The birds are chirping, the sun is shining bright and the air is getting warmer.  It is almost time to break out the swimsuits, sunscreen and towels and enjoy swimming season.  But before you hop in feet first, you should do some things to prepare your pool so that it is safe and enjoyable for swimming.
Break out all of your cleaning supplies.  If you have a pool cover, your pool will hopefully not be particularly dirty.  But, if you do not have a cover and have taken some time off from keeping it clean, you will most likely have a good amount of debris to clean out.  Skim the pool to remove debris and do an assessment to see if there is an accumulation of algae.
Sweep the pool and vacuum it to get rid of anything that may have settled on the floor of the pool.  With all of the dirt and debris removed, you will be able to start really preparing your pool for swimming.
If your pool is low on water, now is the time to add water.  Next, check your pool's filter and backwash as needed.
AZCentral discusses how important it is to check your pool's filter, "If you have a sand filter, you need to backwash until the water runs clear. If you have a DE filter, it needs to be taken apart and cleaned at least twice yearly (this can be more or less frequent depending on the filter size).  A dirty filter keeps your water from reflecting a beautiful sparkle, and it also makes the pump work harder, costing more to run."
One of the most important things you can do is test the water's chemical levels.  If any levels are off, it is important to fix the chemical levels in the pool.  Chemical test kits are relatively inexpensive and easy to find so do not skip this important step.
AZCentral notes the importance of testing chemicals and how important it is to properly maintain your pool, "Correct chemical levels increase the longevity of your pool finishes. Over time, an imbalance in chemicals can lead to high levels of calcium and acids. If this happens, you may need to drain your pool either partially or completely to help dilute the concentration and get back on track."
Once you know your pool is clean and the chemical levels are safe, your pool is ready for swimming and summer fun!
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