How To Properly Open Your Swimming Pool For The Season In Toronto

As the weather starts to warm up in Toronto, many inground pool owners are eager to start enjoying their backyard oasis again. However, before you can dive in, it's important to properly open your swimming pool for the season. Pool opening involves a series of steps to ensure that your pool is clean, safe, and ready for use.

By following a few basic guidelines, you can help ensure that your pool stays in top condition throughout the summer months. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps for opening your swimming pool here in Toronto, so you can start enjoying your pool with confidence.

Remove The Pool Cover

The first step to opening your inground or above-ground pool is to remove the pool cover. If you have a full winter pool cover, it's likely that leaves, debris, and water have accumulated on top of it over the winter months. Before removing the cover, use a pool cover pump or siphon to remove any standing water on top of the cover.

Once the water is removed, use a pool brush or broom to sweep off any debris or leaves that have collected on top. Once the cover is free of debris, carefully remove it from the pool, being careful not to let any debris or water fall into the water.

After removing the cover and winterizing plugs, clean thoroughly and store them in a dry place until the end of the swimming season.

Clean The Pool

After removing the pool cover, the next step in opening your swimming pool is to clean it. Use a pool skimmer or net to remove any leaves or debris that have accumulated on the surface of the water. Then, use a pool vacuum to clean the pool floor and the pool walls well. This will remove any dirt, sand, or algae growth that has accumulated in the pool over the winter.

It's important to pay special attention to the corners and crevices of the pool, as these areas are often where dirt and debris accumulate the most. Once the whole inground swimming pool is clean, you'll be ready to move on to the next step of opening your swimming pool.

Check The Pool Chemicals

Once the pool is clean, the next step in opening your swimming pool is to check the water chemistry. This involves testing the pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels of the water. You can use a pool test kit to check these levels. It's important to make sure that your pool water chemistry is properly balanced to ensure it's safe and comfortable for swimming.

If the pH or alkalinity levels in your in-ground pool are too high or too low, you can use pool chemicals to balancing them. Similarly, if the chlorine levels are low, you'll need to add more chlorine to bring them up to the appropriate level. By keeping the water chemistry balanced, you'll be able to enjoy a clean, clear, and safe swimming pool.

Service The Pool Equipment

As part of the pool opening process, it's important to service the pool equipment. This includes inspecting the pool pump, filtration system, and pool heater to ensure that they're functioning properly. Check for any signs of wear or damage, and replace any parts that are worn or damaged, including drain plugs. Also, make sure to lubricate any moving parts that need it.

Properly functioning pool equipment is important to keep your pool clean and safe throughout the summer. If you're not sure how to service your pool equipment, consult the pool accessories owner's manual or contact a professional pool maintenance company or pool supply store for assistance.

Top Off The Pool Water

Once the pool is cleaned, the chemicals are balanced, and the equipment is serviced, the final step in opening your swimming pool is to top off the pool water. Over the winter, the water level in your pool may have dropped due to evaporation or other factors. Use a garden hose to fill the pool to the appropriate level, which is usually about halfway up the skimmer opening.

It's important not to overfill the pool, as this can cause the water to spill over the edge and make a mess. With the water level properly adjusted, you're now ready to enjoy your pool all summer long.

Run The Pool Filter

Once your pool is cleaned, the chemicals are balanced, and the equipment is serviced, it's time to start running the pool filter (sand filter, cartridge filter, or DE Filter). The filter is responsible for removing impurities from the water and keeping it clean and clear. Set the filter to run for about 8-10 hours per day, or as recommended by the manufacturer. It's important to run the filter consistently to ensure that the pool water stays clean and free of contaminants.

For top-notch Toronto pool services, contact People for Pools at 647-710-8926. Ensure a sparkling clean pool by regularly cleaning the filter and replacing worn-out parts. Visit us at 1585 Britannia Rd E, Unit B3 Mississauga, ON L4W 2M4 for expert pool care.