It’s Spring, time to clean up the yard and open the swimming pool! Your family and friends spend hours in the pool every season, so it’s time to get out the pool tools and get busy.

Before you get started, though, remember there is more to it than simply taking the pool cover off and turning on the pump. Even if you’ve been doing this for years, there are some additional things to keep in mind each spring at the start of pool season. In this article, we break down some common pool opening mistakes that pool owners often make.

Spring Pool Opening Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding these common mistakes will allow you to open your swimming pool as easily and effectively as possible. Pay attention to details now and spend the money on quality materials and chemicals so you can avoid some of these pool-opening mistakes:

Not Cleaning the Pool Deck and the Pool Cover

There’s more to cleaning the pool; you will also need to pay attention to the pool’s perimeter. The deck and pool cover can accumulate debris, dirt, and grime over the colder months while the pool is closed and the area isn’t being used. You can keep this material out of the water if you clean it up before uncovering the pool and proceeding with the rest of the tasks.

Not Raising Water Levels As Soon As Possible 

Once it’s time to uncover the pool, start refilling the pool while you work. The whole process of refilling a pool takes quite a while, so begin while you’re working on other tasks. Remember, it’s not necessary to totally fill the pool, just enough to almost reach the skimmer.

Forgetting to Pull All the Plugs

There are many of them, so do this systematically. There are plugs in the skimmer, the returns, the jets, the cleaner line, and all the plumbing lines. Forgetting a plug can lead to damage to the plumbing system. You can help yourself each winter by making a list of all the plugs when you close the pool. Then refer to the list in the spring.

Failing to Open All the Valves

Pool circulation keeps the swimming pool water clean and safe. For example, all dirt and debris travels through the filter and are removed. Water flows through the heater to be warmed before going back into the pool. All this water goes through pipes and the valves control the direction of the water flow through the pipes into various pool equipment.

The valves have to be re-opened when everything is put back into action in the spring. If you forget, your pool system can quickly be damaged. Add this to your list of pool to-dos in the winter so you can use it in the spring.

Neglecting Filter Details

Don’t turn the pump back on until you put the drain plug or cap and the pressure gauge into place. Tighten the filter tank clamp completely and make sure it completely covers both tank halves. Then switch the pool filter system from Winterize to Filter and turn it on. Make sure water is flowing through the pump. If it isn’t, you probably will need to prime the pump. Then, let your filter and pump run for 12 to 24 hours. In the meantime, you can sweep and vacuum debris out of your pool.

Not Understanding How To Add Pool Chemicals Properly

No, you don’t add all the chemicals into your pool at once! It’s tempting to cut corners in the interest of time but add them gradually. Here are some guidelines when it comes to adding chemicals to open your pool:

• Day 1: Adjust the water balance and shock the pool.
• Day 2: Add clarifier.
• Day 3: Add the stain and scale treatment.
• Day 4: Add algaecide.

Test the water several times during the first opening week, and make additional adjustments as necessary. All of this illustrates that the entire process of opening your pool won’t be accomplished in one day.

Neglecting to Adjust the Total Alkalinity and pH First

This is one of the biggest pool-opening mistakes. The pH and total alkalinity must be balanced. Keep in mind that the pool shock will work most effectively if you have the pH a little on the low side. 

Not Vacuuming to the Waste Setting

If you don’t vacuum the pool using the “waste” setting, you’ll send the algae and other debris into the pool filter rather than the backwash line. Use a multiport valve or install a 3-way valve between the pump and the filter.

Ignoring Cyanuric Acid Levels and Calcium Hardness

Cyanuric Acid is also known as a stabilizer or conditioner. Even if you have balanced the pH and total alkalinity levels, your pool water quality will suffer without the proper levels of Cyanuric Acid (CYA). One treatment when you open your pool in the spring is usually all that’s needed if the CYA level is low. If levels are too high, use Bio-Active CYA Reducer.

Forgetting to Add Chlorine to Your Chlorinator

Amid all these tasks, it’s easy to forget the chlorine. Put the right amount of chlorine into your floater or feeder and test it frequently for the first couple of weeks when your pool is open. Chlorine levels can dip quickly, so don’t give algae a chance to bloom. Stay on top of this task!

Neglecting to Set the Time Clock on Your Timers

Much of the equipment in your pool is probably set on a timer, like the pool pump, for example. This saves you a lot of work during the season, but don’t forget to take into account what time zone you’re in. If your area observes Daylight Savings Time, you will need to reset the pool pump.

Spring Pool Opening Mistakes Can Cost You! 

With warmer weather already here in some parts of the country, it’s time to prepare for the opening of your pool. It’s a multi-step project, and it’s easy to forget some of the tasks unless you have a system in place or some assistance. It is tempting to rush through the process but inevitably you will pay more in time and money later if you do.

Here at Pool School Videos, we can help with all the details within each step as well as pool opening troubleshooting when you need it. As you dive into the world of pool maintenance, trust Pool School Videos to be your partner in this journey. By following our expert advice, you can reopen your pool with confidence and keep it sparkling all season long.

Pool professional Mike Steele, aka “The Pool Doctor,” brings his expertise to you through Pool School Videos. Mike has over 30 years of experience keeping pools sparkling clean, and he is passionate about making pool care effortless for you. Our 20 in-depth, self-paced videos give you the exact, step-by-step instructions you need, all available today for an affordable one-time fee. 

After you buy the video series, you will also become a member of our private Facebook group that provides personalized guidance. Simply post your pool-related questions and Mike will answer them within 24 hours. 

Get started today with the help of Pool School Videos!