Summer is approaching, and it’s time to open your pool again. But opening a pool involves more than simply pulling off the pool cover and jumping in. So, what should you consider when opening your pool for the season?
After removing the pool cover, remove debris, clean the pool’s pump and check the water’s chemical balance. You’ll also have to check for leaks and clean the pool’s filters. Finally, clean the surrounding area and test to ensure the water is safe to swim in.
You must also open your pool on time and maintain it throughout the season. So, what time is best to open your pool, and what guidelines should you follow? Let’s explore the steps to follow when opening your pool for the season.
When is the Best Time to Open Your Pool?
Early summer is the best time to open your pool. You can open it earlier if you live in a warmer region, but avoid opening it in early spring as the water will still be cold even if the weather is warmer.
If you’re living in far northern states, the ideal months to open the pool are June to August. And if you are living in central states where the weather is slightly warmer, you can open your pool as early as March or May.
For those who live in tropical States like Florida or Hawaii, you may not even need to close your pool during winter!
However, you can also use your pool in off-seasons, even if you don’t live in a hot area. You must be very careful with the equipment and ensure your pool can handle the weather. If you want to use your pool in the winter, you’ll need to install an additional heater, insulate your pool and use a proper cover when you’re not swimming.
Always consider your area’s climate when using your pool in different seasons.
For example, using your pool in winter makes no sense if you live in Alaska, and you’ll also have to be careful in the summer! However, if you live in Florida, you may not even need to install a water heater in the winter.
So, once you decide on the right time to open your pool, you’ll have to consider how to do it properly. Let’s explore the correct steps to follow when opening your pool.
How to Open Your Pool
While opening a pool is easy, you must follow basic guidelines to save energy, time, and money. The last thing you want is to jump in water that’s harmful to your health.
Here are some of the most important steps to follow while opening your pool:
Remove the Pool’s Cover
Removing the cover of your pool is easy, depending on the size of your pool and the cover type. You can simply pull the cover off if the pool isn’t too big. But, if the pool is long and you have a heavy cover, you’ll need help removing it.
Clean Your Pool
Once you remove the pool’s cover, you’ll have to start cleaning the pool. Remember that the water can be unhygienic, especially when you leave the pool idle for a few months, so take special care to clean the water thoroughly.
You’ll find cleaning your pool easy when you have the right equipment. So make sure you have these items before you start cleaning your pool:
- PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): safety gloves, shoes, nails, dress, etc.
- Skimmer net
- Leaf and dust Vacuum
- Special cleaning brush
If you notice algae growth in the bottom or on the walls of your pool, you’ll need to use chemicals to get rid of them. Pool cleaning chemicals include:
- Calcium chloride: liquid chlorine or bleach
- Soda ash
- Sodium bicarbonate
- Muriatic acid
- Fungicides
- Algaecides
Start by using a net to remove debris and large items from the cover carefully. Next, check the pool thoroughly, as large objects can damage the pool filter. Also, the pool pump needs to be cleaned correctly as it will circulate the pool’s water. Finally, check if it is properly attached too.
If you find the pool too stained, you’ll need to hire a professional to help you clean it.
Check and Clean the Filter
After cleaning the pool, you’ll have to clean the filters, as debris can accumulate in them in the off-season. Here are some easy steps to follow when cleaning the pool filters:
- Remove the filters.
- Clean them with a blower.
- Put them in a chemical solution if they are too stained.
- Reattach them carefully.
- Run water through them and check for any leaks.
- Replace them if the leaks are larger or the filers are overused.
You’ll also need to wash the filter regularly when using your pool, as it helps maintain the water’s cleanliness.
Drain the Remaining Pool Water
You’ll also need to clean the remaining water in the pool, as it might be swamped and give off an unpleasant smell. But, again, the best solution is to drain the pool entirely, especially if you haven’t used it in a while.
Once you’ve drained the pool, partially fill it with fresh water. It’ll help the remaining dust and other small particles to float over the water. Use a net to take out the dirt and then drain the water.
Inspect for Leaks
When your pool is partially filled, check for any leaks. If they are small, fix them with a DIY repair kit. But, if the leaks are large, call a professional pool service.
Check the Plugs
Always check your plugs in the new season. You probably have winter plugs installed in your pool. If so, replace them, as they are used specifically for the heaters.
Since you don’t need to use the heater in summer, you need to reinstall the drain plugs for the pump.
Replace the Pool Lights
Many pool owners remove underwater lights in the winter to prevent them from freezing.
However, when the pool season is back, you’ll need to carefully check the light coils and hire an electrician to fix them if they are breached. Then, finally, reattach the lights.
You can open your pool yourself if it’s not in a bad state. But, if you find it significantly degraded or don’t want to go through the hassle, you can hire a professional pool service.
Other Tips to Consider When Opening Your Pool Every Year
You are only a few steps away from preparing your pool for the summer swim. Here are some additional tips you’ll need to follow when opening your pool in the new season:
Address the Pool’s Surroundings
Many pool owners and service people usually focus on cleaning the pool and miss the areas around the pool. However, cleaning around the pool is just as essential as cleaning it.
Start by trimming the grass or bushes in the surrounding pool area and cleaning the debris and leaves. Preferably, cover the surrounding area with a sheet or mat to prevent dirt from entering the pool.
If you don’t keep the pool surroundings clean, it can cause your pool’s water to get infested with algae and bacteria, and your pool cleaning sessions will be challenging.
Test the Water
You’ll also need to perform some tests to balance your pool’s chemistry, as it’s crucial to your health.
Professionals recommend the following tests:
- Test the pool water’s pH level
- Test its alkalinity
- Test its calcium hardiness
- And check chlorine concentration
If you perform these tests incorrectly, it may cause health issues like eye and skin problems. So, unless you know how to use the testing kit correctly, have a professional test the water when you open it for the new season.
