Getting your pool and spa ready to sparkle.
Owning a swimming pool offers endless hours of entertainment, exercise and lounging for you, your family and guests, all in the convenience of your backyard. Before taking the plunge this season, make sure your swimming pool is up to task and free of algae, debris and murky water.
When it comes to opening your pool for the season, you can hire someone for the job or save money by utilizing various tools created to keep your pool and spa fresh and clean.
When opening the pool for the first time, remove any standing water or debris off the cover. Make sure to clean and completely dry the cover before storing it away.
Fire up the filter system and clean out the filter. Next, get to work vacuuming any dirt, sand and debris in the pool. Add more water if necessary.
Professionals at Lowes believe, “Clean water and balanced chemistry are the keys to pool maintenance.” Balanced pool water means it has the correct pH, total alkalinity and calcium hardness levels.
Proper balance prevents surface corrosion as well as eye and skin irritation. Chlorinating your pool will sanitize the water preventing bacteria and algae.
Cleaning the pool tile can be a daunting undertaking. To diminish anxiety, think about cleaning a section at a time, maybe while the family is already enjoying the outdoors. Use a designated pool tile cleaner or for a more natural approach, try scrubbing the tile with baking soda.
Before the inaugural cannonball, review pool rules with your family. Always make sure to have adult supervision and no running around the pool deck. Keep rescue equipment easily accessible. Each pool should be equipped with a ring buoy, life jackets, rope, pole and first aid kit.
If you are considering taking the fun to the next level by adding a slide or diving board to your pool, talk to your insurance agent about how it can affect your homeowner’s insurance policy. Not only could additional coverage be required, but some insurance companies have height requirements and water depth requirements.
Your hot tub or spa has most likely seen action through the winter. While the sun is out and you are spring cleaning, might as well perform maintenance on it as well. Make sure you are sanitizing and chlorinating the hot tub water once a week. The filter should be cleaned once a month. Spring Dance Hot Tubs recommends that you drain your spa every three months. Be sure to clean the shell and other accessories such as spa pillows, with a mild detergent, rinse then refill with fresh water.
The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals, (APSP) recommends that children who are big enough to be in a hot tub not stay in for more than five minutes at a time unless the temperature is dropped to 98 degrees, but never more than 15 minutes at a time.
“Swimming pools and hot tubs are covered under the homeowner’s insurance policy. Some homeowner’s might consider increasing the liability limit or purchasing an umbrella policy. Pool accidents are costly and can become the source of a lawsuit,” points out Dustyn Shroff, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance.
If you own a pool or spa, make sure your family has the appropriate home insurance coverage that provides you with peace of mind. GreatFlorida Insurance has offices located throughout Florida to help you find the right homeowner’s policy and umbrella insurance to keep you and your guests protected.
