The date you choose to open your pool is really up to your personal preference. Here in Michigan, we’re opening pools from mid April through the beginning of June. Anything scheduled for an opening beginning June 1 or later will typically be a much more difficult opening – and take some time to get the pool to clean up.

Calling the office is the best way to get your pool opening scheduled: 248-478-4978

Pool Opening: Safety covered pool

Here is a Plastic Cover/Waterbag Pool Opening:

• We start pumping water off the cover with a trash pump with 3″ hoses.
• When the cover is clear the pump is removed, waterbags taken off the cover, and the cover carefully removed from the pool.
• The cover has typically been scrubbed during the process of pumping off the water, at this point we’ll fold the cover and waterbags to get ready for storage.
• Next we will start up the system – as long as it’s possible before the water level is back up to normal operating level – otherwise we’ll get it ready so it can be turned on once the water level is where it needs to be.
• As long as the system is able to start up, we can clean/vacuum the pool, and add the startup chemicals. If you don’t see the parts for your pump/filter/heater, use our helpful hint: parts are usually stored in the pump basket for winter.
• Our technician will always attempt to start your heater and any ancillary equipment ie polaris booster pump. Some equipment such as a salt generator will not function properly until the water temperature is above 65 degrees. Whether you heat the pool with the heater, or wait to turn on those features when the weather warms the water up for you is up to you. It is important to note, after the pool is opened, especially if your water is dirty/green/needs filtering, it will be important for you to backwash your filter prior to starting your heater again. A heater requires adequate flow in order to start, and this is the #1 reason we get calls a heater won’t turn on after an opening.
• Please Note: after sitting for a long winter unexpected issues can arise. Our technicians will attempt to solve them during the opening. If additional service/parts/troubleshooting are needed, we will let you know and allow you to schedule the follow up appointment with us if you’d like.
• Additional service calls are also available for a second vacuuming appt. or if additional service is needed on any of your equipment. For customers in our normal service area, we do also offer weekly cleaning/maintenance and water testing.
• Note: The water should be tested in approx 5-7 days and normal maintenance and balancing of the chemicals should begin.
• Our team will install handrails, ladders, and accessories taken off the pool for winter.
• Rinse the deck, make sure the pool sparkles (as much as is possible during our allotted opening time slot) and we are all set!

The homeowner in our example photos is now waiting on a water truck to top off the pool, and then they can open the skimmer valve which we have closed at this point.

How to Store Your Safety Cover

Once our team is done, make sure you properly clean and store your safety cover. It just takes a few steps, and you’ll help to ensure the longevity of your cover.

Step 1: While the cover is still on the pool, we remove any debris from the top of it with the brushes as we begin to remove the cover.

Step 2: We use the installation rod to remove all of the springs from the anchors. Then, using the hex key or a powered drill/bit, we lower the anchors into the deck.

Step 3: With one person on each side of the pool, or one very acrobatic person,we remove the cover.  We will either fold as we remove the cover, or will bring it to a flat, clean area for cleaning and folding.

Step 4: When the cover has dried a bit, or all the way, we will fold the cover in half as many times as possible, until it will fit in your storage bag.

MOST IMPORTANT: Make sure you don’t store the cover on the floor or anywhere that animals could easily get to it and build a nest. Either hang it high, or invest in a large plastic storage bin to keep your cover safe from harmful pests. Storage inside a climate controlled garage or basement is the best and safest place to store your pool cover.

Safety Covers and Late Spring Openings:

Reminder: If you have a safety cover and are going to have a later in the spring opening, please remove one corner of your cover in the deep end and add at least 1-4 gallons of liquid chlorine to prevent algae growth. The amount you add will depend on the size and type of pool you have. If you have a question about how much to add, just give us a call!