It’s hard to believe that September is actually here! For many people, Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, and it’s the last holiday where your pool is the star.
So, if you’re hosting a pool party this weekend, we’ve got three tips to help you make the best party of the season!
A special tip: Just because it’s Labor Day weekend doesn’t mean it’s time to close your pool! Always close late and open early to avoid issues in the spring. Plus, we’ve got lots of hot days left!
Now, let’s get to it.
#1: Prepare Your Pool
You’re having people over, so just like you’d clean your house, you want to clean your pool, your deck area, and your backyard.
It’s important to make sure your swimming pool is healthy, bacteria-free, and crystal clear for all your guests. Here are some things to take care of before your pool party:
Brush and Skim Your Pool
This is key. Skim out any large debris from your pool. Then, you want to brush your pool walls and the floor of your pool. You can also use your automatic pool robot to clean the floor.
Brushing your pool is key to removing any dirt and algae that may accumulate there.
Test and Balance Your Water
Next, you want to test your pool water. You’re looking for things like pH, alkalinity, and more. You can use BioGuard test strips, or you can bring us a water sample, and we’ll run it through our free computerized ALEX water system!
Add any chemicals that you need to properly balance your water.
It’s vital that your pool water is properly balanced before your big party. Then, you want to test it again after the party, too.
Run Your Pool Pump and Filter
Now that you’ve tested and balanced your water, you want to run your pump and filter continuously until your pool party!
Why? This will help keep your water clean and clear by getting out any leftover dirt and debris. It also helps circulate any chemicals you add to your pool.
Shock Your Swimming Pool
It’s also good to shock your pool before (and after) your big party. By shocking your pool, you give it an extra boost of sanitization.
Your heavy bather loads are going to bring in a lot of contaminants, such as lotion, sunscreen, and body oil. Shocking your pool before the party helps your pool deal with it.
Do make sure and test your water after you shock to make sure your water is balanced.
#2: Get Your Backyard Ready
Now it’s time to attend to your pool deck and your backyard. Check out these tips for the perfect Labor Day party:
Clean Your Patio
Brush your patio and your deck. Mow the lawn. Deadhead any flowers in your pots that are beyond their prime.
Get Out the Toys and Floats
Hose any of these down if necessary.
If any of your toys or floats are broken, stop by – we can help you with these, too!
Decorate
Are you adding any decorations? You can use leftover Memorial Day and Fourth of July party decorations if you have them.
Patriotic themes are great since this holiday celebrates American workers. But feel free to mix it up and use any theme you’d like.
You can add some string lights in your trees or on your deck for extra ambiance!
If you need some patio furniture, be sure to stop by, as we have C.R. Plastics and Ledge Lounger outdoor furniture! We’d love to help you spruce up your patio or deck.
Choose a Playlist
Don’t forget the music. It adds an amazing ambiance to a party.
If you have kids or teens, enlist their help because they know just where to find the best music.
#3: Take Care of Safety
Anytime you have guests in your swimming pool, you want to think about water safety.
First, make sure you have a first aid kit on hand.
Next, assign people to be water watchers during the party. These folks have the responsibility of keeping their eyes on the water at all times. This is a hard job, so do it in 15-30 minute increments. Adults can share the job, but no one has to do it for the whole party.
Final Pool Party Tips
Now that you’ve got our three tips, you’re well on your way to the best pool party of 2023! Have fun, be safe, and enjoy your pool!
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us or stop by. At Spartan Pool and Patio, we are here for all your outdoor living and pool care needs.
