Keep reading to learn everything you need to know for a perfect pool opening!
Total Tech Pools Oakville is your local pool store, offering expert advice and everything you need for the perfect pool experience. Shop pool supplies like pool chemicals online or in store, and contact us to book your pool opening service now, before we become fully booked!
Get All Your Questions About Pool Openings Answered with the Total Tech Pool Opening Checklist & FAQ.
THE TOTAL TECH POOL OPENING CHECKLIST
Below is a basic pool opening checklist to help guide you through the steps needed to open a pool. If you require additional help, or simply don’t want to undertake your pool opening on your own, contact us about our pool opening services.
- Clean the pool area and remove debris from the pool cover.
- Remove the pool cover, clean it, and store it.
- Remove winterizing plugs and install jets, fixtures, etc.
- Install ladders, lights, diving boards, and any other items removed at closing.
- Reassemble pool equipment, ensuring all plugs are installed with proper gaskets if required.
- Refill the pool to operating level.
- Prime and start the pool pump, ensuring all valves are in the correct position.
- Super chlorinate pool.
- Test the water 48 hours later and add more chemicals as needed.
- Enjoy your pool!
Learn More About Pool Openings
Pool Opening FAQ
When should I open my pool in Ontario?
Most pool owners open their pools from mid-April to late May. Some, especially pools with safety covers, can be opened earlier, weather dependent. If you have a safety cover it is advisable to open early to minimize the chance of a green pool. Pools can be opened as soon as they are thawed, and the weather is consistently warmer. With variable speed pumps, it is very inexpensive to operate pools as chemical usage is minimal and it is unlikely you will be heating the pool unless you are using it. An open pool is more aesthetically pleasing.
If you are planning an event involving the pool or backyard, be sure to open the pool at least two weeks prior, as pools can take time to clear up and may need additional services in some cases.
How do I open my pool for the season?
This is a more complex procedure, and most pool companies will offer seminars or more detailed instructions. Refer to our pool opening checklist for the basic pool opening steps, and visit our pool opening page for more information.
What pool chemicals do I need to open my pool?
This will largely depend on the condition of the water. Typically, a high-quality chlorine shock and a stain and scale control is needed. It is important to have your water professionally tested 48 hours after turning the pump on in order to determine any additional needs.
How long does it take to open a pool?
Most pool owners do not have the heavy-duty equipment used by pool companies and typically will open their pool over a couple of days, depending on the type of cover and complexity of their system. Pool companies will, on average, take a couple of hours, with some exceptions.
Can I open my pool myself, or should I hire a professional?
You can open your own pool, provided you follow proper procedures. Many pool companies offer pool opening seminars, which can be helpful. Of course, hiring a professional takes the load off you and ensures the pool is opened properly. Additionally, a pool company can point out any potential issues and assist you in resolving them.
What should I do if my pool is green when I open it?
Opening a pool and discovering a green swamp can be disheartening, however, if treated properly, it can clear up easily. Bear in mind that this process can take longer in some instances depending on the amount of organic material in the water.
First, it is important to have the pool pump running and the water filtered. Physically remove any debris from the pool. This is best done by scooping with a pool leaf rake and vacuuming to waste. The less organic debris there is, the more effective the chlorine will be.
Next, it will require chlorine shock treatment and, in most cases, will need to be repeated several times. Chlorine demand must be met, but too much chlorine at once can damage pool surfaces.
It is recommended that you have the water tested 48 hours after system startup. You may need to use a clarifier and algaecide in some cases. Remember to clean your filter during and after this process as needed.
How do I remove a pool cover?
Safety covers are relatively easy to remove. Just clear any debris from the surface and use the provided tool to remove it. This typically takes two people. Don’t forget to clean, grease, and screw down the grommets afterwards.
Lock-in covers and tarps (secured by waterbags) must have all water and debris removed prior to removal. Lock-in covers normally have a locking strip installed, which must first be removed. Then the cover can be removed by pulling it up and out of the coping track. It is best to fold it inward, creating a “boat” so it will float, and then pull it off the pool. Tarp and waterbag covers are similar, except you need to drain and remove the waterbags instead.
Don’t forget to clean your cover! Vinyl covers must be stored in water and algaecide over the summer to prevent shrinkage.
What should I do if my pool has a leak when I open it?
When you remove a pool cover, it is not uncommon for water levels to be lower than they were when closing the pool. This could be, in the case of tarps or lock in covers, the result of a hole in the cover. While pumping water off the cover, you would also be removing water from the pool in this situation. In some cases, if the pool has overflowed during the winter, the level will appear lower once the cover has been drained.
If you still suspect a leak, visually inspect the pool, including the liner and stairs, for any obvious cause. If you don’t notice an obvious leak, it will likely be necessary to fill and clean the pool before performing leak detection diagnostics. A pool company can advise you of this process and recommend a course on action. If the pool liner has reached the end of its life, it may be prudent to replace the liner at this time rather than go through all the costs and procedures only to replace it anyway.
How do I clean my pool after the winter?
Scoop any larger debris out with a pool leaf rake and then clean it as you would during the season. If using a robotic cleaner, be aware that they don’t perform as well in cold water. Additionally, do not use an automatic cleaner with high chlorine levels.
How long do you have to wait to go in a pool after it opens?
Once the pool is clean and chemically balanced, it is swimmable. The time this takes can vary depending on the condition of the water. Make sure to have it professionally tested first before use.
Enjoy Your Pool All Season Without Any of The Extensive Maintenance with a Pool Maintenance Package from Total Tech Pools
Ensure your pool opening and closing needs are met with Total Tech Pools! We offer offers various weekly pool maintenance packages for inground pools, above-ground pools, and on-ground pools to keep it clean and ready to use all season long. Visit our pool maintenance page to learn more about these packages that include weekly cleaning, and chemical and equipment checks, and contact us to purchase these services.
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