pool opening:
the preparation guide
This is a complete guide to pool opening preparation.
In this in-depth guide, you’ll learn:
- What we do
- What we do not do
- What you need to do before we arrive
- What you need to do after we leave
So if you’re ready to set your pool opening up for success, this guide is for you.
Let’s dive right in.
Table of Contents
Above Ground Pool Opening
What We Do
During your pool opening, the following items are included:
- Pool cover removal and storage
- Reinstall ladder and handrails
- Remove suction and return line plugs
- Initial chlorine shock treatment with up to 2 gallons of liquid chlorine
- Setup and check the filtration system
- Test water chemistry
What We Do Not Do
The following is NOT included in our pool opening service:
- Moving equipment up or downstairs
- Our technicians will not be moving equipment up or down stairs (i.e. out of attics or basements)
- If your equipment is stored up or downstairs, please ensure it has been moved to the top/bottom of the stairs before our arrival
Opening Extras
The following items are additional items or services we can provide at your pool opening and their associated cost:
Filter Cleaning for DE or Cartridge Filters ($69)
- If your filter was not cleaned at the closing, it is recommended to be cleaned at the start of the season. Depending on the condition of the pool at the opening, the technicians may suggest delaying a filter cleaning until after initial chemical treatments.
Saltwater Chemical Bundle ($175 + 15% discount= $149)
- 2 x 1 lb of GLB Fast Dissolving Shock
- 1/2 qt of Preventative Algae 60
- 15 lbs of Sodium Bicarbonate (Alkalinity)
- 15 lbs of Calcium Chloride (Hardness)
- 2 x 40 lb bags of Pool Salt
- 1 gal of Cyanuric Acid (Stabilizer)
Standard Chemical Bundle ($98 + 15% discount= $83)
- 2 x 1 lb of GLB Fast Dissolving Shock
- 1/2 qt of Preventative Algae 60
- 15 lbs of Sodium Bicarbonate (Alkalinity)
- 15 lbs of Calcium Chloride (Hardness)
Salt Cell Cleaning ($49)
- Manufacturers recommend regular salt cell cleanings to improve cell performance and prolong the life of the cell. We will soak the cell in acid to remove the mineral buildup.
Cover Rinsing ($75)
- We will lay out the cover on the lawn and use a water hose to wash off the debris. Then we will fold and put it away.
What You Need To Do Before We Arrive
Add water to the pool
The pool will need to be filled up to the middle of the skimmer so that we can start up the system and test for any issues or leaks
Turn on electricity
Be sure the electricity is turned on to the system, again so we can start the system and test for any problems.
Be sure we have access to stored equipment and the equipment pad
The technicians will need to be able to access any stored equipment so sheds or garages will need to be unlocked and equipment is accessible. Also make sure that the filter area is free of debris and overgrowth
Be sure solid covers are free of water and debris
Use a cover pump to remove standing water on the cover and clear off as much debris as possible. Any water left on the cover will likely end up in the pool resulting in more time before the pool is swim ready.
⚠️If any of the above items are not done and result in the opening not being completed, we will charge a $75 return visit fee to come back and finish the opening.
What You Need To Do After We Leave
Most pools have more work to do after the opening before they are ready for the first swim of the season. Depending on your experience, comfort level, and available time, you may take on this task on your own. But just know that if you want us to handle it all, we are happy to help.
Maintain your chemical levels
You need to carefully watch your chlorine levels because the levels will quickly drop, especially if there is any algae in the pool. Some pools will require additional shock treatments to clear up the algae. So be sure to check the chemicals daily.
Backwash your filter
The more algae there is in the pool the more crucial this step is. Frequent backwashing helps to keep a good flow of water through the pool and clear it quicker.
Vacuum the Pool
Most pools will require a vacuum after opening. If you choose to do this on your own just be warned that most residential vacuums won’t have the power necessary to remove stuck debris and algae. And you will be running everything through your filter. If you opt to have us power vac for you we will bypass your filter and be able to get off even the most stubborn dirt.
Have a maintenance plan for the season
If you don’t use us for maintenance you will need to have a plan for how you will maintain the pool. This includes regular testing of the water, balancing chemicals as needed, backwashing your filter, brushing your pool surface, netting out debris, and vacuuming.
Above Ground Pool Opening
What We Do
During your pool opening, the following items are included:
- Pool cover removal and storage
- Reinstall ladder and handrails
- Remove suction and return line plugs
- Initial chlorine shock treatment with up to 2 gallons of liquid chlorine
- Setup and check the filtration system
- Test water chemistry
What We Do Not Do
The following is NOT included in our pool opening service:
- Moving equipment up or downstairs
- Our technicians will not be moving equipment up or down stairs (i.e. out of attics or basements)
- If your equipment is stored up or downstairs, please ensure it has been moved to the top/bottom of the stairs before our arrival
Opening Extras
The following items are additional items or services we can provide at your pool opening and their associated cost:
Filter Cleaning for DE or Cartridge Filters ($69)
If your filter was not cleaned at the closing, it is recommended to be cleaned at the start of the season. Depending on the condition of the pool at the opening, the technicians may suggest delaying a filter cleaning until after initial chemical treatments.
Saltwater Chemical Bundle ($175 + 15% discount= $149)
- 2 x 1 lb of GLB Fast Dissolving Shock
- 1/2 qt of Preventative Algae 60
- 15 lbs of Sodium Bicarbonate (Alkalinity)
- 15 lbs of Calcium Chloride (Hardness)
- 2 x 40 lb bags of Pool Salt
- 1 gal of Cyanuric Acid (Stabilizer)
Standard Chemical Bundle ($98 + 15% discount= $83)
- 2 x 1 lb of GLB Fast Dissolving Shock
- 1/2 qt of Preventative Algae 60
- 15 lbs of Sodium Bicarbonate (Alkalinity)
- 15 lbs of Calcium Chloride (Hardness)
Salt Cell Cleaning ($49)
Manufacturers recommend regular salt cell cleanings to improve cell performance and prolong the life of the cell. We will soak the cell in acid to remove the mineral buildup.
Cover Rinsing ($75)
We will lay out the cover on the lawn and use a water hose to wash off the debris. Then we will fold and put it away.
What You Need To Do Before We Arrive
Add water to the pool
The pool will need to be filled up to the middle of the skimmer so that we can start up the system and test for any issues or leaks
Turn on electricity
Be sure the electricity is turned on to the system, again so we can start the system and test for any problems.
Be sure we have access to stored equipment and the equipment pad
The technicians will need to be able to access any stored equipment so sheds or garages will need to be unlocked and equipment is accessible. Also make sure that the filter area is free of debris and overgrowth
Be sure solid covers are free of water and debris
Use a cover pump to remove standing water on the cover and clear off as much debris as possible. Any water left on the cover will likely end up in the pool resulting in more time before the pool is swim ready.
⚠️ If any of the above items are not done and result in the opening not being completed, we will charge a $75 return visit fee to come back and finish the opening.
What You Need To Do After We Leave
Most pools have more work to do after the opening before they are ready for the first swim of the season. Depending on your experience, comfort level, and available time, you may take on this task on your own. But just know that if you want us to handle it all, we are happy to help.
Maintain your chemical levels
You need to carefully watch your chlorine levels because the levels will quickly drop, especially if there is any algae in the pool. Some pools will require additional shock treatments to clear up the algae. So be sure to check the chemicals daily.
Backwash your filter
The more algae there is in the pool the more crucial this step is. Frequent backwashing helps to keep a good flow of water through the pool and clear it quicker.
Vacuum the Pool
Most pools will require a vacuum after opening. If you choose to do this on your own just be warned that most residential vacuums won’t have the power necessary to remove stuck debris and algae. And you will be running everything through your filter. If you opt to have us power vac for you we will bypass your filter and be able to get off even the most stubborn dirt.
Have a maintenance plan for the season
If you don’t use us for maintenance you will need to have a plan for how you will maintain the pool. This includes regular testing of the water, balancing chemicals as needed, backwashing your filter, brushing your pool surface, netting out debris, and vacuuming.
Inground Pool Opening
What We Do
During your pool opening, the following items are included:
- Pool cover removal and storage
- Reinstall ladder and handrails
- Remove suction and return line plugs
- Initial chlorine shock treatment with up to 2 gallons of liquid chlorine
- Setup and check the filtration system
- Test water chemistry
What We Do Not Do
The following is NOT included in our pool opening service:
- Re-install diving boards
- Due to increased liability risks, we have decided to no longer offer this service
- Moving equipment up or downstairs
- Our technicians will not be moving equipment up or down stairs (i.e. out of attics or basements)
- If your equipment is stored up or downstairs, please ensure it has been moved to the top/bottom of the stairs before our arrival
Opening Extras
The following items are additional items or services we can provide at your pool opening and their associated cost:
Filter Cleaning for DE or Cartridge Filters ($69)
If your filter was not cleaned at the closing, it is recommended to be cleaned at the start of the season. Depending on the condition of the pool at the opening, the technicians may suggest delaying a filter cleaning until after initial chemical treatments.
Saltwater Chemical Bundle ($312+ 15% discount= $265)
- 6 x 1 lb of GLB Fast Dissolving Shock
- 1 qt of Preventative Algae 60
- 25 lbs of Sodium Bicarbonate (Alkalinity)
- 25 lbs of Calcium Chloride (Hardness)
- 4 x 40 lb bags of Pool Salt
- 2 gal of Cyanuric Acid (Stabilizer)
Standard Chemical Bundle ($159+ 15% discount= $134)
- 6 x 1 lb of GLB Fast Dissolving Shock
- 1 qt of Preventative Algae 60
- 25 lbs of Sodium Bicarbonate (Alkalinity)
- 25 lbs of Calcium Chloride (Hardness)
Salt Cell Cleaning ($49)
Manufacturers recommend regular salt cell cleanings to improve cell performance and prolong the life of the cell. We will soak the cell in acid to remove the mineral buildup.
Cover Rinsing ($75)
We will lay out the cover on the lawn and use a water hose to wash off the debris. Then we will fold and put it away.
What You Need To Do Before We Arrive
Add water to the pool
The pool will need to be filled up to the middle of the skimmer so that we can start up the system and test for any issues or leaks
Turn on electricity
Be sure the electricity is turned on to the system, again so we can start the system and test for any problems.
Be sure we have access to stored equipment and the equipment pad
The technicians will need to be able to access any stored equipment so sheds or garages will need to be unlocked and equipment is accessible. Also make sure that the filter area is free of debris and overgrowth
Be sure solid covers are free of water and debris
Use a cover pump to remove standing water on the cover and clear off as much debris as possible. Any water left on the cover will likely end up in the pool resulting in more time before the pool is swim ready.
⚠️ If any of the above items are not done and result in the opening not being completed, we will charge a $75 return visit fee to come back and finish the opening.
What You Need To Do After We Leave
Most pools have more work to do after the opening before they are ready for the first swim of the season. Depending on your experience, comfort level, and available time, you may take on this task on your own. But just know that if you want us to handle it all, we are happy to help.
Maintain your chemical levels
You need to carefully watch your chlorine levels because the levels will quickly drop, especially if there is any algae in the pool. Some pools will require additional shock treatments to clear up the algae. So be sure to check the chemicals daily.
Backwash your filter
The more algae there is in the pool the more crucial this step is. Frequent backwashing helps to keep a good flow of water through the pool and clear it quicker.
Vacuum the Pool
Most pools will require a vacuum after opening. If you choose to do this on your own just be warned that most residential vacuums won’t have the power necessary to remove stuck debris and algae. And you will be running everything through your filter. If you opt to have us power vac for you we will bypass your filter and be able to get off even the most stubborn dirt.
Have a maintenance plan for the season
If you don’t use us for maintenance you will need to have a plan for how you will maintain the pool. This includes regular testing of the water, balancing chemicals as needed, backwashing your filter, brushing your pool surface, netting out debris, and vacuuming.
