YOU'VE look longingly at the pool all winter.
Now it's finally time to start preparing for the swimming season.
But the coming of spring doesn't just bring warmer weather, it also brings spring flowers and that enemy of hay fever sufferers and pool filters — pollen.
Dropping a Zyrtec into the water won't help, but Swimart general manager Chris Fitzmaurice has a few tips that will help minimise the harmful effects of pollen on pool equipment.
"Pollen can clog up filtration equipment and affect chemical balance," he said.
"To prevent pollen from affecting your pool this season, clean baskets regularly throughout the heavy parts of spring, replacing any that are faulty, broken or not operating properly.
"If your pool is surrounded by a lot of flowering plants, you could always attach a fine material, such as cheesecloth or pantyhose, to your skimmer before cleaning the pollen from the surface of the water.
"If you plan to go on holiday, roll out your pool cover to prevent pollen from being blown into the pool while you're away.
"You can also call on Swimart to do a regular service so your pool is ready when you return."
■ Details: swimart.com.au.
