When the snow has melted and winter is finally over, it's time to start enjoying springtime activities. For many swimming pool owners, the changing of the seasons and warming spring temperatures indicate that the time is right for a spring pool opening. However, after a swimming pool has been sitting unused for several months throughout the fall and winter, there are several important steps that need to be taken in order to prepare and maintain the pool water so it's safe and suitable for swimming. One of the most important aspects of a swimming pool opening is using pool chlorine and pool chemicals to create a healthy and hygienic swimming environment.

In order to prepare a swimming pool for springtime chlorination, the first step is to remove and clean the pool cover. If at all possible, it's best to prevent any water that has accumulated on top of the cover from entering the swimming pool, as it is likely to contain a high concentration of contaminants. Next, the pool and all equipment such as pumps and filters should be thoroughly cleaned. Once all the debris has been removed and the filter has been successfully backwashed, it's time to deal with swimming pool chemicals.

Swimming pool chlorine is an essential part of opening and maintaining a pool as it sanitizes the water and makes it safe for swimming. By preventing the growth of bacteria in the water, pool chlorine helps to protect swimmers from a wide variety of potential illnesses such as ear, nose and throat infections. Pool chlorination can also prevent more serious and dangerous diseases such as meningitis.

Maintaining proper levels of swimming pool chemicals will also keep the water from growing cloudy and will inhibit the growth of algae. Furthermore, as an oxidizer, chlorine will burn up organic material found in the water which will reduce the strain exerted on the pool's filter. As a result, swimming pool chlorine is one of the most essential ingredients for a healthy swimming environment and will help to keep pool equipment operating smoothly and efficiently.

When returning a swimming pool to operating status for the warmer months, it's necessary to superchlorinate or shock the water. This involves adding high levels of chlorine to raise the concentration to breakpoint levels. By doing so, algae, bacteria and other contaminants that have built up in the water and pool system will be removed. After the superchlorination, it will be necessary to continue adding swimming pool chlorine until the concentration has stabilized at the minimum acceptable level.

Once the water has been sanitized for a pool opening and the proper level of chlorine has been attained, it will, of course, be necessary to maintain that level throughout the swimming season. When undertaking pool maintenance, there are several different forms of chlorine that can be used to keep the concentration of swimming pool chemicals at a healthy level. For instance, swimming pool chlorine is available in chlorine tablets, chlorine sticks and granular chlorine. The particular type of chlorine that will be right for you and your pool will depend largely upon your individual preferences with respect to application and maintenance.

Swimming pool chlorine tablets are typically available in 3 inch tablets and 1 inch tablets. The 3 inch tablets are the most common form and, therefore, will generally be the most inexpensive. Chlorine tablets of the 3 inch variety dissolve slowly, thereby requiring less maintenance. Typically, these tablets will keep chlorine levels stable for at least a week, if not longer. The 1 inch pool chlorine tablets are obviously smaller and also dissolve more quickly. This form of chlorine is generally most suitable for hot tubs and smaller swimming pools.

As mentioned earlier, pool chlorine is also available in sticks and granular forms. Chlorine sticks are larger than chlorine tablets and also dissolve more slowly. Granular chlorine typically needs to be added on a daily basis and has to be pre-dissolved in a bucket of water. Daily testing is also necessary when using this form of chlorine. However, granular chlorine is a popular choice among many swimming pool owners as it allows for the most precise control over the levels of pool chemicals.

No matter what type of pool you have and no matter what type of chlorine you prefer to use to keep your pool water safe and hygienic, Intheswim.com has all of the products and supplies you need for successful pool openings year after year. Offering all of the common forms of pool chlorine as well as other tools and supplies at very affordable prices, Intheswim.com is the premier source for pool maintenance products for great value. So when spring has sprung and you're ready to make a splash with a great pool opening, be sure to turn to Intheswim.com for high quality and affordable swimming pool supplies.