Warmer temperatures signal time to prepare for swim season

As temperatures quickly move away from the freezing mark, homeowners are eager to move outdoors to enjoy the fresh air and warmth. Pool and landscape areas have really taken a hit with the long cold winter and a series of blustery, windy days.

“In fact, Las Vegas had a stretch of below-average temperatures for 31/2 weeks and a handful of occasions with tropical force winds just shy of hurricane force winds,” notes Fox-5 meteorologist Ted Pretty.

The warmer temperatures lure us to venture outside, ready to renew our outdoor activities. But as we survey the pool and yard, we note the pool has some extra debris and soil resting on the bottom, the water is barely flowing over the spa spillway, there are stains on the deck and the planting is brown and lifeless.

For homeowners who prefer to do it themselves, the best way to revive your prized family hideaway is to approach it in steps. I asked some local professionals, Pete Battisti of D&K Landscaping, Chris Rawski of Admiral Pool Service, Dave Williams of ArtCon Decking and John Gurr of Suntrek Solar for their advice and tips. It may still be a little chilly to swim, but these efforts will have the pool ready for the first splash of the 2008 season.

Here is a checklist to help you get started. This is a comprehensive list; however a visual inspection may reveal other items that may need to be addressed.

Pool/spa

Thoroughly brush the entire pool and spa, moving all debris and soil from the sides and bottom. Stagnant dirt can stain plaster and other interior finishes.

Clean skimmer, leaf trapper, pump basket and filter cartridges.

Wipe away any dust or particles from gaskets and rubber o-rings on the pump and filter and relube with aqua lube prior to resealing units.

Clean the cell of the salt-chlorine generator and reset the settings to reflect the warmer temperatures.

Check all the equipment and hoses for leaks.

The inevitable calcium scaling that forms on tile and rock work can be removed with some elbow grease or by contacting a service company to power wash or bead blast.

Pull cleaning heads and jets flushing out any debris.

Check mounting brackets on the slide, diving board and handrails; replace any missing or rusted screws and bolts.

Replace any missing or broken deck or skimmer lids.

Check suction side cleaner line to ensure the spring-loaded cover plate (also referred to as the vac lock) functions properly.

Test autofill line to make certain that it is operable.

For pools with a negative-edge basin, clean the trough and remove all debris to ensure proper flow of water.

If the standard equipment warranty for the filter, pump and heater has expired, consider adding the pool and spa equipment to a home warranty program to cover future maintenance needs.

Water analysis

Obtain a thorough water analysis, which can be completed at a local pool supply store.

If calcium and salt readings are excessive, it may be necessary to drain a portion or all of the pool water. During this process do not allow the water to drain in the street. For more information on the proper way to drain your pool, go to www.snwa.com.

Automated control systems

Reset remote-control units to reflect proper circulation, lighting, solar and water feature needs.

Cancel out any old programs and reprogram to reflect the spring hours.

Landscape

Analyze what plants survived the freeze and which ones need to be replaced.

Check the entire irrigation system including control box, emitters and sprays for proper operation.

Reset time clock to reflect the new spring watering season. A list of zones and water guidelines for your area can be found at www.snwa.com.

Be cautious when performing landscape work so as not to damage any pool/spa plumbing or gas lines.

Outdoor kitchens and fire elements

Clean the grill with a firm wire brush to remove old barbecue residue.

Inspect gas ports for leaks prior to lighting the grill, fireplace or any fire element.

For additional safety tips, go to www.swgas.com/emergencysafety.

Furnishings

Check all backyard furniture for damage caused from the winds and rain.

Torn cushions may not be salvageable. If moisture has ruined the interior padding, it may be time to throw the cushions out and replace them with new ones.

Decking

Inspect decking for chips, stains and cracks.

Replace any damaged pavers. If pavers have settled unevenly, additional sand can be added to smooth out the walkways.

Safety

Take time to check all the safety elements around the pool and spa area.

Use the pool brush to sweep across the drain cover to determine if it is secure to the floor of the pool.

Open and close self-latching gates to confirm they are securing properly.

Replace batteries in door and window alarms with fresh batteries.

Repair any torn screens and broken windows leading to the pool and spa area.

Mount lifesaving devices (hooks, buoy and rope, life preserver) within hands’ reach for easy access.

Solar

For manual systems, turn to on position and reset time clock to run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the spring to take advantage of the intense midday sun.

For automated systems, confirm the solar is enabled and set the desired pool temperature and controller filtration period from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Check for any leaks.

Lighting

Check the connections and transformers for loose or damaged wiring.

Exposed wiring should be recovered to protect against damage from the elements and pets.

Replace burnt out bulbs in landscape lighting fixtures.

Joe Vassallo is the president of Paragon Pools, a certified building professional and on the boards of the local, regional and national Association of Pool and Spa Professionals organizations. Send questions or suggestions for column ideas regarding pools and spas to him at jvassallo@paragonpools.net or 251-0500.