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· Remove, clean and store the pool cover

· Thoroughly clean and vacuum the pool

· Add water to the desired height at the prescribed rate of 1” (25mm) per hour

· Test water balance, pH, Calcium Hardness and Total Alkalinity levels

· Inspect electrical service, filters, skimmers, drains, ladders, diving boards, plugs, gauges, and other important components of the system

· Lubricate fittings, valves, o-rings, and plugs

· Inspect tile and grout installations, and clean tiles and skimmer with cleanser

· Take a sample of pool water to a pool water expert for analysis

· Clean and inspect pool deck

· Skim pool water surface and vacuum pool bottom

· Backwash filter if necessary

· Shock pool water to breakpoint levels

· Adopt a routine maintenance program for the season

· Add algaecide as required

· Pool Maintenance 2-3 times a week:

· Empty skimmer and pump basket (may require more frequent cleaning)

· Vacuum the pool two to three times a week. Brush the sides and bottom of your pool, even if you have an automatic pool cleaner as this will loosen dirt and other particles that may adhere to pool finish.

· Remove any large accumulation of debris on the bottom with a leaf scoop.

· Feed the pool with chlorine or other sanitizer to satisfy its requirements either manually or automatically.

· Check that the water level is high enough for the pump to operate correctly.

· Test and adjust sanitizer level (may require more frequent testing depending upon bather load and environmental conditions)

· Visually inspect pool water for clarity, color and visible contaminants

· Remove floating leaves

· Test and adjust pH (may require more frequent testing depending upon bather load and environmental conditions)

                 · The pH should be in the range 7.4 – 7.7 if the pool has a vinyl or tile finish. The range should be 7.3 -7.5 if the pool has a          fiberglass finish. The range should be 7.4-7.6 for a gunite swimming pool. If the level is too high, then adjust it down using pH decreaser. The correct dosage is located on the label.

                 · If the pH is too low, then add pH increaser. Again see labels for dosage. If the pH has dropped possibly so has your total alkalinity.

                 · Don’t correct your pH more than once a week.

· Test chlorine levels in the pool water:

                 · Free chlorine levels should be between 1-3 ppm

                 · Free bromine levels should be between 3-5 ppm

· Test and adjust Alkalinity

· Test and adjust Oxidizer and Stabilizer levels

· Clean the tile at the water line

· Check filter pressure and backwash only if required

· Check water level and adjust as necessary at the prescribed rate of 1” (25mm) per hour

· Add a preventative dose of algaecide as necessary

· Shock the pool as per label instructions. This treatment restores the sparkle to the pool water and destroys germs and organic contaminants (can be done once every 2 weeks)

· Test and adjust Calcium Hardness

· Test and adjust for Total Dissolved Solids

· Test the total alkalinity, which should be in the range of 120-150 ppm.

· Chemically clean the filter

· Visually inspect tile, grout, sealant, and other exposed elements of pool

· Conduct Langelier Saturation Index evaluation and adjust as necessary

· Test your salt levels if you have a saltwater pool.

· If you have a vinyl liner – check for holes and tears and make any needed repairs as soon as possible.

· If you have a concrete, gunite pool or fiberglass pool, check for cracks.

· Check the seals in your motor and pump.

· Check all handrails, steps and other safety equipment to be sure that it’s in proper working order.

· Balance the pool water chemistry, typically to the following levels:

            · pH: 7.2 – 7.6

            · Total Alkalinity: 80 – 120 parts per million (ppm)

            · Calcium Hardness: 180 – 220 ppm

· Run the filter continuously for 24 – 48 hours

· Remove skimmer baskets, cleaners, ladders, wall fittings, and solar blankets from the pool

· Lower the water level in the pool to 6” (150mm) below the skimmer level at the prescribed rate of 1” (25mm) per hour

· Drain all pumping, filtering, heating, and sanitizing equipment to prevent damage caused by freezing

· Lubricate o-rings, valves and plugs to make opening the pool in the spring easier

· Thoroughly clean and vacuum the pool

· Winterize the plumbing by blowing out the lines and plug the lines with expansion plugs

· Add winterizing algaecide

· Cover the pool with a tight fitting cover