Pool Opening Tips for Busy People

As the summer season approaches, here are some pool opening tips specifically tailored for busy parents of small families living on Long Island, New York:

1. Plan Around the Weather

  • Watch for Frost-Free Nights: Wait until the risk of frost has passed before opening your pool. In Long Island, this is usually late May to early June, but it can vary.
  • Pick a Dry Weekend: Check the weather forecast and aim to open your pool on a sunny, dry weekend, giving you flexibility for any unexpected delays.

2. Get Professional Help (or Pool Service)

  • Consider Hiring a Local Service: If time is limited, hire a reputable pool service company on Long Island to handle the heavy lifting—opening the pool, checking filters, and balancing chemicals. It’s a worthwhile investment for busy parents.
  • Schedule Early: Service companies book up fast as summer approaches, so make appointments early to avoid delays.

3. Safety First

  • Check Fences and Gates: Make sure all safety barriers are in place and that gates latch securely to prevent children from accessing the pool without supervision.
  • Inspect Pool Covers: If you’ve used a winter cover, inspect it for any damage or debris before removing it. Clean and store it properly for next season.
  • Secure Alarms: Ensure that any pool alarms (on gates or water) are functional and up to date for added safety with small kids.

4. Clean and Skim

  • Remove Debris: Use a leaf net or pool skimmer to remove any accumulated debris or leaves on the cover and in the pool.
  • Vacuum and Scrub: For smaller families with children, a robotic pool vacuum might be a huge time-saver, allowing you to automate the cleaning process. Otherwise, set aside a block of time to vacuum manually and scrub the walls.

5. Balance Chemicals Properly

  • Test the Water First: Before adding any chemicals, use a test kit or strips to check pH levels, chlorine, and alkalinity.
  • Consult Local Experts: Long Island pool supply stores can recommend products specific to your water conditions. They often offer free water testing if you bring in a sample.
  • Keep It Simple: For busy families, consider using pre-packaged chemical kits designed for opening pools to save time and reduce guesswork.

6. Kid-Friendly Pool Maintenance

  • Establish Simple Routines: Keep it manageable by establishing a 15-minute daily maintenance routine that includes skimming and checking chemical levels. This prevents bigger issues down the line.
  • Get the Kids Involved: Encourage children to help with simple tasks like skimming leaves or testing water with strips to build excitement and responsibility.

7. Stock Up on Pool Essentials

  • Get Family-Friendly Pool Toys: As the pool gets ready, stock up on toys that keep your kids entertained while giving you time to relax.
  • Sunscreen and First Aid Kits: Make sure you have plenty of family-safe sunscreen and an easily accessible first aid kit to handle any minor poolside scrapes or sunburns.

8. Prepare for Poolside Fun

  • Set Up Outdoor Furniture: Create a cozy space for lounging or watching the kids by setting up poolside chairs and umbrellas.
  • Consider Shade Solutions: On Long Island, summer can get hot, so think about adding a portable shade tent or sun umbrella for extra comfort.

These tips should help streamline the process of opening your pool, leaving you more time to enjoy the summer with your family!