Why Are Pools Dirty After You Open Them?

When the pool cover comes off, it’s a sure sign that summer is on its way. After months of waiting, all you want to do is dive right in and enjoy the water. But after being covered for so long, your pool is often far from swim-ready, with dirt and debris having built up over time.

Aqua Leisure is here to share why you have dirt in the swimming pool when you open it and offer tips to fix it so you can enjoy the warm weather as soon as possible.

Why Do We Cover the Pool?

The main purpose of a pool cover is to protect the pool and save you money in the long run. There are many necessary reasons why you should cover your pool during the cold weather, including:

Preventing Debris from Entering the Pool

Leaves, twigs, and other outdoor debris can easily find their way into your pool if it is left uncovered. This not only makes for a dirty pool but can also clog filters and pumps. A pool cover helps to keep these unwanted objects out, reducing the amount of time and effort needed for maintenance.

Protecting the Pool from Extreme Weather

Harsh winter weather can cause damage to your pool’s structure, equipment, and water chemistry. By covering your pool, you can prevent this type of damage and avoid costly repairs.

Maintaining Water Levels

Evaporation is a common occurrence in pools, especially during the warmer months. A pool cover can help to slow down this process and keep your water levels stable, saving you both time and money on refilling.

While your pool is closed for the cold seasons, it’s also cutting down the cost of electricity. If you go without it uncovered during winter, the damage can cost you more money and time.

How Do Pools Get Dirty When Covered?

The big question is, how do we get dirty swimming pools despite them being covered? Shouldn’t that keep them mostly clean, too?

First-time pool owners commonly think that if the pool is covered, they will just have to reopen it to swim when the time comes. Unfortunately, that is not how it works.

Although it’s covered, all sorts of debris can still get inside and create a dirty and dusty pool. It can come from the sides, underneath, or sneak in during a heavy storm or high winds. This doesn’t even account for the dirty rainwater that will seep through your cover.

You also have to keep in mind that your pool will be closed for about 8-9 months. While your pool is closed, it is going untreated for months. The pH levels are off; the filter is clogged from dirt, bugs, and pollen sneaking underneath the cover, cracks from below-freezing temperatures, and algae growth.

Those problems are not difficult to fix and are less costly than if you left your pool uncovered in the winter, but they still happen.

Time To Take the Cover Off

Here are some tips you should take for your dirty pool before dipping and diving this summer:

1. Inspect the Dirty Pool

Before you even think about jumping in, take a look at your pool. Check the water levels, filter, and pH balance to ensure it’s safe for swimming. Make sure to clean out any dirt in the swimming pool that may have accumulated over the winter months.

2. Do Not Drain the Pool Water

Do not drain the water, even if the dirty pool looks murky. This can cause damage to your pool and its structure.

3. Do Not Fold the Cover-Up While Wet

When cleaning your dusty pool cover, dry it completely before storing it away. Folding a wet cover can cause mold and mildew growth.

4. Check the Pool Levels

After removing the cover, check the pool levels to ensure they are at the right levels for swimming. Add chlorine and other necessary chemicals to balance the pH levels.

5. Check and Clean the Filter

As mentioned before, dirty swimming pools will usually have a filter clogged with debris after being covered for months. Make sure to clean it thoroughly to ensure proper filtration.

6. Vacuum and Scrub Your Dirty Pool

Once the pool levels are balanced and the filter is clean, it’s time to get rid of any remaining debris from your dusty pool. Use a vacuum or manual brush to remove any dirt or algae growth from the walls and floor of your pool.

7. Shock Your Pool (If Needed)

If dirty swimming pools need a shock treatment, you have to wait for 12 to 24 hours. If it does not need to be shocked, you can use it immediately. Shock treatment helps in killing the bacteria and algae that may have grown while the pool was covered.

Let Aqua Leisure Pools and Spas Help Get Your Pool Ready

If you are looking for the perfect pool or the usage of the proper chemicals, check out our website.

We have a selection of above-ground and inground pools. We also give you all the information as far as a chemical cost comparison, pool usage chart, & pool chemical instructions.

Don’t wait, contact us today!

Posted by Aqua Leisure Pools & Spas in Pools