Take Inventory
The air is crisp, sun is shining and new blooms are sprouting out of the ground. It’s finally Spring! It’s time to peel off the pool cover and start up your pool season. Here is a gathered list of items you need to get the job done. It’s broken up in three categories you will need to take inventory of when opening the pool: chemicals, maintenance items and cleaning products.
First and foremost, when you get your pool up and running drop off a water sample so we can tell you exactly what you need. Do this after the pool has been circulating for at least 24 hours. This is so you aren’t spending unnecessary amounts of money on pool products you don’t need.
Chemicals
Algaecide - GLB Algymicin 2000
Algaecide helps prevent your pool from getting algae. This chemical should be added when you first open the pool and every week throughout the pool season.
To Kill Algae: If you open your pool to find a swamp we would recommend using GLB Algimycin 1000. This is a copper chelated solution that will kill algae along with the addition of chlorine and proper care.
Metal & Stain Control - GLB Sequa Sol
With Indiana’s hard water it’s important to add metal stain control to help prevent hard water damage to any surfaces. This maintenance chemical should be added alongside algaecide when opening your pool and weekly throughout the season.
Clarifier - SeaKlear Chitosan Clarifier
A clarifier will help bind together microscopic particles that your filter can’t pick up and make them bigger so they can be filtered out. This is a great product to add initially and weekly throughout the season.
Chlorinating Tablets - GLB Large 3” Tablets
Chlorine tablets are the helping hand of maintaining your chlorine level. You’ll want to make sure you add them to your chlorinator or floater at start up. They should never be used as the sole provider of chlorine because they’re so acidic. They are essential when it comes to keeping your pool sanitized throughout the season when used properly.
Shock - Liquid Chlorine 12.5%
Liquid Chlorine is inexpensive and effective when opening your pool at the start of the year. It is something that should be used as a weekly shock throughout the season. However, it only has a 30 day shelf life so make sure you are purchasing from your local pool store that rotates their stock constantly.
Maintenance Items
Telescopic Pole
This is an important tool to have when performing routine cleaning of your pool. You can attach multiple ends that have different functions. It also extends so you’re able to reach those hard to clean areas.
Skimming Net/Leaf Rake
This is a simple tool that will help you scoop out leaves and debris floating around in your pool.
Vac Head & Hose
If you would like to manually clean the dirt and leaves out of the bottom of your pool you will need a vac head. This easily attaches to the end of your pole for simple operation.
You will also need a vacuum hose that will attach to the vac head and hook up to your skimmer. Make sure you know whether your pool needs a 1.25” or 1.5” hose cuff size, location of the skimmer and length of pool before you make the purchase.
Brush
The brush is essential for helping you scrub debris stains and algae layers off the pool walls and floors. It simply attaches to the telescopic pole.
Cleaning Products
Waterline - LC3 Vinyl Liner Cleaner
Cleaning the waterline of your vinyl liner will help make the pool sparkle and show off your beautiful liner pattern. This is more of an as needed cleaning.
For other surfaces you can use the all purpose cleaner, Wipe Out.
Cover - GLB Cover Care
After removing or opening your cover your next steps are crucial in extending it’s life. Use a telescopic pole with a brush attachment to scrub the cover clean with cleaning solution and water.
Sand Filter - GLB Filter Fresh
Consider deep cleaning your sand filter when you open your pool. Backwashing with plain pool water alone cannot fully remove the caked-on oils and minerals deposits from the sand particles. This product renews the sand particles and keeps the filter operating at maximum efficiency to yield crystal clear pool water with longer periods between each backwash.
Cartridge Filter - Pleatco Cartridge Cleaning Tablets
Cartridge filters rely on regular cleaning especially at the beginning of the year. This cleaning allows cartridges to return to a high level of original performance without harming the filter. By doing this you will remove the accumulated materials such as suntan lotion and oils, body oil, grease, dirt, soap scum and other organics.
Contact Us
You can get all these items in our store or order them online. We’re here 24/7 to answer any questions you have - just send us a message on our website chat! Or drop off a water sample after your pool has been running for at least 24 hours. Our team will give you exact instructions on how to treat your pool.