Pool Opening Season Has Begun!
The sun is high and the water is warm, but your pool isn’t quite ready for swimmers yet. It’s been a long winter and the weather can have an adverse affect on pool safety. The pool may have cracks and leaks, requiring it to be refinished. The deck may be dangerously worn. And the pumps may not work.
The sun is high and the water is warm, but your pool isn’t quite ready for swimmers yet. It’s been a long winter and the weather can have an adverse affect on pool safety. The pool may have cracks and leaks, requiring it to be refinished. The deck may be dangerously worn. And the pumps may not work.
There are several steps every owner should take prior to an official pool opening to ensure that everything is maintained and safe for a summer of pool enjoyment!
Tips and Safety Checks for a Pool Opening
Though opening a private pool is different from opening a public pool, there are a set of basic tips and safety checks that should be practiced and adhered to by every pool owner.
Though opening a private pool is different from opening a public pool, there are a set of basic tips and safety checks that should be practiced and adhered to by every pool owner.
- Remove the Cover – If you have a pool cover, it may have accumulated water or debris over the winter. To remove it, first use a pump to drain off the excess moisture. Then, use two people to carefully lift the cover so that any remaining debris doesn’t fall into the pool. Lay the cover out flat to dry, then sprinkle with talcum powder to remove any remaining moisture and prevent mold or mildew.
During the pool opening, fold up and store the cover.
- Reconnect Equipment – You should have disconnected running equipment during the winter. Now is the time to reconnect components like the pump, heater, and filter.
- Replace Drain Plugs – Did you use winterized plugs over the colder months? Replace them with normal drain plugs that will allow the pool to run efficiently.
- Brush and Vacuum – Brushing and vacuuming your pool removes excess dirt, metal staining, algae, and bacteria so that from pool opening to closing, your pool stays clean and healthy.
- Use Algaecide – Give your pool a dose of a chemical product that will keep further algae and bacteria from growing. (You might do this again during the pool season.)
- Test the Water – Water quality is important to maintain for the longevity of the pool after its opening as well as the health of the swimmers. Allow the water to circulate for 24 hours before testing. Use a test strip or kit to test for safe pH, alkalinity, chlorine, calcium hardness, and Cyanuric acid levels:
- pH Level – 7.4 to 7.6
- Total Alkalinity – 80 to 120 ppm
- Chlorine – 2.0 to 4.0 ppm
- Calcium Hardness – 200 to 400 ppm
- Cyanuric Acid – 30 to 50 ppm
- Add Chemicals – As needed, bring your chemical levels to the appropriate ranges listed above.
- Inspect Surrounding – Is the pool deck clean and level? Is your perimeter gate or fence stable? Think like a child as you make the final inspection, noting any ways to sneak into the pool area or any elements that could pose a danger.
Insurance for a Pool Opening
Your pool is officially opening! But before it does, double-check your business insurance or home insurance to verify that you are covered in the case of an accident.
Questions? Call Higgins Insurance at 1-866-273-2911.