5 Pool Opening Mistakes That Can Cost You Money
5 Pool Opening Mistakes That Can Cost You Money
Opening your pool for the season is one of the most exciting signs that summer is on the way. But if the process is rushed or important steps are skipped, a simple pool opening can quickly turn into cloudy water, damaged equipment, and unexpected expenses. Taking a little extra time at the start of the season can save you money, reduce frustration, and help you enjoy a cleaner, clearer pool right from the beginning.
Here are five common pool opening mistakes to avoid this season.
1. Opening Your Pool Too Late
One of the biggest mistakes pool owners make is waiting too long to open their pool. Once temperatures begin to rise, algae and
bacteria can start growing much faster, especially if the water has been sitting covered for too long. What could have been a manageable cleanup can turn into a much bigger job that requires more chemicals, more cleaning, and more time.
Opening earlier in the season can help you stay ahead of water problems and make the entire process smoother. It is often much easier to maintain clean water than it is to recover a pool that has already started turning cloudy or green.
2. Removing the Cover Without Cleaning It First
After months of winter weather, your pool cover may be holding leaves, standing water, dirt, and other debris. If that mess ends up falling into the pool during cover removal, you are starting the season with extra cleanup you could have avoided.
Before removing the cover, it is always a good idea to clear off as much debris and water as possible. A little extra effort here can help keep your pool cleaner and reduce the amount of vacuuming and balancing needed once the cover comes off.
This is also a great time to inspect the cover itself for wear, tears, or damage. Catching issues now can help you determine whether your cover is still in good shape for future use or if it may be time to replace it.
3. Starting Equipment Without Inspecting It
Before turning on your system, it is important to give your pool equipment a careful inspection. Pumps, filters, heaters, o-rings, baskets, valves, and plumbing connections can all be affected by winter conditions. If something is cracked, loose, or leaking, powering everything on right away could make the problem worse.
Take a few minutes to look over the equipment pad and check for visible signs of damage. Make sure drain plugs are back in place, fittings are tight, and baskets and filters are clean and ready for use. A quick inspection now can help prevent larger repairs later.
If anything seems off, unusual pump noises, leaks, low pressure, or trouble priming, it is best to address it before regular use begins.
4. Guessing on Chemicals Instead of Testing the Water
A lot of people want to get the pool open fast, so they immediately start adding chlorine, shock, or other chemicals without first testing the water. The problem is that every pool opens a little differently, and guessing can lead to wasted product, poor water balance, and water that still does not look or feel right.
Proper water balance starts with testing. Checking pH, alkalinity, sanitizer levels, calcium hardness, and stabilizer helps you understand exactly what your pool needs. Once you know the starting point, you can make the right adjustments and avoid overcorrecting.
Getting your water tested early can save money on chemicals and help your pool become swim-ready much faster.
5. Ignoring Small Problems at Opening Time
Small problems have a way of becoming expensive ones if they are ignored. A small leak, a cracked fitting, a worn gasket, a weak return flow, or a torn cover may not seem urgent at first, but once the season gets going, those issues can get worse quickly.
Pool opening is the perfect time to catch these little things before they interrupt your summer. Replacing a part or making a small repair early is usually much easier and less costly than dealing with a breakdown during the busiest part of the season.
If something does not look right, it is worth asking questions now instead of waiting until the pool is fully in use.
Start the Season Off Right
A successful pool opening sets the tone for the whole summer. By opening on time, cleaning the cover properly, checking equipment, testing the water, and taking care of small issues early, you can avoid many of the most common and costly mistakes pool owners face every year.
Whether you need opening chemicals, replacement parts, expert water testing, or help getting your equipment ready, Tarson Pools & Spas is here to help you get your pool season started the right way.
Stop in and see us, or contact Tarson Pools & Spas for everything you need to make pool opening easier this season.
We Did It! Tarson Pools & Spas Wins 2024 CNY Readers' Choice Award!
CNY Reader Choice Awards 2024
We are thrilled to announce that Tarson Pools & Spas has been voted the winner of the 2024 CNY Readers’ Choice Award in the pool and spa category! This prestigious recognition reflects the dedication and commitment of our entire team to providing exceptional service and high-quality products to our valued customers in Central New York.
For over 75 years, Tarson Pools & Spas has been a family-owned and operated business, building a legacy of trust and expertise within the community. We take immense pride in offering a comprehensive selection of inground and aboveground pools, hot tubs, and swim spas, along with the necessary supplies and expert advice to create your dream backyard oasis.
Winning the CNY Readers’ Choice Award is truly an honor. It signifies that our commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, and building lasting relationships resonates with the people we serve. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who voted for us and placed their trust in Tarson Pools & Spas.
Tarson Pools Creates Dream Backyard at Beak & Skiff Airbnb
This award serves as a tremendous motivator for us to continue exceeding expectations and providing unparalleled service in the years to come. We look forward to helping you create lasting memories and enjoyment in your outdoor space!
Jump in with some summer pool party ideas
A pool party are the epitome of summer fun. From sipping refreshing drinks to enjoying a dip in the pool, there's nothing quite like a poolside gathering. But why settle for an ordinary pool party when you can make it extraordinary? Get ready to take your pool parties to the next level with these unique and exciting ideas that will make a splash with your guests. Dive in and let your creativity flow!
- Float Your Way to Fun: Get creative with colorful pool floats for an Instagram-worthy party experience!
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Elevate your pool party game by providing an array of eye-catching pool floats. From whimsical unicorn rafts to giant pizza slices, the possibilities are endless especially with our Big Mouth pool floats sold at Tarson Pools. Your guests will have a blast lounging and posing for photos on these fun inflatables. Don't forget to set up a designated float station for easy access and let the floating fun begin!
- Dive-in Movie Night: Transform your pool area into a cozy outdoor cinema for a unique movie night experience!
Turn your poolside into a captivating movie theater. Set up a large screen and a projector near the pool, and arrange comfortable seating with cushions and blankets. Encourage your guests to bring their favorite pool floats or inflatable chairs, so they can relax in the water while enjoying a classic movie or a recent blockbuster. Don't forget the popcorn and refreshing drinks to complete the cinema experience!
- Glow-in-the-Dark Pool Party: Light up the night with a glow-in-the-dark pool party that will leave your guests amazed!
Create an enchanting atmosphere with a glow-in-the-dark pool party. Install underwater LED lights in various vibrant colors to illuminate the pool. Decorate the surrounding area with glow sticks, lanterns, and neon decorations. Encourage your guests to wear glow-in-the-dark accessories and provide glow-in-the-dark body paints for added excitement. It's a party experience that will leave a lasting impression!
- Tropical Tiki Paradise: Caption: Transport your guests to a tropical paradise with a tiki-themed pool party!
Create a slice of paradise in your backyard by hosting a tiki-themed pool party. Decorate the pool area with tiki torches, tropical flowers, and bamboo accents. Set up a bamboo bar serving refreshing tropical cocktails and mocktails. Encourage your guests to dress in Hawaiian shirts and grass skirts, and play some island-inspired tunes to complete the tropical ambiance. It's a pool party that will transport everyone to an exotic getaway!
With these unique pool party ideas, you can turn an ordinary gathering into an extraordinary experience that your guests will remember for years to come. Whether you're floating on colorful inflatables, enjoying a dive-in movie, embracing the glow of a nighttime celebration, or creating a tropical paradise, the possibilities for unforgettable pool parties are endless. So, dive in and let your imagination run wild! Get ready to make a splash and create lasting memories with these fun and unique pool party ideas.
Jacuzzi®+ @ease = Clean Water
With convenient cartridges designed to fit in your Jacuzzi® spa, FROG Minerals and SmartChlor® Technology allows you to enjoy Fresh Mineral Water® that kills bacteria 2 ways with up to 75%* less chlorine and a lot less work! Learn more about the @ease system by watching the short video below:
How many times have you thought, “this hot tub is just too much work!” We set out to change that with FROG @ease – it gives you that “ahhh” feeling of relaxation and peace of mind. FROG @ease combines sanitizing minerals with SmartChlor® Technology to kill bacteria 2 ways. The result is Fresh Mineral Water® that’s silky soft with far less odors and the easiest water to maintain because it’s self-regulating. It knows when more sanitizing power is needed and automatically delivers it. Unlike normal chlorine that is used up when you get in, SmartChlor® continues to maintain the same level which is up to 75% less than hot tubs using Dichlor (standard hot tub chlorine). That’s why we call it self-regulating. It goes to work when the hot tub needs sanitizing so there are no frustrating yo-yo chlorine levels. This time-released method is also why less shock is needed to maintain the hot tub. Another major benefit of SmartChlor? No cyanuric acid buildup that makes water tough to balance and reduces the effectiveness of your chlorine.
Less Chlorine
Up to 75%* less chlorine with no frustrating yo-yo chlorine levels.
Less Shocking
Only shock once a month!
Self Regulates
Self-regulates for continuous crystal clear water.
Less Odors
Easy on hot tub surfaces with less odors.
- Unique form of chlorine that works only with FROG minerals
- It’s EPA registered
- Unlike dichlor it’s slow dissolving
- It’s self-regulating by automatically delivering more free chlorine when needed
- It maintains a consistent 0.5 – 1.0 ppm free chlorine level at all times
The Jacuzzi® @ease System is available on all Jacuzzi® J-300™, J-400™ and J-500™ Series spas with the in-line cartridge holder, and J-200™ Series spas with the floating system.
Help the longevity of your pool with proper balancing
A number of factors determine the longevity of your pool liner. The average life of an in-ground pool liner is about 8-10 years. With good care, you can increase their longevity, even 20 years or more. Assuming that the liner fits and was installed correctly, the most important factor is water chemistry. Keep the water in balance and properly sanitized. It might sound simple, but keep the pool clean! Usually, your pool only needs a few minutes per day, but it is an important few minutes. THE most important factor that determines the life of your pool liner is water chemistry.
Special coating protects vinyl liners that make them withstand the extreme sun, temperatures and constant exposure to treated water but you can help maintain your liner life by following these steps:
– Keep Proper pH levels: Proper pH levels are between 7.2 and 7.6, which should be tested daily. When your pH level drops below 7.0 this can cause your liner to discolor, swell and create unwanted wrinkles. Having a pool with a higher than 7.6 pH level accelerates the aging process of your pool.
– Careful with Chlorine: Chlorine abuse is major cause of liner degradation. Keeping your pool’s chlorine level too low will not kill enough of the bacteria in the water. While chlorine levels that are kept too high can attack your liner and cause bleaching. It is important to note that if you are using granular chlorine dissolve it completely in a bucket of water first before putting it into your pool. Never allow chlorine to come in contact with your liner before it has been dissolved. It is a best practice to run your circulating pump for a minimum of four hours after the addition of chemicals.
– Water Levels: Although your pool liner is coated to protect against the sun, it is extremely important to keep your pool full of water at all times. When the water level of your pool gets low it exposes your liner to the sun that can lead to drying out and shrinking.
– Keep your Liner Clean: Your pool will develop a “bathtub” ring above the water line. It is important to keep this area clean as these contaminants that include body oils, suntan lotions and airborne contaminants can get “baked” onto your liner causing it to crack and dry out. To clean this area you should talk with us about what products will work best for your liner. DO NOT use CLR or household cleaning products.
– Chemicals: More is not better when it comes to chemicals. Do not add more chemicals than needed to your pool. This can cause your pool liner to disintegrate and also can be very expensive.