When you open your pool for the season, it takes some work. But the reward of an awesome place to swim for many months to come is well worth the time spent cleaning and preparing your pool. Today, we’ll take a closer look at how to properly open your pool.
How to Open Your Pool
The exact steps you need to take to open your pool for the summer depend on the kind of pool you have and how old it is. Below are some general guidelines that can help you get started.
First consider what items may need an inspection before you start using your pool. Components such as pumps and filters should last for several years. However, it’s always good to double-check that all components are working correctly for safety purposes.
If you need more information than this article provides, refer to your pool manufacturer’s website or speak to a specialist for assistance.
Clean and Store Your Pool Cover
To open your pool, first start with the pool cover. If your pool was shut down for the winter, it’s likely you had it covered for several months.
Your pool cover might be dirty from the debris and dead leaves that have floated to the ground, which will need to be removed.
If there is any water on the cover, you can use a pool cover pump to remove it. If you have a removable pool cover, you may remove it after any dirt, debris, and water is cleaned from the top.
Be sure to thoroughly clean and inspect your pool cover before storing it away. Use gentle soap and water to remove any remaining dirt spots. Look for rips or tears that may need to be addressed. You may be able to fix small tears with a pool cover repair kit. Larger rips or holes may warrant a new cover.
For those with an automatic pool cover, you still want to clean and inspect it before officially opening your pool for the season. Wash your pool cover and use a pool cover pump to remove the excess water. Be sure at least 90% of the water is removed before operating.
Skim the Pool and Reinstall Everything
While the pool cover should have kept most debris out, leaves and dirt could have fallen into the pool during the removal process.
Before you open your pool use a net or skimmer to remove anything that is floating inside the water.
Next, you should remove the winterizing plugs which you installed in the autumn to prevent water from flowing into and freezing your pipes. You will see some bubbles as the water flows back into your pipes, and the water level of the pool might drop slightly.
Finally, you can add any accessories, such as ladders, chutes, and diving boards, which you removed before closing your pool in the winter. To prevent dangerous situations, make sure they are clean and in good condition.
Brush and Shock the Pool
Before you open your pool, you will need to get rid of any algae and other growths through brushing and vacuuming.
Brush all of your pool’s surfaces, then vacuum it manually to pick up any sediment that has been deposited on the pool’s floor.
You can also use pool shock, a substance that kills algae, bacteria, and other microbes that might have populated your pool over the winter.
Call Taylor's Water Hauling and Order Water
Despite the cover, your pool will likely have lost at least a few inches of water over the winter.
For this reason, you will need to get in touch with your local water hauling company for a bulk water delivery.
Sourced from local water plants, Taylor’s Water Hauling delivers clean, chlorinated water. It’s always best to get pool water delivered since it doesn’t contain any minerals, such as iron or calcium, which could damage the walls and floor of your pool.
If you are filling your pool as opposed to topping off, you can use the Pool Calculator to calculate how much water you will need. Be sure to test the chemical levels, whether you’re filling up or topping off, to ensure the water is safe for swimming.
It’s best practice to allow the water to sit for at least 24 hours prior to swimming.
Turn On Your Filter and Pump
One of the last steps needed to open your pool is inspect and reinstall your filter and pump.
Be sure that your drain plugs are in good shape and lubricate the O-rings. If you see any cracks or damage on your O-rings, replace them so they don’t allow air in the filter.
Then, you can open the return side valves, which let the water flow back out of the pump. Now, you’re ready to turn on your pump.
Before you fit the filter, check that it is clean and free from debris. Filters should be replace every 3-5 years, or sooner if it’s having issues.
Check the Water Quality
When learning how to open your pool, make sure to read up on the optimal water quality.
The new water from your water hauling company should have the correct chemical levels but the old water might need to be rebalanced with the addition of the new water.
For this reason, you will have to test the chemical levels and, if necessary, add the necessary chemicals to balance the water. You can use regular test strips available at your pool water supplies store to check your pool water chemical balance.
If you are unsure about testing the water yourself, you can take some water to your local pool store and they can test it for you.
Not sure if it’s time to open your pool? Check out this video by Swim University to know when the time is right.
Should You Drain Your Pool Water in the Winter?
One of the most frequently asked questions about in-ground and large above-ground pools is whether you should drain all the water every year.
In most cases, this isn’t necessary, and it will cost you more in the long run. If you leave the water in your pool, you’ll have to purchase a smaller quantity to get started, and the process of opening the pool in the spring or early summer is much easier.
By leaving the water in during winter moths, you are also protecting your pool’s structure. The walls and floor won’t to dry out and develop cracks and there is less risk of damage due to debris. However, you should drain your water, clean the pool liner, and replace replace the water every 3-5 years.
If you’re searching for potable or chlorinated water for your swimming pool, large event, construction site, or emergency service your search is over!
Taylor Farm’s Water Hauling is the area’s leader in water delivery for West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia and limited areas of Pennsylvania. You may contact us online or call us at 304.229.1194. We deliver water for any size swimming pool or hot tub, ponds, and cisterns. We also provide potable water for events and emergency services.
