The first warm days of summer have a way of sneaking up on us in Adelaide. One week you’re still grabbing a jumper in the morning, and the next, the sun’s blazing and everyone’s talking about backyard swims and barbecues. But before you dive in, your pool needs a bit of love — the kind that turns cloudy water into something that sparkles under the sun.

Getting your pool summer-ready isn’t just about looks. It’s about safety, comfort, and saving yourself a few headaches once the hot days really kick in.

1. Start with a good clean

If your pool has been sitting quiet through the cooler months, chances are there’s a layer of dust, leaves, or even a few unwelcome floaters hanging around. Start by skimming the surface and brushing down the walls. Give the floor a proper vacuum and empty the skimmer baskets.

It’s not the most glamorous job, but it’s the foundation for everything else. Think of it like spring cleaning your house — once it’s done, everything feels lighter, fresher, and easier to manage.

2. Check your water chemistry

Here’s where most pool owners trip up. You can’t tell how healthy your pool water is just by looking at it. The balance between chlorine, pH, and alkalinity needs to be right before anyone jumps in. Once your water’s balanced, it’ll stay cleaner for longer and your equipment won’t have to work overtime.

3. Inspect your equipment

Filters, pumps, and chlorinators are the heart of your pool system. If they’re not working properly, you’ll end up fighting murky water all summer.

Turn everything on and listen for unusual noises — rattles, squeaks, or slow starts can be a sign something’s not right. Check your filter pressure gauge and clean the cartridge or backwash your sand filter.

If anything seems off, don’t wait until it breaks down mid-heatwave. Book a quick check-up and get it sorted early. It’s cheaper and less stressful than emergency repairs later.

4. Top up the water and shock treat

After a long winter, your pool water level might’ve dropped a little. Top it up before you test or treat it, as low water can mess with your system’s circulation.

Once it’s full, give it a shock treatment — basically a strong dose of chlorine to wipe out any hidden bacteria or algae that survived the off-season. Leave it to circulate overnight, and you’ll wake up to water that’s clean and ready for action.

5. Keep it covered (when you’re not swimming)

We all love a sparkling open pool, but when you’re not using it, keeping it covered will save you time and money. A proper pool cover stops leaves, bugs, and dust from getting in, reduces evaporation, and even keeps your water warmer overnight.

6. Get your pool professionally serviced

Even if you’ve done everything right, a quick once-over from a pool cleaning professional can make all the difference. At Everclear Pools, we go beyond a surface clean as we check your filtration system, test your chemical balance and make sure every moving part is in top shape for the season ahead.

A summer made for swimming

There’s nothing quite like that first dip of the season — the cool water, the bright blue shimmer, the sound of splashing kids (or a quiet float if that’s more your style). Getting your pool summer-ready doesn’t need to be complicated, just done properly.

With a clean start and a little maintenance, your pool will stay clear, inviting and ready for every lazy afternoon Adelaide throws your way.

So before the next heatwave hits, grab your gear, roll up your sleeves or give Everclear Pools a call and make sure your pool’s ready to shine this summer.