Spring break > How to Open Your Swimming Pool This Spring

How to Open Your Swimming Pool This Spring

by: Gregory Fort

Soon spring will be here and so will the annual chore of opening your swimming pool. Planning ahead can make the job much easier. There?s nothing worse than realizing your short one bag of shock when you?re in the middle of prepping the pool. So let?s first make a list of chemicals that you might need.

There will be different needs depending on the type of pool you own, so this list is general. Refer to your pool and pump instructions for additional information.

Liquid or powdered Shock

Chlorine powder or tablets

Bromine

pH increase or pH decrease

Sanitizing cartridge for cartridge filters

A test kit or bottle of test strips to test pH and chlorine levels

Before you run off to your local pool supply store for chemicals, now would be the time to check all of your hoses, clamps, skimmer baskets, gaskets and o-rings. If any of the parts look like they need replacing, take them with you to the pool supply store. It?s a lot easier to match replacement parts if you have the old part with you.

Now that you have the easy part finished, it?s time to get to work. The first thing required is to get the cover off. Enlist some help for this, as you want to avoid getting any top water into the pool water. If you have an above ground pool, siphon the water off with a hose. If you have an in-ground pool you will need to use a sump pump to remove the top water.

To get a good siphon started, hook up the hose to the spigot and put the other end of the hose into the top water. Turn the hose on for a minute or so to fill it. Next crimp the hose a foot or two away from the faucet, and with your other hand, disconnect the hose from the spigot. Position the hose at a downspout drain to discharge then let go of the crimp. The water will reverse and start to drain.

Once you have the water cleared, use a leaf rake to remove as many leaves and twigs as possible. Next, remove your cover weights or springs. At this time a few people positioned around the pool will help to keep the cover out of the water. Try to fold your cover like a blanket keeping the crud in the middle then remove the cover. You need to scrub the cover thoroughly and properly dry for summer storage.

Now it?s time to attach all the pump hoses. Remember to lube plugs, fittings, valves and o-rings with petroleum jelly. Also be sure to remove any freeze plugs that were used to cover the hose openings. You will most likely need to add water to the pool. It should be filled to the skimmer half way point.

At this point you should start re-circulating the water and check for any leaks around the pump and hoses. Once your pool is leak and drip free, skim off as much floating debris as you can with your skimmer net. Open all your valves to flood the hoses and prime the pool pump. Most manufacturers recommend constantly recirculating the pool water for at least three days. Any crud and debris on the sides and bottom of the pool will need to be scrubbed off. Use the broom attachment of your pool vacuum for this.

After all debris has been removed and the pool has been scrubbed, check your filter for cleaning. Some pumps have removable filters; others are back-flushed, so clean as directed. Once the filter is cleaned, you can now super shock the water as per your manufacturer?s instructions. If you start with green water, you will need a lot more shock. It may take a few days of recirculation to clear the water. Once the water has cleared, test your water or take a sample to your pool supply store and have it analyzed. Adjust the water as required and keep recirculating. All that is left to do now is to wait for the water to warm up so you can start enjoying your pool.

Gregory Fort is a partner with the company Pool-Pockets - Your pool toy storage solution. http://www.pool-pockets.com

About The Author

Gregory Fort is a partner with the company Pool-Pockets - Your pool toy storage solution. http://www.pool-pockets.com.

info@pool-pockets.com

It?s Almost Here!! Spring Break Vacation Time Is Right Around The Corner!

It?s Almost Here!!
Spring Break Vacation Time Is Right Around The Corner!

by: Joe Collinsworth

The time is almost here when you take that last exam, pack your bags, and head on spring break for the time of your life.
Although it?s still a couple months away, you should already be planning your trip, which of the top destinations you are heading to, and learning as much as you can so you are safe but still have a great vacation.

Hot bodies everywhere!! You're away from the parentals and ready to have fun, get some sun, sip on some cocktails (right age of course), and get away from home, the exams, responsibilities, and anything else students deal with.

There are a few things you must take care of before you go to the spring break beaches Florida. Obviously, you'll want to get a student travel package to make planning your trip to the Florida beaches easy and cheap and read over our tips and resources of things to do and...

It?s Almost Here!! Spring Break Vacation Time Is Right Around The Corner!

Spring break > It?s Almost Here!! Spring Break Vacation Time Is Right Around The Corner!

Memory Foam Mattress vs. Coil Spring Mattress; How Do They Differ?

by: Charles "Chuck" Harmon

Have you ever wondered how anyone got the idea to start sleeping on springs in the first place?

I mean, think about it for a minute, what would it feel like to lay down on the bare springs?

And why is it, that laying on springs with some kind of material over them, is considered any better?

The creation of a coil spring mattress was first documented, by patent, in 1865, and there have only been a couple of minor changes, to that original design, in the following 140 years.

During that same period, we went from plowing fields with oxen, to men living in space.

Don't you think it's conceivable that we could find new ideas and materials to improve the mattresses we spend 1/3 of our life on?

The differences, between a regular coil spring mattress and a memory foam mattress, will be presented, to help you understand the difference....

Memory Foam Mattress vs. Coil Spring Mattress; How Do They Differ?

Spring break > Memory Foam Mattress vs. Coil Spring Mattress; How Do They Differ?

Spring Is Around The Corner - How is your Garden?

by: Anita Johnston

Spring is in my opinion the most wonderful time of year for the gardener. You can shake of that winter weariness and get ready for a new gardening season.

The most difficult part of spring gardening is trying to manage your impatience. Don?t start digging around too early. The soil must be dry enough to have it fall apart when you pick it up. When it still sticks together like glue that?s definitely not the case.

Early spring is the best time of year to change (parts of) your garden design. You can transplant existing shrubs and perennial plants before they begin to leaf out. This also is the time to prune your trees and shrubs. Cut back the remaining dead foliage from last season and remove dead, damaged or diseased branches of trees and shrubs.

And then flowers! That?s really what spring is about isn?t it! There are many that are suitable for cool spring...

Spring Is Around The Corner - How is your Garden?

Spring break > Spring Is Around The Corner - How is your Garden?

Why Your Headline Will Make You Or Break You In Project Management!

Why Your Headline Will Make You Or Break You In Project Management!

by: Arne Yri

The value of a proper headline when dealing with a project (or anything else for that matter) cannot be stressed enough...

Yep! I'm talking of the headline of your email correspondence here...

It only makes the day for a project manager so much more comfortable (not to mention easier), when he/she has to find something in a hurry...

And, usually...

What else... normally...

is a project other than...

"In A Hurry..."

So, if you'd just give me an appropriate headline, I'm very apt to forgive everything else, and especially typos;-) - slang or whatever have you.

The need for understandable language however...

Still though, just my 2 cents...

Whenever I got e-mails of character "more or less garbled", I'd call back to make sure the importance of such a post... And, if nothing else,...

Why Your Headline Will Make You Or Break You In Project Management!

Spring break > Why Your Headline Will Make You Or Break You In Project Management!

Spring & Home Decorating - A Fresh New Look

Spring & Home Decorating - A Fresh New Look

by: Bonnie P Carrier

Open Windows ? Curtains fluttering from a warm breeze ? The air smells fresh and clean ? Buds on the trees are beginning to open ? Tiny flowers are popping up threw the ground ? Finally that little bird with the red breast is back

All of these can only mean one thing ?Spring? has arrived.

Those days of blustery storms and frosty drafts have come to an end.

With spring comes a renewed burst of energy. Having been shut inside for months we now want to get up, get going and do things.

This presents a marvelous opportunity for home decorating, a chance to give the inside of our homes a fresh clean look to match the emerging new look outside.

You now want to think light, bright and breezy, exactly like a beautiful spring day.

The following are a few ideas to help get you started.

Hang a wreath covered with pretty silk flowers on the front door. This...

Spring & Home Decorating - A Fresh New Look

Spring break > Spring & Home Decorating - A Fresh New Look

Going Ga-Ga for Designer Diaper Bags

by: Ctahy Feldman

With so many celebrities having babies these days, it is only natural that fashion designers are coming out with fashionable diaper bags. Designers such as Kate Spade, Burberry, DKNY, and many others have released new diaper bags as of late. These bags are as stylish as they are useful, and they are enough to make a girl want settle down and start a family.

While researching this article, I discovered...

Going Ga-Ga for Designer Diaper Bags How to Open Your Swimming Pool This Spring Spring break purses

Spring break > Going Ga-Ga for Designer Diaper Bags

5 Ways to Find Volvo Parts

by: John Mancini

You love your Volvo, right. However, its time to replace a part, it could something that is hidden like a fan belt or a prominent piece of the vehicle such as the emblem or steering wheel. It really doesn't matter what part needs replacing, what matters is the quality and price of the replacement part. You have worked hard for your Volvo and you deserve genuine Volvo replacement parts. These tips will explain the best...

5 Ways to Find Volvo Parts

Spring break > 5 Ways to Find Volvo Parts

Wedding Days: Love's in Bloom...Anyone Seen the Flowers?

by: Peter Carnater

Everyone hopes to have a picture-perfect wedding day.

Getting to that point takes untold amounts of time, money,

energy and patience. Even the tiniest detail cannot be

left unchecked, if we have any hope of eluding Murphy's

Law. These days, brides-to-be must even consider potential

allergic reactions to their flowers, in addition to the

more traditional details. ...

How to Open Your Swimming Pool This Spring Spring break

Spring break > Wedding Days: Love's in Bloom...Anyone Seen the Flowers?

Credit Repair - Take Action Now

by: Randy Rowles

Credit repair is something most people absolutely fear. Many people do not think when it comes to signing on the dotted line to make a purchase by credit card or loan. When the bill comes in, it can be time for credit repair or reduction! Bad debts can ruin your lifestyle and even your health through stress.

When it comes to making credit decisions, most individuals are always making assumptions, and nearly...

credit repair Credit Repair - Take Action Now

Spring break > Credit Repair - Take Action Now

The Big Question: Breast Augmentation Surgery or Natural Breast Enhancements?

by: Jan Steels

Many of us would like to change something about our physical appearance. For some it is a nose that seems too large, for others, it?s lips that are too thin, and for many women, it?s small breasts. Countless surveys have shown that women see their breasts as one part of their body they would like to change. They feel that larger breasts would help them to feel more confident...

The Big Question: Breast Augmentation Surgery or Natural Breast Enhancements? cosmetic surgery

Spring break > The Big Question: Breast Augmentation Surgery or Natural Breast Enhancements?