Hugh Cairns: Pool openings

If you are the DIY’er type like me, pool openings are kind of a revelation. Is the water going to be clear? Or is it going to be one of those green pea soup years? Over time, clearly, I had more success with early pool openings. I think that’s because algae growth likes warmer water conditions. So now is the time that I used to think about firing up the circulation pump for my pool and got my water in shape before it took over me. I definitely would have rather looked at a pool filled with crystal clear clean water than a huge black tarp covering the unknown brewing below.

Photo: Contributed - (Photo: Hugh Cairns)

"Have your pool opened within the next few weeks before the green stuff gets a chance to grow and you will avoid a troublesome start up." - Jim Tompkins of Kelowna Pool & Spa.

So, is it okay to open up your pool even if it is too cold to swim? You bet it is. Now it’s time for all of the pool pros to return from Arizona with their southern tans and buff them up with an Okanagan one, and get back to the grindstone. It’s the beginning of pool season and nobody knows more about professional pool openings than Jim Tompkins. “It is not too early to open your pool,” says Jim. “In fact April is the best time to fire up your pool and get the bugs out.”

Opening your pool right now can add to a beautiful backyard and be beneficial too. “If you have a mesh cover that allows sunlight in, you may find yourself opening green instead of clean,” says Jim. “Have your pool opened within the next few weeks before the green stuff gets a chance to grow, and you will avoid a troublesome start up”.

“The temperature of water determines whether or not algae will grow in your pool. If your pool is uncovered or if you have a winter cover that allows sunlight to penetrate then the outside weather will dictate the temperature of your pool. Waiting too long to open your pool usually results in a lot of chemicals to ready it for swimming conditions,” warns Jim.

Opening and closing your pool every year can be a lot of work. Why not let the experienced professionals do it for you and get it right? They have the knowledge and experience to lessen or eliminate the use of expensive chemicals needed to shock algae growth. “We can get that cover off and start up circulation so you no longer have to look at the depressing winter cover,” says Jim. It’s all about ramping up, step by step, until you’re ready to use your pool. “Cool night temperatures and circulation of the pool water will keep the water clean naturally. Then, on the first nice day, flick on the heater and away you go!”

If you are selling your home and you have a pool, why not have a pro start it up for you and at the same time have them complete a pool inspection report. You will benefit by demonstrating that your pool is in good working order for prospective buyers. In addition, a pool is a huge selling feature. Show that your pool is ready to go.

For more information on professional pool start-ups and pool start up tips visit my site or contact Jim Tompkins at Kelowna Pool & Spa

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.