Believe it or not, we were having a mild winter until the great freeze of February occurred. At that point, we had had only had 8 days at or above freezing. But all of that starting changing on February 9th when it hit freezing and didn’t let up for 12 days, reaching a low of -1 on February 16th, which is one of the few times in the last 125 years that it has been below zero. These low temperatures combined with the power outages definitely created a memorable event, and not in a good way. ☹
Although we might still have another freeze, it is not real likely as the last average freeze is March 13th. All of this means that the pool season appears to be just around the corner.
What does this mean to pool owners? It means that now is the time to begin preparing your swimming pool for the summer. Algae grows best between pH levels of 7 and 9 and algae growth really begins to increase at water temperatures of 60 degrees. With pool water pH levels being in that pH range, and with pool water temperatures in the Denton area rapidly approaching 60 degrees, it is important to get started now.
Following are some tips to be sure that you get started off on the right foot:
- Look for leaks at your equipment pad. With the cold weather/power outages that we received in February, many pool owners experienced at least some level of freeze damage. If you see leaks, be sure that you get on our schedule as soon as you can.
- Begin the season by testing your water. You can do this yourself or bring your pool water by our retail store and we will perform a computerized water analysis. Many problems that happen when your pool water warms up can be prevented now with the proper water analysis and proper chemical treatment.
- Start the season with a clean filter. It is recommended that you use a filter cleaner/degrease in order to ensure peak filtration. The filter should be thoroughly cleaned now as you are opening your pool, and then during regular 6-month intervals or more if needed.
- Remember that much like an automobile, maintenance is much less expensive than costly repairs due to lack of maintenance. Due to the fairly harsh winter that we had, some pools experienced freeze damage. If you notice a leak, missing tiles, or other problems, have them addressed before they cause more problems.
- Commit to a regular weekly pool maintenance program that includes water testing, cleaning skimmer & pump baskets, brushing the pool and the tile, backwashing the filter as needed, adding chemicals as necessary, and rinsing off the coping and the deck. If you need more education in the area of pool care, don’t hesitate to let us know.
- Perform a safety inspection on your pool.
Safety equipment—Do you have a safety buoy and/or life hook?
Fencing—Are your fences and gates in good working order and up to code?
Deck equipment—Have you visually inspected and tightened bolts on the pool equipment—such as ladders & diving boards?
Electrical inspection—Have you had an electrician check to be sure that your pool is safe?- Are bond wires connected?
- Are the ground fault interrupters functioning properly?
- CPR—Do you know CPR, or is it time to take a class or at least watch an online video?
Safety equipment—Do you have a safety buoy and/or life hook?
Fencing—Are your fences and gates in good working order and up to code?
Deck equipment—Have you visually inspected and tightened bolts on the pool equipment—such as ladders & diving boards?
Electrical inspection—Have you had an electrician check to be sure that your pool is safe?
- Are bond wires connected?
- Are the ground fault interrupters functioning properly?
Above all, remember that pools should be a source of fun and relaxation, and they can be if get an early start and then follow the basics of pool care.
If you need help, give our Service Department a call at (940) 891-0500 and we will come do the work for you.
Enjoy this great spring weather!
Matt has been around the pool business since he was born. When he graduated college in 1984, he joined the family business working for Gohlke Pool Supply. The following year Matt and his father formed a partnership, Gohlke Custom Pools, and started offering pool construction.
