Opening the pool for the first time in the spring feels like the official start of summer, while closing it up in the fall brings a quiet end to those long sunny days. It’s a time filled with excitement or nostalgia. But it’s also a time when many homeowners accidentally skip over basic safety steps because they’re in a hurry. Treat the maintenance process with a high level of respect and observe some critical safety measures.
Handling Powerful Chemicals with Proper Care
The biggest risk during any pool transition is the way you handle the concentrated chemicals that keep the water clean and clear. When you open your pool, you have to “shock” the water with high doses of chlorine or acid to kill off any winter algae. You will also need to use chemicals to winterize your pool during the closing process. These substances are very strong and can cause serious burns on your skin or damage your lungs if you breathe in the fumes. You should always wear thick rubber gloves and safety goggles. Even a tiny splash of liquid chlorine can cause permanent eye or skin damage in a second. Never mix different chemicals together in the same bucket since some combinations can create a dangerous gas or even cause a small explosion.
Managing Heavy Covers and Mechanical Hardware
When pool covers have standing water and debris sitting on top of them, they can easily weigh a couple of hundred pounds. Before you can even think about moving that cover, use a submersible pump to get rid of any standing water. Then, remove all the leaves, dirt, and other debris using a stiff broom. Failure to take these steps first can lead to a serious back injury or even a slip and fall into the cold water.
Once the cover is off the pool, check that the ladders and rails are securely in place. If you find any of these to be wobbly, tighten the screws.
Testing Your Safety Barriers Before the First Splash
As you get the water ready for swimming, you must also check that your fences and gates are still working perfectly. Winter weather can cause metal latches to rust or wooden gates to warp. This can mean your pool is no longer “toddler-proof” like it was last year. Walk around the entire perimeter of your pool area and pull on the gate to make sure it clicks shut and locks on its own every single time. If you have a pool alarm that floats in the water, check the batteries and test it by tossing a small ball into the pool to see if the siren still rings loudly. These layers of protection are what keep your neighbors, your kids, and your pets safe when you’re not outside to watch them.
Finally, have a professional perform an electrical inspection. Since water and electricity are a deadly mix, you should do this before opening day. The last thing you want is a light with a leaky seal to electrify your pool or your pump catching fire while it’s running. Once you’re sure all is well, you can seamlessly transition into the next season with peace of mind. If you live in Torrington, CT or a surrounding area and need pool opening and closing services, make your first call to Hydrocare.
