Summer is just around the corner, which means it’s time to get your swimming pool ready for long, sunny days. In New Zealand, the best time to start is late September to early October, just as the weather begins to warm up. Preparing your pool early ensures clear water, safe swimming, and stress-free fun when the weather heats up.

Here’s our step-by-step guide to pool preparation — and the BioGuard products we recommend to make it easy.

Step 1: Remove Your Pool Cover and Clean Up

Start by removing any debris, leaves, or dirt from the pool cover before taking it off. This prevents contamination when the cover is removed. Once the cover is off, skim the surface of the pool to remove leaves and other debris.

Step 2: Check Your Equipment

Inspect your pump, filter, and chlorinator to make sure everything is working correctly. Clean or backwash your filter as needed to ensure good water circulation.

Recommended product: BioGuard Filter Renew is a deep-cleaning solution designed to remove grease, oils, and build-up from your filter, improving its efficiency.

Step 3: Top Up and Balance Your Water

If the water level has dropped over winter, top it up to the correct level. Then, test your water for pH, total alkalinity, and sanitiser levels.

Adjust your pool water as needed:

• pH: Aim for 7.4–7.6.

• Total Alkalinity: Keep it between 80–120 ppm.

• Sanitiser: Maintain appropriate chlorine or bromine levels.

Step 4: Shock Your Pool

Give your pool a strong dose of oxidiser to eliminate any contaminants that built up during winter.

Recommended product: BioGuard Oxysheen is a chlorine-free shock treatment that leaves water sparkling and ready to swim in just 15 minutes.

Step 5: Prevent Algae Growth

Algae can bloom quickly in warmer weather, so it’s smart to start the season with an algaecide.

Recommended product: BioGuard MSA Extreme provides long-lasting protection against all common algae types.

Step 6: Maintain Weekly

Once your pool is balanced and sparkling, keep it that way with regular testing, sanitising, and brushing. Consistent care makes summer pool maintenance quick and hassle-free.

Recommended product: BioGuard Swim Clear — a fast-dissolving stabilised chlorine granule that keeps your sanitiser levels steady and your water crystal clear.

Make This Summer Your Clearest Yet

Preparing your pool early means less work and more fun when summer hits. Stock up on BioGuard’s trusted range of pool care products and enjoy crystal-clear water all season long.

Bring in a water sample for a free professional water test, and we’ll help you choose exactly what your pool needs.

Visit us in-store or online to get everything you need to make pool care simple.