Remove debris
Take out leaves, dead stems and any muck that settled over winter. Do it before the water warms and algae takes off.
Check equipment
Clean the skimmer and filter, inspect the pump and replace worn parts. Replace the UV lamp if it is a year old.
Plants
Trim old growth, divide crowded plants and repot lilies. Add fresh fertilizer tabs as growth begins.
Water and bacteria
Test the water and add beneficial bacteria to restart the filter. Top up the level with treated water.
Wake up the fish
Begin feeding when the water stays above the mid forties. Use a low-protein food at first and increase as the water warms.
Check the edges
Walk the edges for settled stone or exposed liner. Fix small problems early.
Our advice in one sentence
Clean, check, plant and feed gently as the water warms.
