Owning a swimming pool offers a refreshing escape during the warm summer months. However, to ensure your pool remains in optimal condition, it’s crucial to properly open it at the start of the season and close it as temperatures drop. This comprehensive guide delves into the essentials of pool opening and closing highlighting best practices, local considerations, and professional services available to assist you.
Understanding Climate and Its Impact on Pool Maintenance
Kelowna and Calgary experience a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. These seasonal variations significantly influence pool maintenance routines:
- Spring and Summer: Temperatures can soar, making pools a popular retreat. Proper opening procedures ensure the water remains clean and safe for use.
- Fall and Winter: With temperatures often dropping below freezing, closing your pool correctly is vital to prevent damage from ice and snow.
Pool Opening: Welcoming the Swimming Season
Preparing your pool for the summer involves several critical steps:
Timing Your Pool Opening
It’s advisable to open your pool when daytime temperatures consistently stay above 21°C (70°F). This typically occurs in late April or early May.
Removing and Storing the Pool Cover
Carefully remove the winter cover, ensuring that debris doesn’t fall into the pool. Clean, dry, and store the cover in a cool, dry place to prevent mold and mildew.
Reinstalling Pool Equipment
Reattach ladders, handrails, diving boards, and other accessories. Ensure all equipment is securely fastened and in good condition.
Inspecting and Reconnecting the Filtration System
Examine the pump, filter, and heater for any signs of wear or damage. Clean or replace filters as needed, and ensure all connections are secure before restarting the system.
Refilling and Circulating Water
If the water level has dropped, refill the pool to the appropriate level. Start the pump to circulate the water, which helps in distributing chemicals evenly.
Balancing Water Chemistry
Test the water for pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels. Adjust these parameters to meet the recommended ranges:
pH: 7.2–7.6
Total Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
Chlorine: 1–3 ppm
Proper chemical balance ensures water clarity and prevents equipment corrosion.
Shocking the Pool
Add a chlorine shock treatment to eliminate any contaminants accumulated during the off-season. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dosage and allow the water to circulate for at least 24 hours before swimming.
Final Cleaning
Vacuum the pool floor, brush the walls, and skim the surface to remove any remaining debris. Regular maintenance from this point forward will keep your pool in top condition throughout the season.
Pool Closing: Preparing for the Off-Season
Properly closing your pool protects it from winter damage and simplifies the reopening process in spring:
Determining the Right Time to Close
Wait until the water temperature consistently falls below 15°C (59°F) before closing your pool. In Kelowna, this usually happens in late September or early October. Closing too early can promote algae growth, while closing too late risks freeze damage.
Balancing Water Chemistry
Adjust the water chemistry to recommended levels. Adding a winterizing algaecide can further prevent algae growth during the off-season.
Lowering the Water Level
Drain the pool water to about 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) below the skimmer opening. This prevents water from entering the skimmer and freezing, which could cause damage.
Draining and Protecting Equipment
Completely drain water from the pump, filter, heater, and any other equipment. Remove drain plugs and store them in a safe place. If applicable, lubricate O-rings and gaskets to prevent them from drying out.
Blowing Out and Plugging Plumbing Lines
Use an air compressor to blow out water from all plumbing lines, including skimmers, returns, and drains. Insert expansion plugs to prevent water from re-entering and freezing inside the pipes.
Removing and Storing Accessories
Detach ladders, handrails, and other removable accessories. Clean and store them in a dry, sheltered location to prevent weather-related damage.
Covering the Pool
Install a sturdy, well-fitted winter cover to keep debris out and protect the pool structure. Ensure the cover is secure to withstand winter winds and snow loads.
Benefits of Hiring Professionals
Hiring professional pool services for opening and closing offers numerous benefits that go beyond simple convenience. Trained technicians bring valuable expertise, allowing them to handle a wide range of pool systems and proactively address potential issues before they become costly problems. Their efficiency saves you time, taking the guesswork and physical labor out of seasonal pool maintenance. Most importantly, entrusting your pool to professionals provides peace of mind—ensuring your pool is properly maintained, protected from weather-related damage, and ready for use when you need it.
Stress-Free Pool Service Opening and Closing
Whether you’re gearing up for a summer of fun or getting ready to tuck your pool away for the winter, professional pool service opening and closing is essential for protecting your investment and ensuring your pool stays in top condition year-round. With seasonal extremes—from sunny, hot summers to freezing winters—timing and technique are everything when it comes to preparing your pool.
By properly balancing your water chemistry, inspecting and maintaining equipment, and protecting your pool with the right seasonal procedures, you’ll extend the life of your pool and enjoy worry-free swimming when the warm weather returns. And if you’d rather skip the hassle of handling it all yourself, trusted professionals are just a call away.
For reliable and expert pool service opening and closing, Trevi Pools & Spas is your go-to local partner. With over 50 years of experience delivering high-quality pool and spa solutions, their team offers everything from equipment setup and water testing to full seasonal maintenance packages tailored to your needs. Trevi Pools & Spas ensures your pool is ready when you are—and protected when it’s not—so you can enjoy peace of mind no matter the season.
Don’t leave your pool’s condition to chance. Trust the professionals at Trevi Pools & Spas to handle your seasonal pool care with precision and care.
