We Provide Pool Water Testing Kits & Chemicals in Westminster, Eldersburg, Sykesville & More

Opening Pool Guide: How Do I Open My Pool in Spring?

Picture it: The cool days of winter are finally behind you, temps are rising fast, and nothing sounds better than a dip in the pool. Only…you haven’t opened it up yet for the season. What needs to be done to ensure safer swimming with crystal clear water?

Well, things may vary based on your setup and situation, but generally, most pool owners can follow these steps to get their pool ready for the year:

1. Remove the pool cover. The first step to opening your pool is removing the winter cover. This is also a good time to check for any damage to the cover and invest in a replacement, if needed.
2. Inspect your pool parts and equipment. Before filling your pool with water or running the system, inspect your pool’s equipment to ensure everything is in good working order – and invest in replacement parts, as needed.
3. Fill the pool to the proper level. You should have lowered your water level before winterizing, and it’s not uncommon for pool water levels to drop a bit over the winter months, so take some time to top things off.
4. Get your pool equipment running. Once the pool is filled and the equipment is inspected, it’s time to get your system running. Prime the pump, turn everything on, then let the water circulate through your pool’s parts for a few hours.
5. Test the water chemistry. With the pool water circulating, the next step is to test the water chemistry. After months of dormancy, the water is likely to be out of balance, so adjust the pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels, as needed.
6. Shock the pool. Shocking is a must after winter, and helps to get rid of any bacteria, algae, and other contaminants that might have developed. Find a pool shock treatment that’s right for your pool, then wait 24 – 48 hours to allow the pool to circulate and clear up.
7. Clean the pool. After you’ve shocked the pool and balanced the water, it’s time to clean. Remove any debris (leaves, dirt, etc.) from the surface with a skimmer net, use a pool brush to scrub any dirt or algae from the walls, and use a pool vacuum to clean the bottom of the pool and remove any remaining dirt.

Once the pool is running and the water is balanced, continue to monitor the system regularly, especially during the first few weeks of pool season. Check the filtration system, keep an eye on the water level, and test the water chemistry weekly (at least).

Opening your pool is definitely a process that requires some time and patience, but when it comes to clearing up the water that your family is swimming in on a regular basis, it’s well worth taking every precaution necessary. If you need pool chemicals, testing kits, some parts or equipment, or just have some questions, we’re here to help. Stop by the shop or give us a call today!

Closing Pool Guide: How Do I Properly Winterize My Home Pool?

Closing up your pool for the year isn’t as easy as slapping on a pool cover and calling it good. You’ll need to take measures to protect your pool from freezing temperatures and prevent costly repairs, as well as make opening the pool again in the spring much easier. Here are the steps we recommend:

• Clean the pool thoroughly. Before you close your pool, clean it thoroughly to prevent any debris or dirt from causing problems over the winter. Skim the surface, scrub the walls, use the vacuum to remove debris, and clean out the skimmer and pump baskets.
• Balance the water chemistry. Properly balancing the water chemistry before closing your pool is critical for preventing corrosion, staining, and algae growth over the winter. Use a pool test kit to measure and adjust your pool’s pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels, then allow the chemicals to circulate for at least 4-6 hours before proceeding with the rest of the winterizing process.
• Shock the pool. Shocking your pool before closing it helps eliminate bacteria, algae, and other contaminants that may have built up during the swimming season. After shocking, let the pool circulate and wait 24 – 48 hours for the shock to work. The water should be clear when you return to check it. If it isn’t, shock the pool again.
• Lower the water level. You’ll want to lower the water level before closing your pool for the winter to prevent freezing damage. For most pools, you’ll want to lower the water level to a few inches below the skimmer to prevent water from freezing inside the pipes.
• Drain and winterize equipment. Freezing temperatures can cause serious damage to your pool’s equipment, including the pump, filter, and heater. Protect these components by draining all excess water and storing them properly. And don’t forget to clean and store any automatic cleaners, such as robotic pool cleaners, to keep them in good condition for next season.
• Install the winter cover. Once the pool is clean and the equipment is winterized, it’s time to install the winter cover. The cover will help keep debris out of the pool during the winter months and protect it from harsh weather conditions. Secure the cover tightly to prevent wind from getting underneath it. You may need a cover pump to remove any rainwater or melting snow that accumulates.

Now, even though your pool is closed, it’s important to check on it periodically during the winter months. Check the cover for any signs of damage, remove any debris that collects on top, and ensure everything remains secure.

As with your pool opening process, we have all the equipment and chemicals you need to get the process done properly and completely. Make us your preferred local pool and spa supply store – we’d love to help!

What’s the Best Way To Refill My Swimming Pool?

The easiest and most convenient way to refill your pool is to simply use your outdoor hose. If you have a well, this can be a more cost-effective option, but it may require additional filtration to prevent minerals from affecting the pool water.

Before refilling, check the current water level. You’ll want to ensure that the water level is just below the skimmer. If the pool is drained, be mindful of any remaining debris or dirt that could be stirred up during the refill. Then, as you start filling the pool, monitor the process. Don’t leave the hose running unattended, as water can overflow or cause damage if you aren’t careful.

After filling, the pool’s chemistry will likely be off, as different water sources can impact the levels of minerals, pH, and other chemicals. Do some testing and make adjustments, as needed, after following the appropriate process for opening the pool for the season.