Are You Properly Opening Your Pool?

Spring is in full bloom and summer is just around the corner. Given the warm weather, it’s likely you’ve already opened your pool for the summer season. However, how confident are you that you’ve been doing it correctly? At Bella Pools by Design Pools & Spas, we’ve known pool owners to be so excited after getting their new pool installed and inviting guests over to jump in that they forget that a pool is also like a machine that needs regular maintenance. While pools are a fun summer staple, we highly recommend looking at what’s involved in taking care of a pool before an installation to avoid a commitment you’re not prepared for. If you already own a pool, it’s essential to be knowledgeable about what your pool really needs to operate properly to avoid costly or inconvenient issues with its function or appearance. One important aspect of pool maintenance is prepping it for seasonal changes, particularly ahead of summer and winter. That’s why we’re laying out just how to open and close your pool like a professional so it stays clean and uncontaminated for your and your family year-round.

Opening Your Pool

The best time to open your pool is early spring because you’ll want to begin balancing your water ahead of hot weather to prevent algae growth.

Generally, you should do the following when opening your pool for summer:

• Remove and clean the pool cover. Store it only after it’s completely dried to prevent mildew.
• Reinstall the pump, filter, ladders, diving board, etc.
• Remove plugs and replace return outlet fittings.
• Refill the pool to normal water level.
• Restore the circuit breakers, switches, and time clock trippers to normal operation positions.
• Engage the circulation system and clean the pool. Run the system until the water is completely clear.
• Balance the water chemistry and monitor levels until they stabilize. Make sure your chemicals are up to date.

Closing Your Pool

Be sure to closer your pool properly in the fall before weather turns cooler to ensure an easy and optimal opening the following spring. To close a pool properly, you should:

• Remove your diving board, ladders, rails, safety ropes, eye ball fittings, skimmer baskets, and other items in and around the pool perimeter, except for the filtering equipment.
• Clean the pool thoroughly, all of it.
• Test to make sure your pool water is properly balanced. The pH should be between 7.4 and 7.6, and the alkalinity needs to be between 100 ppm and 150 ppm.
• Once the water is clean and balanced, add your winter chemicals. Be sure to check the directions if you buy a chemical kit and follow them closely.
• Backwash and clean the filter and pump. Make sure the filter and pump are clean. After backwashing, remove any debris in the pump basket.
• Blow out the lines. Doing a thorough job of this is essential to ensuring that your pipes don’t crack underground during winter.
• Put on the winter cover. Make sure there are no rips or tears. Secure with water tubes.

We hope these tips help you keep your pool looking and performing at its best all year long. For questions or help opening your pool this summer, give Bella Pools by Design a call! We’re always happy to help.