Spring is coming!
While it may seem like it will be forever until our Canadian winter subsides and the warm weather returns, it will be here before you know it.
So, in that spirit, let’s start moving your thoughts toward pool opening tips, suggestions and things to avoid.
The first question we are often asked at Hollandia is, when is it warm enough to open my pool?
While each geographic region will have its own ideal time frame/ season, here in London Ontario, we typically see people opening their pool in May. Some may open sooner, say in late March or April.
Having said that, you probably don’t want the pool open for too long before the weather warms up unless you are going to keep the pool balanced and running regularly.
Keep in mind that water without chlorine can start growing algae as soon as it reaches temperatures of around 60°F, so it is probably better to open a little early rather than a little late.
There are a number of steps to having a smooth pool opening.
- Clean the pool cover BEFORE opening it. Remove all, or as much of the debris, leaves and muck before pulling the cover back. This helps reduce how much of that nasty stuff goes into your pool. Removing it before it gets into your pool is much easier than removing it after it gets into your water. Debris and dirt that accumulated over the winter can cause problems if not removed before starting up the pool.
- Once the cover is off, it’s time to scrub. Sweep/brush all the walls and the floor to loosen and dislodge as much of the silt, dirt etc.
- Check your water level and add some if required. If your water level isn’t at the middle of your skimmer opening, adjust accordingly. Higher water levels are usually observed upon opening.
* The initial vacuum should be done on waste (if you have a sand filter) to avoid getting the filters clogged. This will also naturally bring the water level down. *
- Now it’s time to check chemical levels. Get your pH between 7.4 and 7.6 and alkalinity between 80 and 120 ppm (parts per million) for concrete pools and 125-140 for vinyl. Remember, Hollandia Pools will happily test your pool water if you like. Often, how well you balance your pool at the outset will determine how manageable your pool is throughout the rest of the season, and on top of this it can be potentially dangerous for swimmers in unbalanced pools.
- Install jet returns, ladders, slides, etc.
- Reconnect your pump, add cartridges if you have a cartridge filter, turn on the power to your filter etc. Turn the pump and filter on and begin your initial vacuum. If you have a cartridge filter and have a filter bypass, be sure to have that open. For sand filters, vacuum on waste. Add your opening chemicals and then let the pool circulate for 48 hours. Check pump basket and skimmer basket regularly for debris and empty as necessary.
- Test the water a final time (and adjust accordingly if required).
- Once the water is balanced and the pool is clean, in you go!
Be sure to clean and properly store your winter cover to ensure it is in good condition for closing season.
If you have any questions by all means reach out to Hollandia Pools. Alternatively, if you are looking to have a company like Hollandia open your pool for you, best to book sooner rather than later since bookings fill fast and most people want their pool opened around the same time.
