Spring is still about 100 days away, why are we writing about a spring swimming pool opening? Well, in some areas of the country, spring may not have arrived on the calendar, but it is warming up and if you have a swimming pool heater, you just might be able to enjoy some time in the swimming pool… once you’ve had it opened for the season.
Have you ever considered a spring swimming pool opening? If not, we just might change your mind this year! We understand that many areas of the country are in a deep freeze and are being pelted with snow and ice, but if you’re not living in those areas, spring just might make sense as a time to open your swimming pool!
Think Spring! Think Pool Opening!
Why should you talk with your pool contractor about a spring opening?
Let us expound upon the reasons!
Spring is warmer than winter and when spring shows up on the calendar many pool owners are anxious to get out and spend time out of doors… and in the swimming pool! Spring temperatures may make swimming a possibility for you if you have a swimming pool heater.
Beat the crowds by scheduling a spring pool opening. A benefit of talking with your swimming pool service contractor is that you can get on his schedule on your schedule! When you wait until spring or summer is truly in full swing you may find you’re on a waiting list because your pool contractor is busy with other pool owners who jumped onto a pool opening early in the season. You certainly don’t want to miss out on any swimming opportunity because your pool isn’t open, do you? This is especially true for people who live where the swim season is short to begin with.
Algae be gone. When the temperatures heat up and the pool cover is still on, the pump isn’t running and chemicals haven’t been added, algae begins its insidious growth. Algae, that slimey black or green or even yellow or blue gunk, can quickly take hold and that will delay the swimming pool opening because your pool contractor will have his work cut out for him to rid the pool of the algae.
Algae doesn’t even need hot temperatures or a lot of sunshine to wake up from its dormant state and start growing; even 65 degree temperatures can cause algae bloom.
Your swim season will be longer! Truly, that is the bottom line, right? If you have a swimming pool you want to get as much use out of it as you possibly can. This is truly the best reason to open the swimming pool in the spring. If you want to open the pool, but don’t have a pool heater, you can have one installed at the same time.
What better way to celebrate spring and the upcoming summer than by jumping into the swimming pool and frolicking with friends and family. Also, you’ll be the talk of the neighborhood if you’re swimming well before anyone else!
Money-saving benefit. Your pool contractor just might offer a discount if you have your pool opened before the summer pool opening crush kicks in. Many pool companies offer early-bird discounts and if you’re looking to save money, spring is the best time to do that. When you call for a pool opening, ask whether there is an early bird discount available.
What happens when your pool is opened?
- The pool cover will be cleaned off and standing water will ve removed. You don’t want dirty standing water to fall into the swimming pool and make the cleaning harder. Your pool contractor, or if you’re doing it yourself, you will use a submersible pump to remove any standing water. Once that’s done the pool cover will be washed off to remove dirt and debris. After the cover is as clean as it can be, it will be removed. You will want to thoroughly clean the pool cover – that is something most pool owners do on their own to save money. Clean it top and bottom, dry it completely then store it in a safe place until next winter.
- Winter plugs will be removed from the pool equipment and regular drain plugs will be put back in thier place. The plugs in the step jets, return jets and the one in the bottom of the skimmer will be removed and replaced with regular drain plugs. The ice compensator will be removed from the skimmer bucket and the regular skimmer basket will be replaced.
- The pool equipment and plumbing will be inspected and checked for any cracks or damage that may have occurred during the cold winter months.
- Any deck equipment that had been removed and stored for the winter months will be reinstalled. These could include: the diving board, any ladders or hand rails, if you had a fountain or other water feature and more.
- The pool will be cleaned and any debris skimmed and the water vacuumed. The pool walls and floor will be brushed and the pool will be vacuumed again.
- The pool water levels will be refilled — either from the hose or you can have water trucked in. Once the pool water is at proper levels, the chemicals will begin to be added.
- The chemicals that have been added will need to be circulated throughout the pool and this happens by turning the pool pump and filter on. Your pool contractor will recommend running the pool pump and filter for 24 hours or more to circulate the chemicals. The water will be tested during that 24-hour period and more chemicals added until everything is back in proper balance. The initial pool opening will likely require your pool water be shocked — aka super-chlorinated — to kill off any algae spores and bacteria that was lurking in the water during the winter.
Are you ready to try a spring pool opening this year? Wouldn’t you like to get more use out of your swimming pool?? Here’s to spring!