Don’t Make These 11 Pool Opening Mistakes

Don't Make These 11 Pool Opening Mistakes

In the spirit of National Pool Opening Day… watch out for these common mistakes. In this article, we look at 11 pool opening mistakes that hit even seasoned pool owners.

As always, if you ever have any questions, contact us today—we’d love to help!

Are you ready to peel back your swimming pool cover and get started? Grab your tools and your chemicals, and let’s go!

#1: Forgetting to Clean Your Pool Deck

This might seem like it has nothing to do with your pool, but it does. You want to start your cleaning session with your pool deck area.

Clean off all the dirt and grime with either your hose and spray nozzle or a power washer.

Why do this first? This helps keep all the dirt and grime on your patio out of the pool!

#2: Missing the Pool Cover

Some pool owners forget to clean their pool covers before removing them. Why is this important? Well, you don’t want to get all the leaves, dirt, and grime in the pool as you roll back your cover. That just means extra work for you.

So, before you take your pool cover off, use a leaf blower to clean off the layer of dirt and leaves. Then, you can use your hose to clean off any dirt.

Be sure to clean and dry your cover before stowing it away to avoid mold and mildew.

#3: Not Checking Water Levels

Another common mistake pool owners make is not checking their water levels. Oftentimes, your water level is lower when you remove your cover. You do want to refill your pool water level.

This can take some time, so be sure to plan for it. Not sure how full it should be? Call or text us!

#4: Not Checking Your Anchors

If you have a safety cover with anchors, you don’t want to forget to attend to them. Why? No one wants to stub their toe on one. Check the perimeter of your pool and turn down the anchors so no one gets hurt.

Double-check yourself to avoid any issues.

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#5: Forgetting the Winterizing Plugs

Many pool owners have started their pump and filter only to find they forgot to pull their winterizing plugs. This is not good, as it can damage their plumbing.

Make sure you get them from your skimmer, returns, spa jets, and any other plumbing lines.

#6: Missing All the Valves

Don’t make this pool opening mistake, or you may damage your pool or yourself. You want to ensure all your valves are open so your pool pump can actually work.

#7: Not Running Your Filter Long Enough

Make sure you don’t make this mistake. Run your filter 24/7 until your water is clear and clean. It won’t hurt your pool and will help save you money on chemicals and pool cleaning. Consider doing this for a few days after you open your pool, as long as your water chemistry levels are good.

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#8: Neglecting Your Chemicals

It’s not a good idea to take the cover off your pool and jump in. First, you should bring us a water test kit so we can run it through our free ALEX system. We can then tell you just what your pool needs.

You absolutely must take care of your water chemistry.

  • Balance your pH and total alkalinity.
  • Check your levels of Cyanuric Acid (CYA). This is your water stabilizer.
  • Adjust your calcium hardness.

Once you have balanced your water (pH, alkalinity, calcium, and Cyanuric levels), you should gradually add the rest of your chemicals. Attend to the following and please ask us for advice on when and how to add the.

  • Adjust your water balance and shock your pool.
  • Add your clarifier.
  • Use a stain and scale treatment.
  • Add algicide.

Shock first, then add other chemicals. Test your pool every week during the season at least one time.

#9: Forgetting to Brush the Pool

Your pool has been “asleep” for a while, so you want to vacuum your pool and brush the tile, walls, floors, and steps. Consider it spring cleaning.

This also helps get everything moving for a crystal clear pool.

#10: Missing the Time Clock

Daylight Saving Time occurs in the fall and winter, so make sure that you reset your pump clock.

This will keep you and your pool in the same time zone.

#11: Not Having Fun on Day One

You’ve worked hard to open your pool. So, don’t make this common mistake of going back into your house and sitting down in front of the television!

Grab your suit and jump in! This might be alone to enjoy your handiwork, or it might be with your family to celebrate the first swim of the season! Either way…just get in!

Have questions? Call, text, or stop by today!

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