Get your pool summer ready

In the swim

There’s nothing quite like diving into cool, refreshing water on a hot day, but is your swimming pool set for summer fun? Before inviting friends and family over for a pool party, take time to check your pool is ready for summer.

Clear the clutter

Leaves, twigs, bugs and even birds can be a challenge for maintaining pool cleanliness. And if your pool is looking more green than clean, it’s both unsightly and unhealthy. Edmond Yip at Bestway Australia says algae and sludgy surfaces harbour bacteria that can cause skin infections and make you sick if swallowed – and can also be bad for the pool’s structure. “Keeping the surface of a portable pool clean means any potential nicks or scratches can be identified and attended to,” explains Edmond. “A clean pool now means less money spent later.”

Reduce hazards

Before dealing with water quality, invest some time into examining your pool area. Remove safety hazards, reduce grime that might find its way into the water and make your pool more inviting for the swimming season ahead.

First, trim any vegetation that’s too close to the pool. Remove dirt, moss and algae that may have built up on tiled, stone or timber pool borders with a light pressure wash, or scrub with a decking brush. Next, clean elements such as ladders, handrails, diving boards and pool toys before tackling outdoor furniture.

Tip: If pool toys and other items have built up a serious layer of grime from lying around outdoors, it could be time to invest in storage to keep them out of the elements.

It’s likely that pool covers have been put to use during the cooler months and might be covered in debris, moss or slime. Use a broom and dustpan to remove any leaves and dirt, or hose the debris towards your skimmer box with the pump operating.

Tip: If you don’t have a roller for winding back your solar pool cover, never leave it folded in the sun when it’s not in use – this can damage its insulating structure.

Check chemistry and circulation

Now that the cleaning is done, next on the list are the other two Cs: chemistry and circulation. “It’s a wise investment for pool owners to ensure that water chemistry is balanced by purchasing a quality water-testing kit and learning how to use it,” explains Edmond. “However, a professional check should always be considered for those who are unsure.”  

Remember that water chemistry can be affected by rain, so check levels after storms. And as the weather warms up and pool use increases, your water needs more frequent testing – along with more chlorine and chemicals to maintain balance. Always follow recommended wait times before swimming after using pool chemicals.

Finally, thoroughly tackle the water circulation. Nathan Hallahan from Hy-Clor explains the pump is the most important part of this system. “Check there are no leaks (through the O-rings) and that the pump is not making rattling or humming noises,” he says. “Also, make sure your pump skimmer is emptied of leaves and debris, and that the return jets are pushing water around the whole pool, as this avoids ‘dead spots’ where algae will tend to form.”

Keep a regular check on this system throughout summer, particularly if you have an in-ground pool; it may be wise to call in the professionals for a pre-summer service. For an above-ground pool, maintenance, cleaning and storage are usually all that is needed, explains Edmond Yip. “This includes using the correct chemicals, changing the filter cartridge regularly, cleaning the inside surface, particularly before the first use of the season, using a correctly fitted pool cover and – if its size allows – dismantling/storing your pool when not in use,” he says.

Conduct a safety check

A clean pool is important, but keeping it safe is a legal requirement. Adam Rassam from Protector Aluminium (manufacturers and suppliers of pool fencing and hardware) says pool fencing should be checked at least twice a year. “This is to ensure that children and pets living at or visiting your home are safe and protected from drowning,” he says. Look for signs of wear and tear along the pool fence and whether the gates and hinges are operating correctly and meeting safety standards. Check with your state and local building authority; most will provide a checklist of requirements that should be adhered to.

Tip: “A pool surround that’s resistant to damage from moisture and sun exposure, such as James Hardie’s fibre-cement HardieDeck, helps to reduce maintenance,” says Adam.

Five great poolside plants

Frangipani: It has beautiful, scented flowers, non-invasive roots and large leaves that are easy to pick out of the pool.

Murraya: Thick foliage and a hedge-like quality make murraya great for providing shade and privacy. Choose a hardy variety.

Succulents: These low-maintenance plants offer a huge variety in form and colour; avoid those with thorns or spikes.

Bromeliad: Perfect for a Balinese-style vibe, easy to grow and also salt tolerant; they’re best suited to partial shade.

Cycads: They provide the palm-tree look, but in a condensed version; these tough and adaptable plants prefer full sun.

Keep in mind…

• All pools must conform to your local authority’s safety regulations and guidelines.
• In some states, it is a requirement to display CPR signage on the pool fence. Be sure to check with your relevant state authority.
• When using pool chemicals, always follow the instructions, wear the appropriate safety protection and store products out of the reach of children and pets.

Did you know we offer free in-store pool water testing?

Simply take a sample of your pool water to your nearest store*. Check out our Services page for more information.

*Not all services are available in all states and territories.

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.