It’s finally time! The sun is peeking out from behind the clouds with bright optimism and in a month or two, you’ll be able to open your swimming pool so that you can start relaxing in your pool once again.
Now is a great time to read up on the proper procedure to follow when opening your swimming pool. Opening your pool in a systematic and structured way will help you identify any possible issues or maintenance concerns right away so that you can start swimming as quickly as possible!
1. Remove the cover
First things first – take off your winter pool cover. You may need to drain excess water off the cover using a pump. Depending on the type of cover and the size of the pool, this job may require more than one person.
Once removed, Carefully clean the cover and let it dry in the open air. Make sure you don’t damage it, as you’re going to want to make sure that it can be used next year. Some debris may get into the pool during this process, but we’ll fix that in one of the next steps.
2. Take out winter plugs and install pool equipment
Assuming you performed the proper winterization, you’ll need to take out the plugs from your pool pump. filter and other pool equipment. Drain the antifreeze from the returns and skimmer lines and then remove those winterizing plugs as well.
Don’t forget the important step of putting the drain plugs back into the pool equipment and taking the time to ensure that everything is properly installed, otherwise you’ll find yourself in a bit of mess later on!
3. Clean the filters (Cartridge Filter Only)
Clean out the filters, which should be cleaned every season if not twice. They may be filled with debris from the summer and autumn. You can also take the time to skim the surface of the pool for leaves. It doesn’t need to be spotless at this point, but getting everything in a much better condition will be helpful for when you are ready to vacuum.
4. Check the condition of the structure of your pool
Are there any new leaks? Is your pool still solid and safe to swim in? Is the coping loose?
Everything suffers from a bit of wear and tear over time. Whether it is because of the chemicals used in your pool or the result of wear and tear from the year before, there can be little defects, cracks or tears that become more serious as time goes on.
This could also be a time to consider whether your pool and patio area would benefit from a renovation. With the assistance of an experienced pool designer, you could transform your existing pool area into a much more functional and aesthetically-pleasing part of your backyard!
5. Check handrails, ladders, diving boards, etc.
Take the time to check the condition of all the features in and around the pool. If it was an especially tough winter, you might need to tighten or replace some screws. The last thing you want if for a piece to snap or break right at the worst possible time and cause an injury. Taking a detailed look right now will give you peace-of-mind for the upcoming season.
You can also use this time as an opportunity to clean your entire patio so that it really shines when it is ready to be used!
6. Top up the pool
Take the time to use a garden hose or a water truck service to bring your pool level back up to its optimal point. Be careful to avoid overfilling the pool, as that could lead to a lot of water wasted due to splashing and evaporation.
7. Turn your system on and make sure the water is in top condition
Even if you took every single possible precaution while closing your pool in the autumn, you will still need to do a bit of work to get the water to its best quality. Once the pool is up and running you will want to vacuum the pool and balance your water.
Vacuuming the pool is important to help keep your chemical levels in balance and will allow them to work more effectively with no debris in the pool. The more debris in the pool the harder the chemicals, especially chlorine, have to work to be effective.
The recommended chemicals that will get your pool looking its best may vary depending on the size and type of pool you have. You can use a test kit to check the proper chemical levels of your water, and then adjust as needed. All levels need to be balanced but it is especially important to get chlorine levels up to the recommended range.
Have your pool opened by the experts
Phew! Opening your swimming pool for a new season takes a good amount of work. But you’re certainly going to appreciate the results come summertime!
If you are already busy with other projects this spring, or if you are simply looking to have the job done quickly and properly, contact the pool experts at Pool Craft. You can schedule an appointment with us and have all steps mentioned above done professionally, helping you to relax knowing that your pool is being taken care of! Pool Craft is a certified member of the Pool & Hot Tub Council of Canada.
