How to Open Your Pool After Winter

When you see that first bud of spring, your thoughts may begin to inch closer to the lazy, hazy days of summer that will soon be upon us. As spring begins to unfold, it is the ideal time to begin thinking about opening your backyard swimming pool for the summer. It may initially seem like a rather involved and daunting task, but with the right approach – and a bit of planning – you can get your pool up and running in record time.

Ideally, the best time to open your backyard pool depends on when you closed your pool for the winter and the condition in which you closed it. By opening your pool as soon as possible, you can reduce your chances for encountering costly repairs. If you live in a warm climate, it is advisable to keep your pool open all year long. Of course, you should regularly maintain it throughout the year. However, if you live in a colder climate and closed your pool for the winter, the best time to reopen your pool is when the temperature of the water reaches 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day.

Pool companies in your area are experts in knowing the best time to open your pool. Be sure to do some research to discover the benefits of hiring a local pool service expert. If you would like some added assistance in opening your swimming pool for the season, you can call upon one of our experts at Ultra Pool Care Squad. Our teams offer premium pool care services from skilled, trained, and experienced professionals who will keep your pool water clean and free of germs.

At Leisure Pools™, we have a few tips that will help you make a smooth transition from winterization to jumping into the pool.

The first step in opening your pool is to remove the cover. Exercise caution when doing this to avoid any damage to the cover or to the pool. If your pool has a winter cover or an automatic pool cover, begin the process by removing any standing water or debris that may have accumulated on the cover. Once the cover is free of debris, carefully remove it from the pool. It is important to clean and dry the cover completely before storing it away for the season. (Of course, if you have an automatic swimming pool cover, you just have to flip a switch whenever you want to open and close it!)

Once you have removed the pool cover, it’s time to clean and inspect the pool. First, grab a pool net to remove leaves and/or debris that may have gathered on the surface of the water. Next, clean the walls and floor of the swimming pool with a pool brush. Once you have cleaned your pool and have inspected it for any damage, such as chips or cracks in the fiberglass, you can continue the opening process. However, if you do notice any damage, make sure to have it repaired before you move on to the next step.

After you have cleaned and inspected the pool and have made any necessary repairs, it is time to add the water. Begin by first filling the pool to the midpoint of the skimmer opening. If your pool has an automatic water leveler, make sure it is turned off before you fill the pool. After you have filled the pool, turn the filter system on. This should run for at least one full day.

After you have let the filter system run for 24 hours, you can then test the water chemistry. Use a pool testing kit to check the water’s pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels. You may need to adjust the chemistry to ensure the pool water is balanced, safe, and healthy. Bear in mind you may have to adjust the chemistry several times during the first few weeks after you have opened the pool. You will need to continue testing and adjusting the water’s chemistry on a regular basis during this time.

Now that you have balanced the water chemistry, you can initiate the filtration and circulation systems. Turn on the pump and filter. Then, turn on the pool heater if you have one. It is a good idea to let the filtration and circulations systems operate for several hours a day to maintain clean and clear water.

Opening your fiberglass inground swimming pool for the season does require some planning and the ability to roll up your sleeves a bit. However, the end result is worth it. By following these simple steps, you can keep your pool safe, clean, and ready to use throughout the sun-filled, fun-filled months ahead. The work you do now will give you more time to enjoy a wonderful life of leisure in the summer.