Avoid These Common Pool Opening Mistakes in 2025

Spring is right around the corner, and pool owners around the GTA are getting ready to open up their pools in anticipation of the warmer weather ahead. Before officially opening your pool, you should ensure that you follow the correct procedures and protocols in order to provide a safe and comfortable swimming experience. Avoiding common mistakes made when opening your pool will help set you up for success this season. If you aren’t adequately prepared for pool season, visit a pool supply store like Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs. Our team will ensure that you are well-equipped for your opening. Contact us today to book a pool opening in Richmond Hill. 

Here are some common pool opening mistakes you’ll want to avoid this pool season.

Skipping a Detailed Inspection

Before you even begin to open up your pool for the spring, you must conduct a thorough inspection. Canadian winters are pretty harsh and damage pool equipment and the pool itself even while your pool is closed. This is why you will need to inspect your pool before opening it. This will allow you to assess whether or not your equipment is in good working condition. Inspections will also help you catch any damage to your pool liner, tiles or surround. When inspecting your pool, look out for:

• Pool Equipment: Ensure that your pool pump, filter and skimmer are intact and not broken. Then you will also want to ensure that your pool pump is running correctly. 
• Wear and Tear: You should inspect your entire pool and identify any cracks, damage to your pool liner or broken tiles. 

Early identification of issues allows for quick repairs, preventing more extensive damage and ensuring the pool runs smoothly.

Neglecting Thorough Cleaning

During the winter months, although your pool is closed, it can still harbour dirt, bacteria and viruses. Small particles can get into your pool through small gaps in your pool cover, contributing to unsanitary water. Without proper cleaning, dirt and bacteria can continue to spread and grow throughout your pool once it's open. A thorough cleaning will help contribute to safe and sanitary swimming conditions. 

Here are some steps for an effective cleaning:

• Skimming: Once you uncover your pool after the winter, you need to skim out any loose items or large pieces of dirt or debris. It is common for foliage or even chunks of ice to accumulate in pools over the winter. Simply use a net to remove large items.
• Scrub the Walls and Floors: Grime, dirt, and algae can accumulate on the surfaces of your pool rather quickly. This is why it is absolutely essential that you scrub the walls and floors of your pool yourself. Use a scrubbing brush and towel to remove dirt. Another option is to utilize a robotic pool-cleaning vacuum.
• Cleaning the Filter: A clogged filter can affect water circulation and filtration. Clean or replace the filter if necessary.

Overlooking Chemical Testing and Balancing

Effectively balancing the sanitizer levels in your pool is crucial for safe and healthy swimming. Testing the pH and sanitizer levels will also ensure that your pool water is comfortable and hygienic. In order to balance your pool water, you will need to utilize pool testing strips to understand your chlorine and bromine levels along with the pH of the water. 

If the pH of your pool is too high or too low, it can cause skin and eye irritation to pool users. Both high and low pH levels can also damage your pool equipment, particularly metal elements. Low pH levels can cause corrosion, whereas high pH levels can cause scaling. This is why balancing your pool’s pH before you officially open it is vital.

Sanitizers help kill pathogens and keep your pool water clean even after it has been used. If your sanitizer levels are too low, bacteria and viruses can grow and spread to pool users, resulting in illness. Obtaining an accurate sanitizer reading with test strips will help you determine how much chlorine you need to keep your pool water clean.

Successfully Open Your Pool with Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs

Pool opening can be tricky, but avoiding common mistakes can help make the process much simpler. Ensure that you are diligent in inspecting, cleaning and balancing your pool in order to facilitate safe swims this spring. If you are unprepared for the pool season, visit a pool supply store like Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs. Contact us today to book your pool opening in Richmond Hill.

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