Zodiac
  • products
    • Pool & Spa Cleaners
      Pool & Spa Cleaners
      Salt Chlorinators
      Salt Chlorinators
      Chemical Feeding Systems
      Chemical Feeding Systems
      Pool Pumps
      Pool Pumps
      Pool Filters
      Pool Filters
      Pool Heaters
      Pool Heaters
      Pool And Spa Controllers
      Pool And Spa Controllers
      Pool & Spa Valves
      Pool & Spa Valves
      Water Features
      Water Features
      Pool Lights
      Pool Lights
      MagnaPool® Mineral Pools
      MagnaPool® Mineral Pools
      Mineral Water Purification Systems
      Mineral Water Purification Systems
      Pool Chemicals
      Pool Chemicals
      Spa Chemicals
      Spa Chemicals
      Discontinued products
      Discontinued products
      Climate Care Certified
      Climate Care Certified
      MySustainablePool
      MySustainablePool
  • inspiration
  • support
    • contact us
      |
      warranty registration
      |
      equipment assistance
      |
      Pool pump calculator
      |
      Product Recall
  • pool & spa guides
  • promotions
  • FAQ
  • about us
    • about zodiac
      |
      research & innovation
  • Login to MyFluidra
  • Find A Dealer
Login to MyFluidra
Find A Dealer
search
< Pool & Spa Guides

Is Your Pool Ready for Summer?

Starting or opening up a swimming pool for the season is pretty simple, but we recommend beginning your pool opening process at least a week before you plan to swim, as it can take a few days to restore a pool after winter, depending on how the pool was kept in the cooler months. Follow these easy steps to get your pool swim-ready!

 

Step 1. Remove all leaves, dirt and debris:

Remove them from the pool skimmer basket and pool pump basket(s). The less debris in the water, the more effective your initial shocking and chemical treatment will be. Be sure to vacuum & brush the sidewalls of the pool to remove any build-up of bio-films there as well. Have the pump running when you are cleaning so that the debris will be pulled into the filter and removed from the water. Clean the liner or tile line with a good quality pool surface cleaner. Do not use household cleaners as they can affect the pH and add phosphates to the water, which will contribute to algae growth later on. 

 

Step 2. Bring water level up to normal operating level:

To the middle of the skimmer, the mouth is a good indicator. At this time, it’s a really good idea to add either an algaecide to the water or a natural pool clarifier to start cleaning up the water and prepping it for the initial shock. Always use an algaecide that has at least 30% active ingredients. Zodiac Pool Algaecide (400 Performance) contains 40% active ingredients and is a non-copper based heavy-duty algaecide.

 

Step 3. Add chemicals to the pool:

The number of chemicals you need to add to your pool for the initial summer shock will depend on how clean your pool is. We recommend using unstabilised sanitiser, (AKA) Cal-Hypo such as the Zodiac Pool Chlorine Premium or Blended Trichlor/Tetraborate, such as the Zodiac Pool EZY Sanitiser as the preferred products as a chlorine shock. Do not use a non-chlorine shock with the initial start-up. You need to have a good chlorine residual. After adding the initial shock and algaecide, be sure to run the filter for 48 to 72 hours continually. DO NOT backwash the filter during this time. Let the filter and the chemicals do the work.

 

Step 4. Starting your pump for the first time:

Run the pump for at least 10 minutes. Be sure to ‘prime’ the pump with water. Don’t start it dry, not only can it harm the pump, but extra stress and strain are placed on the entire system.

 

Step 5. Test your water: 

Remember to filter for 24 hours before testing water: You can use a test strip/test kit or take it to your pool professional. Adjust pH, Total Alkalinity & Calcium Hardness as needed. These are the recommended pool water balance parameters:

1. pH 7.2 – 7.6 (Ideal 7.4)

2. Total Alkalinity (TA) 100 – 200ppm (Ideal 120)

3. Calcium Hardness (CH) 200 – 300ppm (Ideal 250)

4. Free Chlorine 2 – 3ppm

5. Cyanuric Acid (CYA) 30 – 50ppm

 

 

Dealer Log In | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap

© 2024 A Fluidra Brand. All Rights Reserved.

ZODIAC® is a registered trademark of Zodiac international S.A.S, used under license.

Follow Us