Your pool may be overlooked pretty much the entire year, but when summer in Calgary rolls around, there’s nothing quite like taking a dip in the cool water. 

To ensure your concrete pool deck is safe and ready for swimming, it’s important to do a little bit of preparation beforehand. This guide will help you get your pool deck in great shape for the upcoming summer swimming season.

Skip to What You Need to Know:

Spring Cleaning 101

Let’s wind back the clock a few months, and start with what you should do before the swimming season starts. 

Before you can bring out the pool toys and jump in, there are a few steps to take to get your concrete pool deck ready for action.

Step 1: Give it a Good Cleaning

Start by giving your concrete pool deck a thorough cleaning. This includes removing any debris, leaves, dirt, and other buildup. Doing this should be done in the spring before the swimming season starts. 

A swimming pool with algae build-up on its steps and floor.

Step 2: Check for Cracks

Assess the condition of the concrete surface of your pool. Look for any cracks, chips, or other cosmetic damage that needs repair. If you find any issues, contact a certified professional working with concrete in Calgary to come out and fix them right away!

Step 3: Assess the Entire Pool System

Check if your pool equipment and its electrical components are still working. Next, clean all the filters and then assemble them accordingly.

You might also want to look for damaged fittings and dried-up pump motors and seals—replace fittings and lubricate the pumps if needed.

Step 4: Refill to Correct Water Level

There’s a huge possibility that your pool water level dropped due to evaporation. Fill it to the correct water level or higher to give way for cleaning.

Concrete Pool Maintenance for Summer

Pool cleaning equipment (pump and hose).

Now that your pool is clean and smelling fresh, it’s time to know how to maintain it like that all season, and this involves getting familiar with concrete pool maintenance. Concrete pools require special care since the materials used to make them are not the typical ones.

Step 1: Caulk the Joints

Re-caulking is not only for aesthetics but also to protect your pool from water damage. Check if there are any gaps in the joints and apply a sealant or caulk when needed.

Step 2: Check for Cracks

Concrete pools are vulnerable to cracks, so it’s always better to check your pool floor and walls for possible damage. If you’ve found any, repair it immediately.

Step 3: Clean the Deck Regularly

Your concrete pool decks in Calgary should be cleaned regularly to remove dirt and debris that can otherwise cause slipping accidents. You may also want to pressure-wash it from time to time for a more thorough cleaning.

Step 4: Scrub the Concrete Often

Unlike fibreglass or vinyl pools, concrete-made pools are more prone to algae build-up. To avoid this, make sure to use a hard-bristled brush in scrubbing the walls. As the dirt settles on the pool floor, use a pool vacuum to collect them.

Your concrete pool in Calgary requires it to be highly maintained. They should be cleaned frequently and the water’s acid level should be monitored carefully.

Preppin’ for Fall

A pool covered for protection against dirt and debris.

As the months get chilly and the sun sets earlier, it’s time to start prepping your pool for fall. Concrete pools can be damaged due to cold temperatures, so here are some pointers to consider when the cold weather sets in.

Step 1: Remove Equipment and Debris

Clear the pool of any equipment or debris that could be damaged by the winter weather.

Step 2: Balance the Chemicals

Test and adjust the water chemistry to ensure that the pool is properly sanitized and protected from algae growth. Check for the pool’s pH*, alkalinity, and calcium hardness.

*The ideal pH for pools in this season is 7.2 to 7.8 PPM.

Step 3: Cover the Pool

Protect the pool from debris and elements with a sturdy pool cover.

Step 4: Blow and Drain

Flush the water lines and drain the pump, filters, heater, and chlorinator to prevent damage from freezing.

Step 5: Lower the Water Level

Reduce the water level in the pool to allow for expansion when the water freezes.

Step 6: Shock the Pool

Disinfect the pool with a high concentration of chlorine to kill any bacteria or algae that may be present.

Ready for a Pool Party?

Concrete pools are the perfect addition to the aesthetics of your backyard space so make sure it’s properly maintained. And with the help of this guide, you’ll be able to keep your pool in great shape for the entire swimming season.

Need any help with concrete repairs for your pool deck in Calgary? TNA Concrete is here to provide the expertise you need. Contact us today and let’s get started!