Certified Pool and Spa Operator Tips – When Should I Open My Pool?
Even though summertime is still far off, pool owners may need to start thinking about seasonal pool opening. Many people have the misconception that you should only open up a pool once the weather is warm enough for swimming. This is simply untrue. Take it from a certified pool and spa operator, spring is actually an ideal time of year for seasonal pool opening.
When Is The Best Time?
Unfortunately, there is no concrete answer to when exactly you should open your pool. The optimal time varies from place to place, so keep an eye on the weather. The ideal time for pool opening is when temperatures consistently hit 70 degrees Fahrenheit. While it may still be too chilly to swim at that time, 70 degrees is about where algae start to thrive. The temperature and increased sunlight also bring with it allergens like pollen that can collect in the pool. The longer you leave your pool unopened and untreated, the harder it may be to get it clean when it is time to swim. We recommend not to open pools if temperatures are still freezing at any time during the day or not. Freezing temperatures can cause the water in the lines to freeze and thaw which can cause lines to crack and break.
Heated vs. Non-heated Pools
Another common misconception is that you should open heated pools way earlier than non-heated pools. Even though you can swim comfortably earlier on in a heated pool, snow and freezing temperatures can do a lot of damage to a swimming pool. If you open prematurely and one last freeze of the season comes through, you could run into some issues.
Monitoring The Weather
Keeping a close eye on the weather report is the best method for determining when to open your pool. You need to be sure that temperatures are consistently warm and you aren’t just in the middle of an abnormally warm week. You do not want to open your pool after a few days of warm weather only to find a snowstorm right around the corner. It helps to look up the average temperature in your area to determine if the weather is just a warm spell.
Why Timing Matters
Opening a pool is not just a matter of being able to swim or not, there are other reasons why timing matters. The first of which is money. Failing to open a pool at the right time will require more cleaning and maintenance before the pool can be used. This will cost you money in extra pool chemicals and service fees if you do not operate the pool yourself. Even if you do open the pool yourself, the extra time cleaning could be better spent elsewhere. Timing also matters when it comes to the aesthetics of your yard or swimming facility. A sparkling swimming pool is easier on the eyes than an unsightly pool cover. Finally, timing matters because you will actually get to use your pool. Once a pool is opened and the initial cleaning has taken place, you need to wait at least three weeks before actually using it. This helps ensure that the water is clean and safe to swim in.
Certified Pool and Spa Operator Service
Are you getting ready to open up your pool for the season? The professionals at Pool Operation Management are trained and certified to inspect and close both residential and commercial pools. If you would like to become a certified pool and spa operator, we also offer award-winning CPO certification courses to teach you how to close a pool properly. Don’t feel like going through the hassle of opening your pool by yourself this year? contact us and we will take care of the rest.
