Here Comes the Sun;Step-by-Step Pool Prep

Hellooo, sunshine! The birds are singing, the flip-flops are flopping, and the neighborhood kids are already asking if your pool’s open. You know what that means? That’s right — it’s Swimming Pool Season, baby! Whether you’re firing up the grill, setting up the tiki torches, or just ready to float on a noodle with a cold drink and zero responsibilities — let's make sure that water wonderland is ready to go. 

At Top Dog Pools, we’ve helped more pool owners than a Labrador with a beach ball. So sit back, breathe deep, and follow this simple, joyful, borderline-magical step-by-step guide to get your pool summer-ready! 

1. Inspect the Pool Like a Detective With Sunglasses 

Put on your shades. Maybe a trench coat. You're about to do some sleuthing. Walk around your pool like it’s a crime scene (but with less drama and more sunscreen). Look for cracks, loose tiles, and mystery wear on the liner — anything that whispers “repair me before the cannonballs begin.” 

Now check your pool gear — the pump, the filter, the heater, the chlorinator — all those wonderful doodads that keep the water clean and the fun flowing. 

🛠️ Tip: Fix that funky part now, or risk a July meltdown (literally). 

2. The Big Reveal: Remove the Cover Like It’s Broadway Opening Night 

If your pool’s been under wraps, it’s time for the dramatic unveiling. Pull back that cover like a magician revealing the grand finale — voilà! A glorious pool, slightly green and covered in leaves, but full of promise! 

Rinse the cover, stash it somewhere the raccoons won’t build a summer condo, and start skimming. Sweep around the pool like it’s a red carpet and Beyoncé’s coming over. 

🧼 Tip: Florida’s pollen season is like a yellow apocalypse — keep that deck clean or prepare for sneezes and algae that scream “help me!” 

3. Fill ‘Er Up, Nice and Easy 

After winter’s slow water vanishing act, it’s time to top off that beautiful blue oasis. Use a hose, aim carefully (no water fights yet, Gandalf!), and fill the water back to the middle of the skimmer. 

🚰 Tip: Water disappearing faster than your paycheck after payday? You might have a leak. Call a pro. Or at least don’t pretend it’s a hot tub now. 

4. Reconnect the Pool Gear — Like Assembling the Avengers 

Time to reattach everything that got unplugged, unscrewed, or lovingly ignored all winter. Even in Florida where we don’t really shut down pools, you still want to make sure everything’s humming, buzzing, and circulating like a jazz band on espresso. 

⚙️ Tip: Let it all run for a few hours before you start playing chemical wizard — circulation is key, my chlorinated friend. 

5. Mix Those Magical Potions (a.k.a. Water Chemistry) 

Here comes the science — and yes, it's cooler than you think. Grab your test kit or strips and check your levels: pH, chlorine, alkalinity, calcium hardness — all the stuff that makes your pool feel like heaven instead of a swamp from a sci-fi movie. 

🔬 Ideal Ranges: 

• pH: 7.2–7.8 (like a smooth jazz solo) 

• Free chlorine: 1–3 ppm (keeps things clean, not crunchy) 

• Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm (stabilizer of dreams) 

• Calcium hardness: 200–400 ppm (because nobody wants soft, sad plaster) 

🧪 Tip: Not into chemistry experiments? That’s okay! Top Dog Pools can handle it for you — with no risk of blowing anything up (probably). 

Ready for Summer? Let’s Make a Splash! 

Opening your pool the right way means more fun, fewer headaches, and no frantic calls in mid-July because the water turned green and started talking back. So whether you’re a DIY pool warrior or you’d rather leave it to the pros, Top Dog Pools has your back — and your backyard pool. 

👉 Contact us today to schedule your summer prep service. We’ll take care of everything — you just bring the sunscreen and the cannonballs.