Ready to dive into your swimming pool this summer? Before you take the jump, be sure that you’re properly prepared by checking to see if your homeowner’s insurance has coverage for swimming pools and by following appropriate cleaning and safety checks. Following the 5 steps in this blog is essential to ensure that you and your loved ones can enjoy summer fun without the added risks.

Step 1: Remove the Pool Cover

Although pool safety covers are an excellent way to keep your pool protected any time of the year, it’s important that the cover is removed before proceeding in the process of getting your pool summer-ready.

• Remove leaves/other debris from the top of your cover with your leaf net.
• Pump off any excess water gathered on top of your cover.
• Dry your cover before storing it away for the season.

Opening your pool for the new season can often mean looking at greenish/yellow pool water, but that is completely normal since your water has been covered and sitting idle all winter long.

Step 2: Don’t Empty Your Pool

Unless there is no other option such as leaves to remove/structural problems, don’t empty your pool as it can damage your liner.

Step 3: Clean Your Pool and Filter

After your cover is removed, it’s time to focus on cleaning the inside of your pool. Take out any large debris that could potentially clog your filter. There are three types of pool filters: cartridge, sand, and diatomaceous Earth.

• Cartridge: These have a large filtration area which permits water to progress through the cartridge, removing small particles.
• Sand: These are large tanks with thick beds of special-grade sand. Dirty water from the pool comes into the filter and gravity then pulls the water down through the sand which catch dirt and debris.
• Diatomaceous Earth (DE): Filtration method in which DE is applied to precoat a septum prior to each filter run. There are three types of DE filters: vacuum, pressure, and horizontal plate.

Step 4: Balance Chemicals

It’s best to “shock” your pool with 1 pound for every 5,000 gallons of water. However, before balancing any chemicals, make sure your water level is up to its normal operating level by filling your pool with water. Once everything is running smoothly, let the pool sit for 24-48 hours and be sure to balance your chemicals.

• Chlorine: Balance between 1.0 – 3.0 parts per million.
• pH scale: Balance between7.4 – 7.6 (just above neutral acidity)
• Calcium: Balance between 200 – 400 parts per million
• Alkalinity: Balance between 80 – 140 parts per million

Step 5: Circulate, Let Water Clear, and Maintain

Until your water is clear, clean your filter every day. The entire process will take about a week. Throughout the summer, it’s important to continuously vacuum and scrub your pool at least once a week. You should skim your pool every day to keep any fallen debris out.

Pool Safety

Understanding proper pool safety procedures is essential to keep you and your loved ones protected at all times. Once your pool is summer ready, check to make sure you have the following safety features in your pool/pool area:

• Pool Safety Covers
• Pool Alarm
• Pool Fencing
• Rescue Equipment

Get Homeowner’s Insurance for Your Pool

As a homeowner, it’s essential that you’re familiar with coverage policies. Your insurance premiums will be impacted by your policy’s specific terms so you’ll need to check with your agent to see if your homeowner’s insurance already includes coverage for pools. It’s recommended that pool-owners increase their liability coverage to $500,000.

Preparing your pool for the summer may seem like a tedious task, but it’s important to follow each step carefully, as homeowners are responsible for ensuring the safety and condition of their pool. For further questions about homeowner’s insurance for pools, contact us at TJ Woods Insurance.