Prepare for Summer: Your Ultimate Home and Pool Maintenance Checklist
With the warmth and sunshine right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about summer home and pool renovations and maintenance. From checking your air conditioning to preparing your garden for those summer blooms, our 20-point checklist will help ensure your home and pool are summer-ready.
Home Maintenance
- Check Your Air Conditioning System:
Perform a thorough check on your AC system to ensure it’s functioning optimally. Clean or replace filters, check for leaks, and consider scheduling a professional inspection if required. - Inspect and Clean Fans:
Ceiling and standalone fans are great for circulating air and reducing the load on your AC. Ensure they are clean and functioning correctly. - Seal Windows and Doors:
Inspect window seals and door weatherstripping for any wear and tear. Replacing them can improve your home’s energy efficiency. - Clean Gutters and Downspouts:
Clear out leaves, dirt, and any other debris which may have accumulated in your gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage. - Examine Roof and Chimney:
Check your roof for any damage like loose shingles or tiles. Have a professional inspect your chimney for blockages to ensure fireplace safety. - Inspect Outdoor Lighting:
Check all outdoor light fixtures for damage and replace any burnt-out bulbs. - Clean and Repair the Deck/Patio:
Clean your deck, porches, and patios. Check for loose floorboards and railings. Consider resealing wooden decks to ensure longevity. If the deck roof is starting to deteriorate, it might be time to call on your local builder. - Paint Touch-Up:
Summer is an ideal time for painting. Assess your house’s exterior for chipped or peeling paint and schedule a touch-up if needed. - Pest Control:
Warm weather often brings with it unwanted pests. Regularly check your home for signs of an infestation and schedule a pest control service if necessary. - Check and Install Window Screens:
Ensure window screens are not damaged and install them in place to keep those summer bugs out.
Garden Maintenance
- Prune Shrubs and Trees:
Prune spring blooming shrubs after blooming and summer-blooming shrubs in early spring to boost their growth. - Lawn Care:
Aerate, fertilize, and water your lawn regularly for that lush, green yard in the summer. - Plant Summer Blooms:
Planting summer blooms can add vibrant colors to your garden. Consider bee-friendly flowers to support the local pollinator population. - Check Irrigation System:
Ensure your sprinkler system is working effectively, and no water is being wasted due to leaks or misdirected sprinklers. - Mulch the Garden Beds:
Apply a layer of mulch around plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Pool Maintenance
- Uncover and Clean:
Remove your pool cover, skim off any debris and vacuum the pool. - Check Water Level:
The water level should be at the center of your pool skimmer or pool tile for optimal performance. - Test and Adjust Pool Chemistry:
Ensure your pool water is balanced. The pH should be between 7.2-7.6, and chlorine levels at 1-3 ppm. - Inspect Pool Equipment:
Check your pool pump, filter, heater, and other equipment for any potential problems. - Safety First:
Check pool security features such as fences, gates, and pool alarms. Ensure rescue devices and first-aid kits are easily accessible.
By following this comprehensive checklist, you can ensure your home, garden, and pool are ready for the summer season. Consider upgrading your security systems by a qualified security system installer as well. Carry out these maintenance tasks in advance, so when the warm days finally hit, you can spend your time soaking up the sun and enjoying the comforts of your well-prepared home.
