Don’t Wait, Open Your Pool Before It’s Too Late

Opening the family pool may be one of the best times of the year. It signals the arrival of warmer weather, sunshine, and those long-awaited afternoon BBQs. Many people wait to open their pool until the temperatures are warm enough for a swim, but waiting too long could spell some serious trouble.

If you don’t open your pool at the right time, the rising temperatures may warm the small amount of water left at the bottom of your pool, creating a breeding ground for algae and bacteria. Algae thrive in warm, damp places, and if you wait too long, you may uncover a swampy mess that will require more effort, time, and money to clean up.

Here’s a quick lowdown on this.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait

1. Avoid Algae Build-Up

One of the biggest reasons to open your pool early is to prevent algae growth. Algae love warm, stagnant water, so when you wait too long, your pool becomes the perfect environment for them to thrive. The longer you wait to open the pool, the higher the risk that algae will start to grow under the cover, leading to a green or even black mess that will be costly and time-consuming to clean.

Opening your pool earlier in the season gives algae less of a chance to take over, allowing you to maintain a healthy water balance from the start. Once your pool is open, you can use preventive measures like testing and balancing the water’s pH levels, manually vacuuming the pool, and adding algaecide to keep it pristine all season long.

Types of Pool Algae You Should Watch Out For

No one wants to deal with an algae-filled pool. The three most common types of pool algae are:

• Green Algae: This is the most common form of pool algae and is relatively easy to treat. Green algae (known as Chlorophyta) are green and slimy and often found in the corners of the pool, along the seam where the wall meets the floor, and on the stairs or ladder. Left unchecked, it can spread across the walls and floor of your pool. A chlorine shock treatment is typically the best way to eliminate these algae.

• Yellow Algae: Also known as mustard algae, these yellowish-brown algae are tougher to treat than green algae. It can cling to pool toys, floats, and even bathing suits, spreading easily. Yellow algae resist chlorine, making it harder to eradicate.

Diluted bleach can help kill yellow algae, but apply it carefully to avoid damaging your pool and equipment. We recommend hiring a professional to remove this algae infestation without damaging your pool.

• Black Algae: The toughest one, black algae have a protective layer that makes it hard to treat. Their roots penetrate deep into concrete and plaster. You will need to scrub the affected areas with a stainless steel brush before applying treatment.

2. Protect Your Pool Equipment

Delaying your pool opening also puts your equipment at risk. When pumps, filters, and heaters sit idle for months, they may not function properly when you finally start them up. Equipment that hasn’t been maintained can break down or operate inefficiently, leading to costly repairs or replacements.

By opening your pool early, you can ensure your equipment is running smoothly, making any necessary repairs or adjustments before peak swimming season. This helps protect your investment and ensures your pool is ready to go when you are.

3. Save on Chemical Costs

Opening your pool early can save you money on chemicals. If you wait too long, you may find your water murky and filled with debris and bacteria that require a higher dose of chemicals to clean. Consistently treating the water from early spring helps maintain a balanced chemical composition, preventing the need for large doses later on.

By opening early, you’ll be able to use chemicals more efficiently and avoid large, costly shocks to the system.

The Risks of Waiting Too Long

1. Complicated Clean-Up

The longer you wait to open your pool, the more debris can accumulate under the cover. Leaves, dirt, and even small animals can find their way into the pool water, clogging your filters and making cleaning a chore. This extra debris can also lead to bacteria and algae growth, making clean-up more challenging.

2. Water Quality Issues

Waiting too long to open your pool can lead to poor water quality. Algae, bacteria, and other microorganisms can develop in stagnant water, which could make the pool unsafe for swimming. Addressing water quality issues on time ensures a cleaner, safer swimming experience all season.

3. Damage to the Pool Liner

If your pool has a vinyl liner, letting water sit idle for too long can cause the liner to become brittle or discolored. Debris trapped under the cover can also scratch or tear the pool liner. The early opening gives you time to inspect the liner and address any issues before they escalate.

When Should You Open Your Pool?

Generally, the best time to open your pool is when daytime temperatures consistently reach around 70°F. This is typically late April or early May for most regions. Opening your pool at this time helps you get ahead of potential problems, keeping your water clean and equipment in good condition.

How Aqua Leisure Pools and Spas Can Help

At Aqua Leisure Pools and Spas, we make opening your pool simple and stress-free. Whether you need help cleaning, balancing chemicals, or checking equipment, our experienced team can take care of everything. Here’s what we do:

• Pool Opening Services: From removing the cover to balancing chemicals and cleaning, we’ll get your pool in perfect shape for the season.

• Equipment Maintenance: We’ll inspect your pumps, filters, and heaters to ensure they’re working as intended. If repairs are needed, we’ll handle them quickly so you can enjoy your pool without delays.
• Chemical Balancing: Our team will test and balance your pool’s chemicals, ensuring your water is safe and crystal clear from the moment you open your pool.

Don’t Wait – Contact Aqua Leisure Pools and Spas Today!

Early opening is the key to avoiding algae growth, protecting your equipment, and saving on chemical costs. Don’t wait until it’s too late! Contact Aqua Leisure Pools and Spas today to schedule your pool opening service and enjoy a stress-free swim season. We have locations in Tannersville, Dickson City, and Wilkes-Barre, and we’re ready to help you dive into summer!

Posted by Aqua Leisure Pools & Spas in Pools