FAQs on Opening & Closing a Pool

Frequently-Asked Questions About Opening & Closing a Pool

Since 2006, Millennium Pools & Spas has served the pool and spa needs of Springfield, VA and the surrounding areas. With decades of experience in the pool industry, our highly-qualified, industry-trained team knows what they’re doing. We’ve taken the time to answer some of your frequently-asked questions about opening and closing a pool. You can find these questions and their answers below.

When Should I Open My Pool?

The best time to open your pool is once the temperature consistently reaches 70 degrees during the day. Opening your pool at this time can help prevent algae from growing, keep pollen from collecting in the water, and it won’t cost more than opening later. Waiting for the temperature to reach higher than 70 degrees consistently will allow algae and other organics to grow.

What Is The First Thing To Do Before Opening A Pool?

Before opening up your pool for a new season, the first thing you should do is to ensure you have all the necessary tools nearby, including a garden hose and protective gear. It is essential to wear protective equipment when handling pool chemicals.

What’s The Checklist For Opening A Pool For The Summer?

To ensure an easy and successful pool opening for the upcoming summer season, we’ve made a list of the steps to follow to get the most out of your pool and the warm weather. These steps include:

• Remove & Clean Your Pool Cover
• Fill Your Pool Up
• Clean Out Debris
• Inspect & Clean Your Pool Filter
• Reinstall Plugs
• Prime Your Pool Pump & Filter
• Test & Balance Your Pool Water
• Shock Your Pool Water
• Ready Your Pool Cleaning Equipment
• Ready Your Pool Chemicals
• Ready Your Pool System
• Set Your Air Flow

What Is The First Thing To Do After Opening A Pool?

After opening your pool, the first thing you should do is evaluate its condition. This step is essential because every “off-season” is different. The following steps include sanitizing and cleaning.

How Long Do You Need To Wait To Swim After You Open A Pool?

We recommend that you wait at least 24 hours to swim after you open your pool. The exact amount of time you need to wait can vary based on the size of your pool and the type and amount of chemicals you have recently added to your pool. Below, we’ve listed some of the specific chemicals pool owners use when opening their pools and the amount of time to wait to swim after using them:

Liquid Chlorine: We recommend waiting about four hours before swimming after adding liquid chlorine or waiting to swim until levels reach five ppm or lower.

Shock: Once your chlorine levels reach five ppm or lower, it is safe to swim. We recommend waiting at least 24 hours or longer before swimming, depending on the amount and type of shock used.

Algaecide: How long to wait before swimming after using an algaecide is dependent on the type used. It’s essential to read the manufacturer’s label for specific time guidelines.

Muriatic Acid: When using this, it’s important to wait a minimum of 30 minutes before swimming after adding it to your pool. This will give the acid time to mix with the water and ensure it won’t potentially burn or irritate your skin.

Water-Balancing Chemicals: We recommend you wait a minimum of 20 minutes before swimming after adding water-balancing chemicals to your pool.

Calcium Chloride: It’s important to wait between two and four hours to swim after using calcium chloride in your pool. This ensures one complete cycle through the filter.

When Should I Close My Pool?

The best time to close your pool is once the temperature is consistently reaching below 60 degrees during the day. Once this occurs, microorganisms and algae cannot grow. Another factor to consider is the amount of tree cover on your property. If you have an abundant amount, we recommend closing your pool before the leaves start to fall.

What Do I Need To Do With My Pool Pump & Filter?

When preparing your pool for the winter, it’s important to drain the water from your pool pump and filter if they have a drain plug. Otherwise, you may need to blow the lines out with a shop vac. Afterward, your pool pump and filter need to be cleaned, disconnected, and stored somewhere safe and dry for the duration of the winter season.

What Kind Of Cover Can I Use For My Pool In The Winter?

When winter arrives, you want to ensure your pool is protected from the elements. It’s important to use a swimming pool cover to block the sun, keep out debris, and inhibit algae growth. We also suggest you use an air pillow – they fit beneath the pool cover and protect your pool walls during the freezing temperatures of the winter season.

Do I Have To Close My Pool For The Winter?

While there are benefits and drawbacks to leaving your pool open for the winter as well as closing it, it’s ultimately a personal choice. If you keep your pool open for the winter season, you won’t have to worry too much about your pipes or pool equipment freezing, as they will be in constant use. On the other hand, you will also need to maintain your pool throughout the winter season if you choose for it to remain open.

What’s The Checklist For Closing A Pool For The Winter?

To ensure an easy and successful pool closing for the upcoming winter season, we’ve made a list of steps to follow. These steps include:

• Balance Water Chemistry
• Add Shock & Algaecide
• Clean & Vacuum Your Pool
• Store Pool Equipment
• All Pool Chemicals To Filter
• Lower Water Level
• Drain The Pump, Filter, & Other Equipment
• Winterize Your Plumbing
• Cover Your Pool