While opening a pool may seem like a straightforward task, there are many common mistakes that can occur. In this blog post, we'll discuss 20 common pool opening mistakes to help you avoid them and ensure a smooth start to your swimming season.

1. Failing to Check the Weather: Before opening your pool, be sure to check the weather forecast. Opening a pool during a rainy or stormy day can lead to water contamination and debris buildup.
2. Not Preparing the Pool Area: Make sure the pool area is clean and clear of debris, such as leaves or sticks. This will help prevent them from falling into the pool during the opening process.
3. Forgetting to Remove the Pool Cover: This may seem obvious, but it's easy to forget to remove the pool cover before filling the pool with water. Failing to do so can lead to costly damage to the cover and the pool.
4. Adding Too Much Chemicals: Adding too much chemicals can lead to imbalanced water chemistry, which can be harmful to swimmers and damage pool equipment.
5. Adding Chemicals in the Wrong Order: Adding chemicals in the wrong order can lead to unwanted reactions, resulting in damage to the pool and equipment.
6. Failing to Test the Water: Testing the water is essential to ensure the proper balance of chemicals and pH levels.
7. Not Brushing the Walls and Floor: Brushing the walls and floor of the pool is necessary to remove debris and prevent algae growth.
8. Filling the Pool Too Quickly: Filling the pool too quickly can lead to water contamination and an imbalanced chemical composition.
9. Overlooking Pool Equipment: It's important to check all pool equipment, such as filters, pumps, and heaters, to ensure they are in working order.
10. Not Removing Winterizing Plugs: Failure to remove winterizing plugs can result in damage to the pool equipment and plumbing.
11. Failing to Lubricate O-Rings: Lubricating o-rings helps prevent leaks and prolongs the lifespan of pool equipment.
12. Forgetting to Turn on Power: Make sure to turn on the power to the pool equipment before starting it up.
13. Not Adjusting the Water Level: The water level should be adjusted to the appropriate level to prevent damage to the pool and equipment.
14. Skipping the Shock Treatment: A shock treatment is necessary to remove contaminants and bacteria from the pool.
15. Failing to Vacuum the Pool: Vacuuming the pool removes debris and prevents algae growth.
16. Neglecting the Skimmer Baskets: Skimmer baskets should be cleaned and checked for damage to prevent clogs and damage to the pool equipment.
17. Not Checking the pH Levels: pH levels should be checked and adjusted to prevent damage to the pool and equipment.
18. Overlooking Safety Measures: Safety measures, such as pool covers and fencing, should be checked and installed before opening the pool.
19. Not Keeping a Maintenance Schedule: Regular maintenance is necessary to keep the pool clean and functioning properly.
20. Closing the Pool Improperly: Closing the pool properly at the end of the season will make opening the pool in the next season much easier and prevent costly damage.

Conclusion:

Opening a pool may seem like a simple task, but it requires attention to detail and proper preparation to prevent costly mistakes. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure a smooth start to your swimming season and enjoy your pool all summer long. If you're unsure about how to open your pool, contact Strategic Pool Solutions for assistance.