Get Ready for Spring: Early Pool Maintenance Tips for Michigan Homeowners

As winter fades into spring and the promise of warmer weather and sunnier skies seems to be just on the horizon, you may start dreaming about using your Michigan pool again. While spring may be too early for a dip, it’s a great time to do some early-season maintenance that will protect your equipment and extend the overall lifespan of your pool.

At Recreation Warehouse Michigan, we love helping local homeowners make the most of their Michigan hot tubs and pools. While the wait for summer may seem long, it provides the perfect opportunity for spring pool prep. Below, we’re providing some essential pool care tips to consider as you gear up for your first big splash of the year.

Begin With an In-Depth Inspection

Your first instinct may be to pull off your pool cover or start adding chemicals, but the best initial step is actually to spend a few minutes walking around and inspecting your pool area as a whole. Because Michigan winters can be quite rough, they often contribute to the deterioration of outdoor structures. Taking a moment to check the decking, pool walls, and liner for cracks and other visible signs of damage will give you a good idea of any repairs that need to take place. Additionally, investigate electrical components and the pool’s pump, heater, and filter for rust and corrosion or the accumulation of debris.

Next, Clean Your Pool Cover

It’s still not quite time to pull your pool cover off. First, use a soft broom to clear it of leaves, twigs, standing water, and any other debris that has accumulated on its surface. This step is a must to prevent all that dirty water from getting into your pool as you lift the cover off.

Finally, after you’ve removed the cover, clean and dry it before putting it in storage. This will help extend its lifespan and prepare it for further use come fall.

Skim Away Debris & Add Fresh Water

While your pool cover likely prevented a significant amount of debris from ending up in your pool, chances are you will find a bit of debris floating on the surface of the water. Just use a skimmer to get rid of it, and don’t worry too much if the water appears murky at this point. Simply check water levels in case any has evaporated over the winter. Then, add fresh water if needed to ensure your pump and filter will be able to work correctly once you turn them on.

Start Up Equipment & Balance Water Chemistry

Now’s the time to reconnect any pool equipment and accessories that were removed before winterization and then turn the pump back on. Allow it to run continuously for a minimum of 24 hours. This start-up period is necessary to get your pool water back to normal after being stagnant for so long.

Spring is a great time to go ahead and test your water, as the chemistry is likely to have changed quite a bit over the winter. You’ll also need to shock the pool to knock out any bacteria or algae that have started to grow during the off-season. Then, clean and replace your pool’s filter as a final step.

Get Support With Spring Pool Prep

Looking for professional help with preparing your Michigan hot tub or pool for use this year? Our experts at Recreation Warehouse Michigan can help you get a head start on a fantastic pool season! Not only can we save you time and stress, but we can also make sure your pool is ready for use just as soon as the weather is right. Contact us today for details about our services.