Most people around Syracuse open their pools between late April and Memorial Day. The weather usually decides it, but there's one rule of thumb that saves a lot of trouble: open before the water gets warm.
Why opening early is easier
Algae loves warm water. When the water under the cover stays below about 60 degrees, very little grows. Once May warms up, the water under a closed cover can turn green fast. Opening while the water is still cool means less shock, less filtering and fewer days before you can swim.
Signs it's time
- Daytime highs are steadily in the 60s
- The threat of hard freezes is mostly over
- You can see the water warming up or turning a little cloudy under the cover
- You want the pool ready for Memorial Day or graduation parties
What a professional opening includes
- Removing, cleaning and folding the cover
- Taking out winter plugs and reinstalling the drain plugs, baskets and fittings
- Starting the pump and filter and checking for leaks
- Starting the heater or heat pump if you have one
- Testing and balancing the water and adding start-up chemicals
- A quick walkthrough if anything needs attention
If your pool opens green
It happens, especially after a mild spring. A green pool needs shock, a lot of filtering and brushing, and sometimes a few visits. It isn't a sign anything is broken. Opening earlier next year is the best way to avoid it.
Book early
Spring is the busiest time for pool companies in Central New York. Customers who book in winter get first pick of dates. If you want to swim by a certain weekend, plan the opening two to three weeks before it.
Book your spring opening early and get first pick of dates.
Book pool service