A Step by Step Guide to Pool Openings
When the weather becomes consistently warm, it’s time to open your pool for summer. Here are some basic steps for opening your pool, so you and your family will be ready to enjoy making a splash as the temperatures rise.
1. Remove and Clean Your Winter Pool Cover
Start by removing water, leaves and debris from your winter pool cover, using a submersible pool pump and broom. Afterwards, you should be able to carefully remove the cover from your pool and lay it on your lawn. With a soft brush, soap or winter cover cleaner and water, thoroughly clean your winter cover and get it ready for summer storage.
2. Take out Winter Plugs and Skimmer Ice Compensators
Next, you’ll want to remove winter plugs from return jets and step jets, and replace your return lines with the right fittings. Then, remove your pool pillows, or ice compensators, from your skimmer buckets and replace your skimmer baskets.
3. Fill up Your Pool
If your pool’s water level is below the normal operating level, you will need to refill it to the proper level using your garden hose.
4. Ready Your Filter and Pump
Pressure gauge, drain plugs and other parts should be replaced on your filter and pump when opening your pool for the season. Also, be sure to reinstall any other equipment, such as your boost pump, heater and chlorine dispenser, ensuring that all drain plugs are secure. Then, turn on your pump and filter, and check for any leaks and drips. In addition, be sure that your pump is pulling water.
5. Clean Your Pool
Using a pool vacuum, plastic leaf net and pool brush, remove as much dirt and debris from your pool as possible. You should also check to see if your valves are pulling water from your bottom drains.
6. Shock Your Pool
Take a sample of your water to Monarch Pools & Spas – located at 180 Furler Street, Totowa, NJ – for free, in-store water testing. Our team will be able to recommend the appropriate chemicals to clarify your pool water. Then, shock your pool, and let it run for at least 24 hours. Retest your water, and if everything checks out, get ready to dive right in.
If you suspect any problems during the pool opening process, Monarch Pools & Spas can help you get back on track. Our pool services include pump and filter repairs, pipe replacements and more, as well as pool opening and closing services. Serving homeowners in New Jersey in Rockland County, Westchester County, Putnam County, as well as Yonkers and Orange County, call our experienced team at 973-812-9440 973-812-9440 today to learn more about our in-ground and above-ground pool services.
From David K. on July 4, 2015
“Monarch Pools & Spas Management Team,
I wanted to take the time to truly thank Chris, the parts manager from Monarch Pools & Spas. First, let me start by saying that I purchased a house in June and found a local pool store where I went the first few days, but didn’t feel I was getting the answers I wanted, and was seeming to spend quite a bit on things. I researched online and found Monarch Pools & Spas not too far, so decided to bring a pool sample and check it out. WOW, is all I have to say. The difference in the water sample report and advanced system they use, vs. the other pool store which simply dipped the cheap sticks in my sample. In addition to the products, and offerings, basically a true professional company and location with everything a pool person could ever need.
The real differentiator for me, and I will ever go anywhere else, is the staff, especially Chris. As a new pool owner, who has never had a pool, and knew nothing before having it opened up, I have basically been like a sponge and every trip into Monarch Pools & Spas (which is several times a week as I learn things from Chris) has been a great shopping experience. He has been a mentor, a friend and a true example to what has been so far lost in this country, CUSTOMER SERVICE. He guided me through the entire process, and what I would need, and how to do everything to replace the sand in my filter, while a labor intensive project, I got it done in a few hours, and notice a significant difference. I also had to cut pipe, and do several other things to complete the project, and if it wasn’t for Chris, I would not have even attempted, forget about completing it, and successfully.
While the internet can be helpful, you don’t truly know what information you are reading is accurate. Chris and the other staff member of Monarch Pools & Spas have all been a true blessing to work with. I highly endorse and recommend Monarch Pools & Spas and owe a great big thank you to Chris for all his help, answers and guidance in just the three weeks I have had a pool, which gets used every day now thanks to him and the Monarch Pools & Spas team.
They say Nordstrom’s is the lead in customer service for retail box stores, especially in the shoe department. They say the Waldorf Astoria empowers its employees to do whatever it takes to satisfy a customer. I say, “Monarch Pools & Spas is the only pool place you should use if you live anywhere in NJ, isn’t worth the drive!”
Thank you again Chris and Monarch staff for everything!”
From Dominick S. on June 23, 2015
“Tom:
I have been working with Juan, Darlene and Keri to resolve an issue with my pool heater. They have all been very helpful.
It turned out that I needed a new heater. Juan was able to get it done very quickly and Keri did a great job of installing it today. Please let them know what a great job they did and how happy we are.
Thanks!”
From Joe T. on May 8, 2013
Monarch Pools & Spas Team is awesome!!!!!!
From David T. on June 21, 2010
“I just wanted to thank you all for getting back to me and for the advice — within two minutes, all was right in our pool world! I can’t tell you how great it is to know that even 8 years later you guys are there for me.
Thanks again,”
From Anonymous in June 2013
“Christian H. was an absolute pleasure to meet. He went way above and beyond being a sales associate!! I used to deal with Leslies pool supplies, not anymore all Monarch Pools & Spas. Thanks to Christian!”
From Nalu M. on July 24, 2014
“Staff is very helpful and they don’t try to push you a lot things that you don’t need. Good prices on pool supplies.”
From J.S. in the summer of 2014
“Our in-ground pool turned out GREAT!!! – We had Monarch Pools & Spas install a 16×32 in-ground pool a few years ago at our last house in Accord NY. It turned out beautiful. We had it installed in the fall since the summer is Monarch Pools & Spas’ busiest season. This allowed them to give us complete attention. The only problem we encountered was from the pool liner manufacturer. The liner was delayed for 10 days. This slowed down the installation slightly and was really not a big deal. Monarch Pools & Spas was very professional and covered every detail with no hidden surprises or costs we were unaware of.
We have since sold this house. The pool was a great asset when it came to our selling price! We have now settled into our newly built home. We will have another pool installed when the time is right and we will most likely shop at Monarch Pools & Spas. The swimming pool dealers here in the Hudson Valley are way too expensive! At the time of our last pool, Monarch Pools & Spas was the most reasonable around.
FYI – Installing an in-ground pool is a major undertaking. To have it done right, give the installers plenty of time to complete the project. You shouldn’t plan on using the pool the same season that it’s being installed. We had our pool installed in the fall to avoid the summer rush. This also allowed the ground around the pool to settle over the winter. This is best to avoid concrete patios from cracking due to ground settling. With any construction project, there is always the possibility for something to go wrong. As the home owner it is up to you to voice your concerns and do your homework.”