What do pool owners need to do as they prepare to open their pool and get it ready for the upcoming season?
The most important thing is to open the pool up before it gets too hot. Once temperatures start staying in the high 70s, low 80s you want to open it because the pool water will start to turn green with the cover on. Once algae starts growing it makes the process for getting the pool ready more challenging. When the water is warming up and you are not circulating the water or treating it with chemicals, algae can start growing rapidly.
Step 1 – Once you get the cover off you want to take the gizzmos and plugs out of the pool and put your plugs back in the pump and filter area.
Step 2 – Get the water level halfway up in the skimmer and then turn your pump on and get it circulating and let it run 24 hours. This is a good time to go ahead and vacuum the pool.
Step 3 – After 24 hours of the Pool Water circulating, you can bring a water sample to Anchor Pools for us to test and get you straight on chemicals that you will need.
Step 4 – If you’re using chlorine in the pool, you’re going to need to balance your PH, alkalinity, calcium, and stabilizer. Once that is done you will need to shock the pool and put your chlorine tabs in the skimmer. The final addition will be your initial dose of algaecides.
How long do you need to allow before using the pool?
The depends on what kind of cover you have on the pool. If you have a solid cover, you’re ready to swim once you have the initial dose of chemicals. You can usually swim the next day. If you have a mesh cover usually the water is little green or dingy. It takes a little bit longer to clear up.
If the water’s still a little cool, are there things you can do to get the water a little warmer?
You can use a solar blanket, or I prefer a liquid solar cover, which is a liquid that you just pour in on a weekly basis to help heat the water up to 10 degrees.
When’s the best time to get your pool open?
It really depends on weather. Sometime between the middle of April and the middle of May depending on when our weather changes and temperatures are starting to reach the 70’s and 80’s.
Remember that it is a good idea to test your pool water every other week during the pool season for proper maintenance and water balance.
Visit Anchor Pools Today!
Anchor Pools wants to help you to have a great summer. As South Carolina’s premiere pool company, and with more than 40 years of experience in the industry, our service technicians are able to provide advice, perform repairs and maintenance for your pool. Visit our store shop online at www.anchorpoolsandspas.com/shop/pool-products.
