Properly Open Your Pool This Spring with These Tips

Spring has sprung, and it’s time to get your pool ready for a busy swim season of fun with family and friends. Properly opening your pool for the season is important to ensure your pool water is healthy and operates efficiently throughout the season. Read on for a few spring pool opening tips to help get you started.

Clean & Remove the Pool Cover

As tempting as it may be to lift off the cover and dive right in, it’s important to take proper care of the cover fist. Before taking off your pool cover, remove any standing water (a wet/dry vacuum works well), and get rid of any leaves and other debris. Clean off the cover and allow it to fully dry before storing it for the season. 

Check Your Water Levels

Even with a pool cover, it’s possible to have lost some water due to evaporation. Do a check and make sure that you have the proper water level in your pool. The proper level should be measured at the halfway point on the skimmer opening along the side of the pool. If your pool experienced any evaporation during the off-season, be sure to fill the pool back to its proper level.

Clean the Surface

Once you remove and store your cover, it’s time to start cleaning the pool. Skim your pool’s surface to remove any large debris that may have entered the pool either during its closure or when you took off the cover. Big debris can clog your filtration system, which needs to be clear when you turn it back on. 

Take Care of the Equipment

Once you take off your cover and check your water levels, it’s time to take care of your pool equipment. Since it hasn’t been in use for a time, you should inspect your pump and lubricate or replace any o-rings needing some extra attention. Now is also a good time to do an inspection of your pool’s plumbing connections, and to visually inspect all of the other equipment, including the filter, heater, lighting and automation systems.

Once visually inspected, power on the equipment and look for any drips or leaks. Continue to replace any o-rings as necessary. Also, give your filter a very good cleaning. Replacing your pool filter prior to the start of the pool season is the best time, if necessary.

Balance Your Water

Proper pool chemistry is essential in keeping your waters clean and pristine. It is especially important to get it properly balanced during the pool opening process as this sets the tone for your entire pool season. While your testing strips are designed to offer you a good indication of your chemical levels, it may be best to visit your local pool store and get your water tested by professionals for an accurate baseline.

Run Your Pump

Before leaping into your pool, an important part of swimming pool maintenance is running the pump for several hours to ensure that the pool chemicals are properly circulated and everything is operating efficiently.

Your Coventry Pool Care Experts

Properly opening your pool will lead to a successful and enjoyable swimming season. If you’re needing a bit more help revving up your pool for the season or would like the experience of professional pool care experts to ensure your pool is safe and swim-ready, let the service professionals at The Pool Doctor properly open your pool and get your season started off right.