deck equipment.
18) Lubricate all metal parts and hardware.
19) Replace gutter drain grates, bolts, gaskets, inlets and plugs.
20) Bolt the main drain grates to the pool bottom and secure all anti-entrapment covers.
21) Clean and replace skimmer baskets, weirs and lids.
22) Reassemble circulation pipes, pump, and motor. Drain anti-freeze from all piping and flush with fresh water.
23) Reinstall the hair and lint skimmer basket. Replace gaskets or o-rings. Make sure the lid seals tightly.
24) Replace cracked or chipped tiles.
25) Replace broken or burnt out pool lights, lenses and seals. Lubricate and tighten bolts and reinsert in the pool wall.
26) Check that all ground wires are connected.
27) Clean the filter media and elements. Repair or replace filter elements or cartridges if necessary. Close and replug the filter tank.
28) Test the manual air pressure relief valves on pressurized filter tanks.
29) Obtain the maintenance and start up chemicals.
30) Treat the water to prevent the growth of algae and bacteria.
31) Conduct a dye test to check inlet operation and locate circulation “dead spots” in the pool.
32) Add chemicals to achieve water balance obtain acceptable water clarity, prevent damage.
33) Restock the test kit with fresh reagents. Calibrate testing instruments.
34) Vacuum the pool and backwash as needed until the water clears.