How difficult can it be to open your pool for the season on your own? You successfully maintain your pool on a regular basis, so what could be so complicated about a pool opening? Well, there are some things to consider that may make you think twice about taking the DIY approach to opening your pool in the spring. There are a few tasks that are indeed above and beyond what you may do during the course of your regular maintenance chores. On the other hand, it may be totally in your wheelhouse to tackle this job yourself. Pool opening: Professional vs. DIY. Let’s take a look.

Removing and Cleaning the Cover

Removing and cleaning the winter pool cover typically is difficult for one person to do on their own. Professionals may be better able to get the cover off without having the accumulated debris end up in the pool, which is a big plus.

Your pool cover needs to be cleaned and sanitized the cover before it is stored away. It is important for the life of your pool cover that it be stored properly in order to prevent mold and mildew from forming.

Replacing Accessories

Replacing pool accessories such as slides, hand railings, and stairs may be a task you can do on your own, or with the help of another person. On the other hand, your professional pool service team can make short work of the project.

Plugs and Skimmers

When a pool is closed for the winter, the return fittings and skimmer baskets were probably removed. Also, drain plugs from your filter system were taken out. Do you know how to put them back properly? Do you even remember where they are? Also, any winterizing plugs will need to be removed before starting up your pool equipment for the season.

Equipment Inspection

The pump, heater, and filtration systems must be cleaned and checked for leaks, drips, or malfunctioning parts. A professional pool service team is going to be experienced in doing this task. In addition, they can recommend and/or perform any repairs that are necessary.

Water Care

Do you know what the proper water level is for your pool? If so, using a garden hose to perform this task is an easy one.

In terms of balancing the chemicals correctly after the pool has been closed for the winter season, that can be more of a challenge. The total alkalinity, pH, calcium hardness, and chlorine levels must all be at the correct level. Shock and algaecide should be added to make sure any lingering contaminants are eliminated.

Your professional pool service technicians are experienced in this task and know how to get it right. Starting out the season knowing your water is in good shape is a big bonus.

Safety Equipment

At the beginning of the spring/summer pool season, it is a good idea to check out all your pool safety equipment. Is the self-latching gate working right, the pool alarm functioning, etc.? You may be able to make these inspections yourself.

With many household tasks, there are probably some, if not all, components you can attend to on your own. However, pool opening can be more of a challenge. Wrestling with removing and cleaning the pool cover, inspecting and reconnecting the pool equipment, and getting the chemical balance of the water just right may be more of a task that the average pool owner wants to tackle.

If that is the case, scheduling your annual spring pool opening with Aqua Pools may be your best option. Pool opening: Professional vs. DIY? Only you can make that call. Just remember, if you feel doing it yourself is daunting, you can call in the pros from Aqua Pools and know you and your pool are in good hands. We are also your resource for questions, products, and service all season long.