If you’re ready to swim and soak up the sun, then you’re likely excited at the prospect of opening up your pool. However, it’s important to note that this is a slightly complex, multi-step process that requires care, patience, and attention to detail. Let’s help you make the most of swimming season with these tips for opening your pool.
Ensure You Have All the Necessary Chemicals
The process of opening your pool starts with being prepared, especially when it comes to chemicals. Chlorine tablets, stabilizers, and chlorine stock are essential, as well as chemicals that can help to raise, lower, and maintain the pH. The same goes for testing kits and strips to avoid missing any important chemical details. A good and reliable stain remover is another must-have, along with an algaecide, enzymes, and clarifiers. Also, don’t forget chemicals to help control alkalinity and calcium levels!
Clear off the Pool Cover Before Removing it!
We can’t stress this enough; any pooling water on your cover must be removed before the cover is taken off. This can be done with a sump pump. Otherwise, you’ll be making more work for yourself when it comes to cleaning and prepping your pool.
After the cover is dried off, carefully remove it so that any trapped debris doesn’t spill into the pool. You may wish to drag a net across to catch any wayward debris, but don’t panic if a little bit tumbles in – it’s usually unavoidable. Also, when putting the cover away, do so in a manner that helps to maintain its strength – don’t simply crumple it up! Clean the cover completely, treat it to prevent mould and mildew, and fold it up neatly before storing it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
Don’t Cut Corners When Cleaning Your Pool
Debris should be removed with a leaf rake – skimmers aren’t quite as effective by comparison. Also, spraying and scrubbing down your pool -and using the chemicals mentioned earlier appropriately is essential. You’ll likely need to bail out water using buckets or a sump pump if your pool’s equipment isn’t connected yet. Lastly, be sure to finish off with a powerful vacuum hose to remove any remaining smaller debris. The more thorough and detail-driven you are when cleaning your pool, the easier of a reopening experience you’ll likely have.
Remove Winterizing Plugs
In Canada, outdoor pools take a severe beating. Once the frigid winter weather is over and you’re prepping for an opening, be certain that you remove the winterizing plugs. These should have been installed to prevent damage to the pool’s plumbing. After the systems needed to operate your pool cleanly and safely are reconnected for the impending swimming season, the removal of winterizing plugs, skimmer plugs, and other preventative measures can take place.
Cleanse with Care
Cleaning is one thing, but cleansing? That’s a whole different matter, involving the use of chemicals to remove stains, stubborn scale buildup, and algae that have accumulated over the winter. Your brushes should be in good condition and not missing bristles. Also, as noted earlier, you should have enough chemicals to last you for waterline-level cleanings throughout the swimming season as part of regular upkeep.
Perhaps you’d prefer the help of dedicated experts who can take care of all your pool opening needs. If so, then we’re an ideal choice here at Benson Pools, offering thorough and professional pool opening services, which are trusted by clients year after year. Contact us today to learn more!
