Pool opening season is exciting… until it turns into a three-day battle with green water, equipment issues, and multiple trips to see us.
Every spring, we see a lot of the same problems pop up — and honestly, most of them are avoidable with a little preparation and patience. So, before you pull the cover off and dive into pool season, here are a few of the biggest mistakes we recommend avoiding:
Waiting Too Long to Open
We get it. Nobody wants to think about their pool when it’s still 55 degrees outside.
But waiting until the first heat wave to open is usually what leads to swampy green water and a much bigger cleanup process. Once the weather consistently warms up, algae loves to grow under that cover.
Opening earlier usually means:
- cleaner water
- less work
- fewer chemicals
- faster swim-ready results
Future you will be thankful.
Immediately Dumping in Every Chemical You Own
This is probably one of the biggest ones we see.
The water looks bad, so people panic and throw in algaecide, chlorine, clarifier, conditioner — basically the whole shelf — all at once hoping something works. Pool chemistry really doesn’t work like that.
Taking it step-by-step and actually testing the water first will save you a lot of frustration (and money. Sometimes adding too much too fast can actually make the water harder to clear. We recommend bringing your pool water in for a sample after your pool has been open and operational for about one week.
Forgetting to Check Equipment Before Turning It On
After sitting all winter, it’s always a good idea to give everything a quick once-over before firing it up.
Check:
- drain plugs
- pump lid o-rings
- valves
- hoses and fittings
- water level
We see a lot of avoidable issues every spring simply because something small got overlooked.
Ignoring the Filter
Your filter is basically doing all the hard work during pool opening season.
If it’s dirty or clogged, your pool is going to have a much harder time clearing up. Starting the season with a clean filter can make a huge difference in how quickly your water comes around.
If you have a DE filter and are unable to see to the bottom of your pool, we always recommend keeping it off until you can see it.
We’re Here If You Need Help
Whether your water is green, your pump is making a weird noise, or you just can’t remember what chemical goes in first — you’re definitely not alone. Pool opening season can feel overwhelming sometimes, but that’s what we’re here for! Stop by with a water sample, questions, or even just a picture of what’s going on. We’re always happy to help get you ready for summer!
Looking for a step-by-step opening guide?
Check out the guides linked below for both in-ground and above ground pools.