6 Common Pool Opening Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Opening your swimming pool after a long winter can be an exciting time, but it’s important to approach the process with care and attention. Making mistakes during the pool opening process can lead to costly repairs or a prolonged delay in being able to enjoy your pool. That’s the last thing you want! Let’s go over some common pool opening blunders and how to fix them.

1. Not Removing the Cover Properly

One of the most common mistakes when opening a pool is not removing the cover properly. If you’re not careful, you could damage the cover beyond repair. The best way to avoid this is to have a friend or family member help you remove the cover. Make sure you fold it properly and store it in a dry place. If you have a mishap while removing the cover, you may be able to patch it. If not, you’ll need to invest in a replacement cover. 

2. Not Balancing the Water Chemistry

When you first open your pool, it’s important to balance the water chemistry. This means testing the water and adjusting the pH and chlorine levels as needed. If the water chemistry is not properly balanced, it can lead to algae growth, cloudy water, and even skin irritation. Invest in a reliable testing kit and high-quality chemicals and follow the instructions carefully. If you forgot to test and balance when opening your pool, you should do so immediately and keep swimmers out of the water until it’s been properly sanitized and balanced. Don’t forget that free water testing is available to you at our two convenient Fronheiser locations.

3. Not Cleaning the Pool Thoroughly

Another mistake people make is not cleaning the pool thoroughly when they open it. This includes removing any debris or leaves that may have accumulated over the winter, scrubbing the walls and floor of the pool, and cleaning the filter. If you don’t clean the pool properly, it can lead to clogged filters and poor water quality. If you skipped this step, you may just be in store for a more extensive cleaning and additional chemical balancing. 

4. Starting the Pump Too Soon After the Pool Opening

Starting the pump too soon is another common mistake people make when opening their pool. It’s important to top off your pool water and wait until the water level reaches the midpoint of the skimmer before turning on the pump. If you start the pump too soon and the water is not high enough, you can cause damage to the pump or the plumbing. If you accidentally start your pump too soon, switch it off and inspect for damage. 

5. Not Inspecting the Pool Equipment

Before you turn on the pump, it’s important to inspect the pool equipment, including the filter, pump, and heater. Look for any signs of damage or wear and tear and replace any parts that need it. This will help ensure that your pool operates smoothly and safely throughout the season. If you’ve made the mistake of not inspecting the pool equipment, take the time to do a run through now. This will help prevent costly issues later on.  Call on your friendly Fronheiser Pools’ technicians if you notice that something in your pool equipment is amiss.

6. Not Running the Pump Long Enough

It can be easy to forget how long your pool’s pump should be running. It’s important to run the pump for at least 8-10 hours a day to ensure that the water is properly circulated and filtered. If you don’t run the pump long enough, you may end up with cloudy or green water. And, if you’re dealing with less-than-clear pool water, you may need to have it professionally tested to determine the proper chemicals needed to return it to its crystal-clear glory. We are always available to offer expert assistance and advice on all your pool and water care issues.

Trust Fronheiser Pools for Your Professional Pool Opening

These common pool opening mistakes happen to most pool owners at some point. At Fronheiser Pools, we want to help make owning your pool easier than ever. Schedule your pool opening services today and let our professionals handle all of the guesswork for you. Soon, you’ll be enjoying the beauty of your favorite space at home.