A pool in the backyard is a little piece of heaven you can enjoy whenever you like. It is a big investment, so it pays to look after it. Everyday cleaning is something most owners can handle, but opening and closing are bigger jobs, and many people prefer a professional pool opening service, because the pool has been sitting untouched for months.
While a pool is closed, the water can go stale and bacteria can grow. If algae and dirt build up, they can clog the filter and strain the pump and other equipment. A proper opening clears all of that before anyone swims.
Pool Opening Tips From Our Team
When summer arrives, clean the pool thoroughly before swimming. Dirty water can cause irritated eyes and skin reactions. These are the steps our team follows when opening a pool:
Remove the Pool Cover
Before you take the cover off, clear leaves, dirt and other debris from the top of it. Pump off any standing water with a cover pump. Remove the cover, clean it, let it dry completely, then fold it and store it for next season. It takes time, so if you would rather skip it, our team can handle the whole opening for you.
Top Off the Water Level
Expect the water to be a few inches low when you open. Some will have evaporated, and the water level was likely lowered on purpose when the pool was closed. Fill the pool back to its normal level, about halfway up the skimmer opening, before you balance the chemicals, so you only have to balance the water once.
Use a hose filter when you fill, so metals in the tap water do not get into the pool and cause stains. Keep an eye on the water level and its chemistry, and if you are unsure, leave it to the experts.
Skimming
The cover keeps most debris out, but some always gets in. Skim the surface with a leaf net to remove anything floating, then brush and vacuum.
Water Balance
Balanced water is what makes a pool safe and sparkling, and it is the most important step of the opening. Get it right at the start of the season and the rest of the summer is much easier. Test the water, adjust pH, alkalinity and calcium, then shock the pool. Our pool water balancing team can run the tests and add exactly what your pool needs.
Remove the Winterizing Plugs
When a pool is closed, the lines are blown out and winterizing plugs are put in to stop water freezing in the pipes. Remove them, reinstall the return fittings and skimmer baskets, and open the valves before starting the pump. If you are not sure how, call a professional, because forcing a stuck plug can damage the plumbing.
Final Words
Our pool opening service in Hoschton includes reinstalling ladders, starting the pump and heater, brushing the pool, cleaning the filter and adding the chemicals needed to balance the water. Book your opening with us, and keep your pool clear all season with our weekly pool maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to empty a pool to clean it?
No. Whether your pool is concrete, fiberglass or vinyl, it should stay full for cleaning. An empty pool is at greater risk of damage, so drain it only when there is no other option, and have a professional do it.
What happens if a pool has no chlorine?
Bacteria and algae grow quickly. That can lead to skin and ear infections, stomach illness and irritation. Keeping free chlorine between 1 and 3 ppm keeps the water safe, which is why regular water balancing matters.
Should you vacuum your pool when opening it?
Yes. Vacuuming removes the dirt and debris that settled on the floor over winter. It is quicker than brushing everything toward the drain and helps the water clear and stay balanced.
Need help with your pool in Hoschton or nearby? Call Clear Tec Pools at 678-679-0165 or book online.