FREE CHECKLIST: 5 Things To Do Before You Open Your Swimming Pool
It’s officially spring! The weather is warming up and we’re all itching to get outside and open our pools. Not so fast! Preparation is key to a successful swimming pool opening. Slow down, plan ahead, and check out these tips to help ensure a safe, easy, and successful above ground pool opening this year.
Clean up your backyard, with a special focus on the area around your above ground pool.
There’s no better way to start your summer pool season than with everything cleaned up and organized.! Before you ever even start the swimming pool opening process, take some time to clean up your patio and backyard.
- Remove leaves, branches, stones, and other debris and tripping hazards that could cause injury or damage your pool liner during the pool opening process.
- Do any landscaping, including planting and tree trimming, beforehand to prevent dirt and debris from getting in your pool after it’s opened.
- Note any power lines, pipes, and wires buried in your yard.
- Check for bugs, rodents, and other pests that may have found their way in and around your backyard and pool area. It’s best to handle pests now before you’re spending a lot of time around your pool.
- Sanitize your deck, patio furniture, and accessories area to make sure everything is as germ-free and sanitary as possible for your family.
Check your pool chemicals.
It’s a good idea to check all your pool chemicals before opening your pool for the season. Make sure you have everything on hand and that none of the chemicals are expired or contaminated
Here are the chemicals you may need for your pool this summer…
- Chlorine — generally sold as tablets or granules
- Bromine — an alternative to chlorine for sanitation
- Biguanide — another chlorine alternative; Baquacil is a popular brand
- Pool shock
- pH Increaser
- pH Decreaser
- Alkalinity Increaser
- Muriatic acid
- Calcium Hardness Increaser
- Flocculent
- Water clarifier
- Algaecide
You’ll also want to pull your personal protective equipment (such as gloves and goggles) out of storage so you’re ready to go throughout the summer. While you’re at it, take some time to review labels and proper handling instructions so you start the summer off on a safe note.
Watch the weather.
“When can I open my pool?” “When is the best time to open my swimming pool?” “What month should you open your pool?” “When is the right time to open your pool?” We get these questions and so many more every spring! We get that people are anxious to spend time outdoors soaking up the sunshine after a long winter inside, and we’re happy to help you determine the right time to open your pool!
Of course, the right time to open your pool depends on where you live. Generally, when temperatures are consistently above 70 degrees during the day, it’s time to open your pool. Watch the forecast and plan to open your pool on a mild, sunny day — no rain and not too hot.
Enlist a friend or family member to help.
Opening your above ground pool will be a much smoother process when you have an extra set of hands. Since most people can’t drop everything to come and help you open your pool at the first sign of warm weather, it’s best to coordinate with a friend or family member early on. That way, you both have it on your calendar and won’t have to delay or rush through the process.
Stock up on necessary pool parts and accessories.
If winter took a toll on your pool liner, filter system, or pump, you don’t want to wait to order replacements. The same goes for ordering that fun new pool float or game that you wanted. The sooner you order, the better, for two main reasons. Once the weather warms up, more people are opening and using their pools. That means products quickly go out of stock or on backorder.
