The winter weather in New Jersey has fluctuated quite a bit this year, with Mother Nature providing us with a blast of cold weather as recently as a few weeks ago. As things finally start to thaw out, many people’s thoughts have already turned to summer. If you own a pool, you may be wondering when you should re-open it; there is always debate about the best time of year to do so. Take the following factors into consideration.
Pollen
In New Jersey, tree pollen typically peaks in April and May. It is important to open your pool before pollen becomes a major issue, because it can have a negative impact on still water. Essentially, the pollen congregates in the water without a way to get out. Pool owners that try to open after pollen has peaked typically have a lot of problems. However, for pools that are already open, pollen isn’t much of a concern. The pollen is pulled into the skimmer, and the filter keeps it from returning to the water. The water circulation also makes it hard for that nasty yellow stuff to pollute the water.
Temperature
When the temperature starts to hover around seventy degrees, it is time to get the pool open. If you don’t go ahead and treat your water, bacteria and algae will start to take over the pool. Keep in mind that you really have to track the weather during this time. If it is still freezing at night, you don’t want to open the pool just yet, even if daytime temperatures are hovering around your target number.
Of course, even with the best planning, you may open your pool only to have one really cold night. If that happens, leave the filter on so that the water keeps moving. It is less likely to freeze that way, although there are no guarantees. However, you will certainly be in much better shape than if you turn the filter off altogether.
Repairs
It is not unusual to start the process of opening the pool, only to realize that something is wrong and in need of repair. Winter weather, especially in the northeast, can definitely cause problems for a pool, particularly if it is a little older or wasn’t closed down correctly. There are so many issues that can crop up, including tears in the liners, problems with the decking and more.
If you want to have your pool ready as soon as possible, open it up a little early to allow time for repairs if necessary. If you notice any problems, Island Pool and Spa is happy to come out and see what needs to be done to ensure that your pool is safe and ready for swimming. We can even open your pool for you, so that you don’t have to worry about anything at all.
One of the toughest decisions that homeowners face is when to open their swimming pool for the summer. There are a lot of factors to consider. In addition, there is a lot of work to be done before the pool is ready to go; you have to clean the cover and properly store it, put together the pump and filter to make sure they are working properly, treat your water and so much more. Use the information above to help you make your decision, and if you find that you just don’t want to deal with the process as a whole, give Island Pool and Spa a call.