How To Open Your Pool or Spa For The Season

Owning a pool is a convenient and desirable addition to any home, offering endless opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and entertainment. With a pool in your backyard, you have the flexibility to swim whenever you want, without worrying about limited pool hours or crowded public pools. Pool ownership not only provides a way to stay active and cool off, but it also adds value to your home and offers a beautiful outdoor living space for hosting gatherings and spending time with loved ones. With a pool, you have the ultimate backyard amenity that provides the convenience and enjoyment of a summer oasis right at your fingertips.

With the swimming weather fast approaching, opening a pool for the season correctly is crucial for ensuring the safety, cleanliness, and longevity of your pool. Properly opening a pool involves several important steps in a particular order to make the process a breeze and not cause any unnecessary hassle and that you and your family can safely and enjoyably swim in it. Additionally, taking the time to properly open your pool can help extend its lifespan, reduce maintenance requirements, and minimize the need for costly repairs.

Steps For A Successful Pool Opening:

1. Clean the cover: Before removing the cover, it's important to clean it to prevent dirt and debris from entering the pool or spa. Use a pool cover cleaner or mild soap and water to clean the cover, and let it dry completely before removal.  The more time spent in this step means less time vacuuming or the chance of algae taking hold.

2. Check the water level: Make sure the water level is at the appropriate height for your pool, which is typically halfway up the skimmer opening. If the water level is too low, use a hose to fill the pool to the correct level.

3. Remove the winterizing plugs: If your pool has winterizing plugs, remove them from the skimmer, return jets, and pump before starting the circulation system.

4. Inspect the equipment: Check the pool's pump, filter, and heater to ensure they are in good working order. Make any necessary repairs or replacements before starting the circulation system.

5. Connect the hoses: Connect the hoses to the pool's pump, filter, and heater, and ensure they are tightened and secure.

6. Start the circulation system: Turn on the pump and let it run for several hours to circulate the water and remove any debris that has accumulated over the winter.

7. Test the water: Once the circulation system has been running for several hours, test the water to determine the chemical levels and make any necessary adjustments.

Opening Your Spa For The Season

While opening a spa is similar in theory to a pool, the water temperature and how spas are used throughout the year can mean the steps are a little different.  With the tendency for warmer weather overall in Alabama, many spas see year round usage though some choose to close theirs for the season.  If this is your situation, follow these steps when waking yours up from it’s winter slumber to begin enjoying it again.