Now is the time to Safely prepare for Pool Season

As Memorial Day approaches, so does the official beginning of summer. You’re rarin’ to get outside, so naturally you want to get your pool ready for a season full of sunbathing, Marco Polo, and cannon ball jumps. But remember, safety first.  Below is Safewise’s checklist for making sure you have a safe, as well as fun, summer season.

Before getting your hands wet, take a look at the state of your pool cover. Check for mold, tears, or damage that could have left your pool full of contaminants.

Leaves, sticks, and toys can all find their way into the pool after months of not using it. Start the cleaning process by skimming the pool for large debris with a net. Getting the big stuff out of the way will make cleaning the small stuff easier.

Start by reassembling the filtration system, removing plugs, and cleaning your nets and accessories. If the water level dropped over the closed season, add more to the pool. You can test the levels of the water with DIY strips to get an idea of how much cleaning you’ll need to do. Balancing the chemicals helps keep it safe to swim in and reduces cleaning later.

If you service your own pool throughout the summer, be sure to store your chemicals properly. Keep them on a shelf or in a shed nearby away from kids and pets. And be sure to always cap the products tightly when you’re done.

Childproof your pool or hot tub

The National Safety Council also recommends childproofing around your pools and hot tubs. So make sure you keep the cover on your pool or fence locked when it’s not in use.

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