Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on HomeGuide.
How much does it cost to open a pool?
Professional pool opening costs an average of $250 to $400 for an inground pool or $150 to $250 for an above-ground pool. Your actual cost will depend on where you live, how big your pool is, and the chemicals used.
What is pool opening?
Opening a pool means preparing it to swim in again after being shut down for the winter. This service usually includes:
Removing the cover
Cleaning the pool's interior
Inspecting and reinstalling equipment
Refilling the pool
Balancing the water with chemicals
When should I open my pool?
Most people open their pools in either May or June, depending on your location. You should always wait until outdoor temperatures are consistently above 65° F. This is when the threat of frost is usually over and algae will start to grow in water.
If you live in a warmer state like Florida or California, you might be able to keep your pool open all year-round instead of opening and closing it.
How long do I have to wait to swim after opening my pool?
You need to wait at least 1 to 2 days after opening the pool to swim in it. Opening a pool includes “shocking” it with chemicals to bring the chlorine levels back up, which can be harmful to swim in.
If you can't or don't want to wait 2 days, you could monitor the pH and chlorine levels and swim as soon as they reach safe levels. The water is safe when the chlorine is under 4 ppm (parts per million) and the pH is between 7.2 and 7.8.
How long does it take to open a pool?
Opening a pool takes about 2 to 6 hours on average, depending on the pool type, liner material, and size. Above-ground pools almost always take less time to open than inground pools, especially if they use a vinyl or fiberglass liner instead of concrete.
How do I choose a pool service company?
You can find a great pool opening company by following these steps:
Compare 3 or more bids from experienced, reputable pool contractors.
Look for members of the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP).
Explore recent customer reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Avoid extremely low estimates, which can indicate poor-quality work.
Get an itemized, written estimate or contract.
Wait until they finish opening your pool to pay in full.
What questions do I ask pool companies?
Ask these questions to find the best company possible for your pool opening:
How long have you been opening pools like mine?
Is your company licensed, bonded, and insured?
Are there any services you haven't included in this price?
Can you close my pool later this year? How much will that cost?
Do you charge a flat rate or by the hour?
How long will this opening take?
Will you have to drain my pool to clean it?
Will you fill my pool back up as well?
Do you charge extra for vacuuming?
Do you charge extra for pools that haven't been used in 2+ years?
Do you have any deals or bundle prices?
Reviews for Columbus swimming pool opening services
Recent success stories from people in the Columbus area.
Kathi R.
He explained everything as he went along and his price was really reasonable.
Paul Handyman Service
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