The Do’s and Don’ts of Opening Your Pool (From a Pool Resurfacing Pro!)
Cheers to pool opening season! May your water be clear and your tiny umbrella drinks be plenty. We’ve made it at last! The birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and your pool cover is holding approximately 47 pounds of questionable gunk. If you’re like most pool owners, you’re equal parts excited and terrified to see what’s been brewing under there all winter.
We don’t open pools (we renovate them), but after 35+ years in the biz, we’ve seen enough pool-opening horror stories to help you avoid the biggest mistakes. Here’s what you actually need to know before diving in.
Pool Opening Do’s and Don’ts
Follow these best practices for a smooth opening.
Why You Should Wait to Fire up Your Heater
We get it—no one likes a cold pool. But hold off on firing up your heater right away. When you first open your pool, you’ll likely be using chlorine shock, pH adjusters, or other chemicals. These can create highly corrosive water conditions that damage your heater’s sensitive components. Instead, let your water fully balance and then turn the heater on. Having a bypass on your heater is helpful anytime you’re adding or adjusting chemicals in your pool during the season.
Spot the Signs of a Leak Before It’s Too Late
Water loss is normal to a certain degree. But if you’re refilling your pool faster than your Mai Tais, something is going on.
First Things First—Find the Leak
The most important thing when dealing with a leak is figuring out where it’s coming from. If you don’t, you could spend thousands on pool renovations and still end up with the exact same leak. WOOF.
Call a leak detection expert. While some pool companies offer leak location services, they’re often too swamped with other work to take it on. A leak detection company specializes in finding leaks fast. That being said, lead times can still be long—so if you’re eager to troubleshoot on your own, your waterline might have some clues about the source of all your problems.
What Your Water Level Says About Your Leak
Below the Skimmers: If your water level is sitting at the bottom of the skimmers, you’re probably dealing with a cracked skimmer that’s draining water. A skimmer replacement should fix the problem.
At the Return Inlet: If your water is on level with the return inlet, then you probably have a cracked line in the returns. The trick is figuring out which line is cracked. You’ll have to call a leak location company for this one to find and replace the leak.
At the Lights: This one’s an easy fix—if your water level stops at the pool lights, the leak is probably in the electrical conduit line. A simple seal will do the trick.
Below the Main Drain: If the water level keeps dropping near the main drain, the hydrostat valve may be faulty. But in some cases, it could point to a bigger issue with the main drain line or sump. Best to get it checked out before things get worse.
Leaks Only Get Worse (so don’t ignore it)
Leaks can lead to structural damage, skyrocketing water bills, and expensive repairs if left unchecked. If your pool is losing water and you’re not sure why, it’s time to call in the pros. The sooner you locate the issue, the less damage (and money) you’ll have to deal with later.
Hydrostats Are The Unsung Heroes of Pool Openings
Ever wonder why pools have those little hydrostatic relief valves at the bottom? They help release pressure from groundwater beneath your pool. If they’re stuck or damaged, water pressure can push up on your pool shell—potentially causing cracks or bulges. Our Senior Project Manager, Joe, explains why this matters:
Did Old Man Winter Frost Heave Your Pool?
If you live in a colder climate, winter’s freeze-thaw cycles can cause frost heave, where shifting soil puts pressure on your pool structure. Signs of frost heave include:
- Cracks in the pool surface
- Lifted or uneven decking
- Warped or bulging walls
If you notice these issues, they may need professional resurfacing or repairs.
We’re not a pool opening company, but we are experts in pool surfaces—and trust us, taking the right steps now can save you major headaches later.
Start your pool season right by saving our pool opening checklist. Keep an eye out for potential problems, and if you notice structural damage, we’re here to help. Explore some of our work, or click here to get your free quote!