Safety

• Safety should always be your first priority. First, make sure the fence surrounding your pool is working and has no holes or planks missing. Do whatever maintenance you need to on the fence well before the summer arrives. Make sure the the gate is working and can lock properly to keep small children and unwanted visitors out. Check your entire yard and pool area and fix anything that can cause someone to get hurt. Look for any cracks in your sidewalk or anything that might cause someone to trip and fall or get hurt in any way.
  
  

Cleanliness

• Read the instructions for your pool pump to ensure you keep it in good working order. Go to the store and stock up on chemicals, filters and pH test strips. Inspect all of your pool parts and look for any broken hoses, clamps or other parts that may need to be fixed or replaced. You will either need to replace these parts or call your pool service man to do maintenance.
  
  Use a sump pump to clear any rain water off the top of the cover, then remove the cover. Do this carefully with at least one or two other people. Clean and dry the cover and put it away for summer storage.
  
  Clean any surface debris out of the pool with a skimmer. Next, prime and start your pump following the manufacturer's guidelines. Let the pump run continuously for three days. Use your pool vacuum's broom to clean anything stuck to the bottom or side of the pool.
  
  Clean and/or replace your filter. Super shock your pool (an intense chlorine cleansing system) according to the manufacturer's directions. After several days of letting the water circulate test your water or bring a sample to your pool store. Adjust the water with chemicals as needed.
  
  Install your diving board completely and securely.