Pool Care Instructions
Owning a pool in Southeastern PA means managing a seasonal cycle, from spring opening through weekly summer maintenance to fall closing and winter protection. These guides cover the fundamentals of pool care for gunite (concrete) pools equipped with Jandy (Fluidra) equipment, which is what Blue Tree installs. For specific equipment operation questions, refer to the Jandy product manuals provided at your project handoff.
Pool Opening (Spring)
Opening your pool for the season involves a specific sequence of steps to ensure clean water, functional equipment, and safe operation. In Southeastern PA, most pool openings occur between late April and mid-May, depending on weather conditions.
Checklist Items:
- Remove and clean the winter pool cover. Store it dry to prevent mildew and extend its life.
- Remove winterizing plugs from return lines, skimmer, and any auxiliary plumbing.
- Reinstall drain plugs on the pump, filter, heater, and chlorinator.
- Fill the pool to the appropriate water level (mid-skimmer).
- Reconnect and prime the pump. Inspect the pump basket and impeller for debris.
- Start the filtration system and check for leaks at all connection points.
- Test water chemistry: pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, cyanuric acid, and sanitizer levels.
- Shock the pool with an appropriate dose of chlorine or non-chlorine shock.
- Run the filter continuously for 24 to 48 hours after opening to clear the water.
- Brush the pool walls and floor, vacuum any debris, and clean the tile line.
- Inspect safety equipment: fencing, latches, alarms, and covers.
Schedule your pool opening at least two weeks before you plan to swim. This gives the water chemistry time to stabilize and allows Blue Tree's pool service team to address any issues found during the opening process.
Weekly Pool Maintenance (Summer)
During the swimming season (typically May through September in Southeastern PA), your pool requires consistent weekly attention to maintain safe, clear water.
Weekly Tasks:
- Test water chemistry two to three times per week. Maintain pH between 7.2 and 7.6, alkalinity between 80 and 120 ppm, and chlorine between 1 and 3 ppm.
- Clean the skimmer basket and pump basket weekly.
- Brush the pool walls and floor once per week to prevent algae buildup.
- Vacuum the pool manually or run an automatic cleaner as needed.
- Backwash or clean the filter per the manufacturer's recommended schedule.
- Inspect the pool deck, coping, and surrounding hardscape for any shifting or damage.
- Check the water level, since evaporation and splash-out can lower levels quickly during hot weeks.
Pool Closing (Fall and Winter)
Closing your pool correctly protects the structure, plumbing, and equipment from freeze damage during Pennsylvania winters. Most pool closings in Southeastern PA occur between mid-October and mid-November.
Checklist Items:
- Balance water chemistry one final time before closing: pH 7.2 to 7.6, alkalinity 80 to 120 ppm.
- Add winter closing chemical kit (algaecide, winter shock, stain preventer).
- Lower the water level to four to six inches below the skimmer opening (or per your builder's recommendation).
- Blow out all plumbing lines with compressed air and install winterizing plugs.
- Drain the pump, filter, heater, chlorinator, and any auxiliary equipment.
- Disconnect and store the pump motor indoors if recommended for your equipment model.
- Install the winter pool cover securely. For mesh covers, ensure all springs and anchors are tight. For solid covers, ensure the water removal pump is functional.
- Turn off all electrical circuits to pool equipment at the breaker.
Schedule your pool opening at least two weeks before you plan to swim. This gives the water chemistry time to stabilize and allows Blue Tree's pool service team to address any issues found during the opening process.
Pool Equipment Care
Your Blue Tree pool is equipped with Jandy (Fluidra) products, the industry standard for residential pool equipment. Proper equipment maintenance extends the life of your investment and protects your three-year workmanship warranty on Fluidra products.
Checklist Items:
- Pump: Inspect the pump basket weekly. Listen for unusual noise that could indicate an impeller issue. Lubricate the pump lid O-ring seasonally with a silicone-based lubricant.
- Filter: Backwash or clean per the filter type (sand, cartridge, or DE). Replace filter cartridges annually or when pressure rises eight to 10 psi above the clean starting pressure.
- Heater: Keep the area around the heater clear of debris and vegetation. Inspect for rust, leaks, or unusual smells before each season.
- Salt System (if installed): Check salt levels monthly. Clean the salt cell per the manufacturer's recommended schedule, typically every three to six months.
- Automation/Controls: Refer to your Jandy iAquaLink or AquaPure documentation for programming and troubleshooting. Keep firmware updated.
Pool equipment is covered under Blue Tree's three-year workmanship warranty on Fluidra products. Manufacturer warranties on individual components are passed through to the homeowner. See your Warranty details for full terms.
Prefer to Leave Pool Care to Us?
Pool maintenance involves precise chemistry, seasonal equipment care, and consistent weekly attention. Many of our clients prefer to enjoy their pool without managing the details, and that's exactly why our Premier Outdoor Services division offers comprehensive pool maintenance packages.
From weekly water testing and chemical balancing to seasonal openings and closings, our pool service team handles everything. They know your specific equipment because they installed it, and they maintain it to the same standard we built it.
