Spring means warmer weather… and swimming pool opening season! Follow these steps to get your pool ready and enjoy clear water quickly.
Do you want professionals to take care of it for you? Discover our pool opening and closing services.
Why Should You Open Your Pool Early in Spring?
It is recommended to open your pool as soon as daytime temperatures stabilize around 10 °C.
Opening your pool early helps prevent algae blooms, which can develop when the water stays stagnant and the temperature rises. By getting a head start in spring, you’ll have water that’s easier to clean, balance, and keep crystal clear throughout the sunny season. It’s similar to pool closing in the fall: we close it late to prevent the water from turning… in spring, we open it early for the same reason.
Get the Equipment You Need to Open Your Pool
Before you dive into the steps, make sure you have everything you need on hand. Good preparation will save you time… and a lot of trips back to the store.
Here are the essentials to expect:
- An opening kit (shock treatment, products to balance the water, etc.)
- A dip net for picking up floating leaves and debris
- A brush to scrub the walls and bottom
- A vacuum cleaner (manual or automatic)
- A garden hose to fill the basin
- A water test kit (or plan a store visit to test your water)
- Parts and accessories to be reinstalled (skimmer baskets, pipes, caps, ladders, etc.)
Do you need to equip yourself or replenish your product stocks? Come and see us directly in store in Châteauguay. Our team is here to advise you.
6 Steps for Opening Your Swimming Pool in Spring
1. Remove winter cover
If you used a winter cover, first gently remove it to prevent debris from falling into the pool. Rinse it with water, let it dry completely, then store it in a dry place.
2. Swimming pool and equipment inspection
Before restarting everything, take the time to thoroughly inspect the pool structure, seals, pump, filter and pipes.
Look for signs of wear or cracks and replace parts as needed to avoid unpleasant surprises.
3. Equipment installation
Reinstall the ladder, skimmer basket, drain plugs, and other accessories, such as return jets or outlet nozzles.
Then reconnect the components of the circulation system: the skimmer hose to the pump, the pump to the filter, and the filter to the return jet leading back to the pool.
If your setup includes a heat pump, chlorinator, salt system, or lighting, make sure to reconnect these devices according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Check that all fittings are secure and that there are no visible leaks before moving on.
4. Pool cleaning and filling
Start by removing visible leaves and debris using a leaf skimmer or pool net. Then, brush the walls and floor of the pool to dislodge dirt that has accumulated over the winter.
Once the pool is thoroughly cleaned, fill it up to mid-skimmer level to ensure proper operation of the filtration system.
5. Water treatment and system start-up
Start your filtration system and check that the water is flowing properly between the skimmer, pump, filter, and return jet. If you have a sand filter, begin with a backwash, followed by a rinse, before setting it back to filtration mode.
Add the products from your opening kit to the pool, following the recommended order and quantities. Typically, you start with a degreaser to clean the waterline, followed by a shock treatment to disinfect the pool.
Let the system run continuously for at least 24 hours.
Caution: It is recommended to replace the filter sand every 5 to 7 years to maintain good filtration quality.
6. Deep cleaning and water balance
After 24 hours of water circulation, perform a more thorough cleaning: vacuum the pool floor, scrub the walls if needed, and remove any remaining debris.
Next, test the water using a test kit or bring a sample to the store for a more accurate reading. Adjust the pH, alkalinity, chlorine, or salt levels based on the results to achieve proper balance.
Starting the season with well-balanced water makes maintenance much easier throughout the summer.
Have Your Pool Opened by Professionals
If you’re short on time or just want to get the season off to a good start, hiring professionals can make all the difference.
A full opening service allows you to:
- Save time and avoid costly mistakes
- Get a full check of your equipment
- Have clean, well-balanced water from the start
- Start the season with peace of mind
Pool Opening in Châteauguay: Opt for the services of Trévi Châteauguay
Trévi Châteauguay offers pool opening services for above-ground and in-ground pools. Our team takes charge of reconnecting and checking the filtration system in addition to performing the first spring shock treatment. For more options, please contact our dispatchers at 450-698-2210 ext. 831.
You can also get your opening kit, specialized products, simply by coming in and asking your questions. We’re here to guide you, no matter how experienced you are.
Make an appointment online or visit us directly in a branch in Châteauguay.
