If you’re like many of us, those 60-degree temperatures we’ve been getting now and then have you thinking about when warmer weather comes to stay. And as a pool owner, your thoughts then naturally drift to when you should open your inground pool.
Most pool builders and pool service companies agree that there is no set date on the calendar. The best time to open your inground pool is when the daytime temperatures are consistently above 70 degrees. Why? Because that’s when algae can start to form. In our area, we can see these sorts of temperatures in April and May, depending on the weather patterns.
By taking the cover off your pool, cleaning it, adding the appropriate chemicals, and getting the pool pump running again, you keep algae at bay. The later you open your pool, the dirtier it will be.
While the temperatures may not be optimal right now, it’s a great time to plan for your pool opening. Decide if you will do it yourself, or hire a pool service. Veteran pool owners know there can be a waiting list for pool openings, so it’s best to sign up early.
If you’re a DIY type of person, take a look at your stock of chemicals and buy whatever you need now, to beat the rush when everyone is opening their pools. When you have what you need, you can open your pool without emergency trips to the pool supply store.
As long as wait until daytime temperatures are consistently above 70 degrees, you should be fine. Keep an eye on the long-range forecast. Some years in the Maryland/DC/NOVA area we get warmer temperatures sooner. Even if we have an unexpected cold snap, we won’t have a hard freeze.
And if you have a pool heater, you can get a head start on pool season and take advantage of warm days.
Yes. If you wait to open your pool until temperatures are consistently in the mid-70s to 80s, algae will accumulate fast. You’ll have to spend more time and money cleaning out the algae and need to use more chemicals to get your pool water balanced. An earlier pool opening makes for easier cleanup, and also allows you more time to inspect everything to make sure your first pool party will go off without a hitch.
If you’re dreaming about turning your backyard into a pool paradise, we can help. We design and build new custom pools, and we can also revamp your existing pool area by adding a spa, new pool decking, a new patio, a pergola, and much more to give you the resort-like feel you want.
Check out our Portfolio for examples of our work, and to gain inspiration, and then contact us for a design consultation. We work with homeowners throughout the Capital Region, including Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C.
