Tipton Pool contractors explain there is more to a pool opening than removing the winter cover

The swimming pool contractors from Tipton Pools, serving Knoxville, Tennessee explain there is much more to the proper opening of a swimming pool for the summer 2015 swim season than taking the cover off, cleaning the pool and turning the equipment back on. They also urge clients to contact them as soon as possible to get on the schedule for  pool opening so the pool can be ready for use when they are!

What do Tipton Pools contractors do for a pool opening? Here are the steps:

  1. Remove the cover, but prior to that he will remove as much debris from the cover as possible. Standing water on the cover will be pumped off to make certain none of the standing, dirty water falls into the pool. He will remove water bags and the cover, using stow-away to treat cover before storing to prevent mildew and odor. The cover should be stored in a cool, dry place so make certain you have space available once it is cleaned and pool opening dried.
  2. Leaves and debris will be removed from the skimmer, deck and the surface of the pool itself.
  3. All equipment will be reconnected including any hoses to the filter and pump and drain plugs will be replaced in the equipment. Water plugs will be removed from the returns and the skimmer and the pump strainer basket and skimmer baskets will be put back in place.
  4. Water will be added to raise the pool levels to the middle of the skimmer basket. Your pool contractor will also fill the pump strainer with water and will do a visual inspection to check for any leaks from broken pipes or plumbing that may have occurred over the winter months. He will check filter o-rings for wear and replace as necessary. The filter valve will be set to “waste” to remove any antifreeze from the lines.
  5. Accessories such as the diving board, ladder and other equipment will be re-installed.
  6. The next step is a thorough brushing, vacuuming and cleaning of the swimming pool. The tiles and water line will be cleaned with a surface cleaner and the filter will be chemically cleaned it if wasn’t done before the pool was winterized. 
  7. The pool pump will be run for 24 to 48 hours to circulate the water. After it’s circulated, he will take a water sample and test it. Chemicals will be added to bring the water into line –chemically speaking.
  8. Your contractor may recommend shocking the pool prior to using it for the season and he may also recommend it be shocked — super chlorinated during the summer as well, depending on how many people use the pool. Algaecide will be added to the pool as needed. 

A thorough and well-planned swimming pool opening will make for a smoother pool maintenance season ahead.