Outdoor pool opening time is here
On 31 January 2009, extreme swimmer Ram Barkai completed the first ratified ‘Ice Mile Swim’, which requires a minimum of a mile swim in sub 5 degree C water. On that day, Ram went on to swim 1.43 miles in Lake Zurich in 4°C water. He formed the International Ice Swimming Association. People around the world now seek to add their names to the list of those who have completed this chilly challenge.
Opening your pool this Spring
For those of you who prefer swimming in warmer waters and are lucky enough to own a swimming pool, you will no doubt be looking forward to opening your pools this spring once the sun has made its presence felt. Your pool will have had to contend with sub-zero temperatures, wind, wind-blown debris, and rain. In short, the chemical composition of the water will have been subject to all sorts of negative influences.
A host of problems can result from poorly maintained swimming pool water, including skin rashes, ear, eye, or lung infections, and coughs. The last thing you want is to be the cause of some illness or infection when your friends or family join you in the pool. It is therefore advisable to have your pool maintained throughout the year by a professional engineer.
Check for any damage
When the time comes to open the pool in spring, usually in April, the engineer will undertake a visual inspection, checking for signs of damage, wear and tear, leaks, and generally anything that looks in need of attention. The water itself should not be murky, and the side of the pool that is in contact with the water should not feel slimy. The key components of the workings of the pool, including the filter, pumps, and heater, will be tested to ensure that they are functioning correctly.
Give your pool a thorough clean
The pool will need a thorough clean to remove any debris from the pool, skimmer baskets and pump strainer, using a combination of cleaning equipment. Pool equipment technology is constantly evolving, and there is now a raft of new pool cleaners, smart pH monitors, and energy-efficient pumps that can improve the maintenance of your pool and help ensure that it is kept in tip-top condition.
Check and adjust your pool water chemistry
To help ensure that the health and clarity of the pool water is maintained to protect the health of swimmers, the pool water chemistry needs checking and adjusting regularly. The engineer should test the water's pH, chlorine levels, alkalinity, and calcium hardness throughout the year. In this way, the water will require less attention and fewer chemicals when the time comes to ‘open’ the pool, and therefore incur less cost.
Not only will these routines and checks help tackle any problems before opening the pool, but they ill also help you nip any potential problems in the bud before they cause a major issue and incur more cost than they otherwise would. In this way, you can look forward to the pleasure and health benefits your swimming pool offers when you take your first dip of the year.
