Dive into Summer: Five Tips for Opening Your Pool

The pressure gauge may be tiny, but it's an essential piece of equipment for your pool. Since your pool filter operates under pressure, it's critical to ensure the pressure level isn't too high or low. 

There isn't a magic number for all pool filters, but most gauges should read between the ranges of 8 psi to 25 psi. When testing, check to see if your gauge is reading too far in one direction. Sometimes, if a pressure gauge is reading very low, check to make sure the water is flowing over the skimmer door as this door could be stuck in the upright position by leaves or debris. There could also be a leak at the pump, so engage your pool professional to ensure the lid o-ring is sealed correctly, and water is flowing into the pump.

If you're seeing abnormal readings, have your pro check it out. Your pool professional will be able to look over your system and determine if there is a more significant issue that needs attention.

Be sure to engage your pool professional to prep your equipment before running anything. This step includes removing winterizing plugs and replacing drain plugs for the pump. Once the pump, filter, heater, and salt or chlorine systems are running, check everything over to ensure that it's working as it should. 

TIP: Is your pool pump up to compliance? Newer regulations from the Department of Energy went into effect on July 19, 2021, making most single-speed pumps non-compliant.

4. REMOVE THE COVER. TAKE CARE NOT TO DROP DEBRIS INTO THE POOL.

We all know that person who tried to remove their pool cover but ended up accidentally dumping all the yard debris from the pool cover into the pool. Follow these tips to seamlessly remove the cover and avoid a big clean-up project:

1. If you have DRY leaves on your pool cover, consider using a pool brush or a leaf blower to move them away from your pool, so you can quickly gather them up.
2. If you have WET leaves on your pool cover, consider using a leaf rake designed to remove leaves from the pool cover.
3. Use a pool cover pump to remove water on top of the cover. Place the pump in the middle of the pool cover, make sure the pool cover is taut because the natural weight of the pump will help move the water toward the pump so that all extra liquid is vacuumed away from the pool.
4. Grab a friend (or two) and have each person grab a side of the cover. Slowly walk the cover to the opposite side of the pool, repeating the process until the cover folds on one side of the pool. Place the cover in an area where it can quickly air dry. Once dried, consider sprinkling baking soda to help prevent mold and mildew build-up before folding it neatly for storage.

5. CAREFULLY CONSIDER YOUR POOL SAFETY PLAN.

Opening your pool is an excellent time to think about your pool safety plan. Some considerations for your plan include:

• Pursuing CPR training and posting CPR instructions near the pool
• Placing a first aid kit in an area that is easily accessible and visible
• Establishing pool rules and making sure all those who use the pool are aware of them

NEED MORE HELP? Contact us -- we're here to help!