May is Ready for Pools
You know the saying, April Showers, bring May swimming pools! Ok, that may not be the saying but that is what we say around here. May is pool opening month for us. This is when the bulk of our pools open up. Why is that?
MAY IS IN BLOOM
Ah, we know the saying, April Showers, bring May flowers. Ideally, we hope that the April showers will have released all the pollen from the trees so that by the time May comes in doesn’t get into the pools. However, that is not always the case. Pollen is organic matter that can easily consume your sanitizer causing water to become dull and algae to bloom. So, what to do if the pollen hasn’t dropped yet? Brushing the tile line to remove the pollen into the pool is the first step. Then, you want to remove as much pollen and organic debris as possible including petals, leaves, pollen, grass, bugs, etc. You will do this through skimming, vacuuming, and emptying baskets. You can consider using a clarifier to help the pollen bind to larger particles. It is essential to run the filter system to keep the water from becoming stagnant.
MAY TEMPERATURES ARE RISING
Here in the Northeast, we start to see consistent temperatures in the upper 60’s and low 70’s which is a good temperature to open the pool. It is also when we don’t see freezing temperatures in the forecast. In May, we don’t tend to see drastic temperature swings where one day it’s 70 degrees and the next day it’s 40 degrees. When you have those drastic temperature changes, it increases evaporation rates so with more consistent temperatures in May it means less evaporation.
MAY BEGINS FUN IN THE SUN
May brings the unofficial start of summer with Memorial Day and a three-day weekend. What better time to get into the pool. Now remember, if your pool does not have a heater, water temperatures may be less than comfortable. Industry standard says that recreational swimming water temperatures are typically between 77 and 82 degrees. The National Center for Cold Water Safety says that anything colder can affect your ability to breathe. But, if your pool is not that warm, you can still enjoy the day poolside taking in the relaxation that water often brings to people.
MAY WE BE OF ASSISTANCE?
Not ready to open in May, that’s great! Opening the pool in June is a great idea! This is when the school year ends ensuring that your pool will get the usage it deserves. People start to take more vacations in June giving you more swim days. And of course, June brings the official start of summer on June 20th. So, whenever is a good time for you to open the pool, let us know!
