When you’re ready to begin using your pool again in the spring, you’ll need to open it, or commission it in order to make it safe and pleasant to swim in. Firstly remove and store your winter pool cover, being careful that any leaves, algae or other debris that may have collected on top of it is cleaned away first. Skim the pool water as much as possible, so that all visible debris is removed. Check that all your equipment is working as expected, and that there is no damage to the body of the pool itself, and reconnect the pump, filter and heater. Top up the water to the correct level, and thoroughly clean and vacuum the whole pool, floor and sides. Ideally you should use an automatic pool cleaner to do this to get the best results. Once you’ve vacuumed the pool, keep your filter running for several hours to ensure the water is as clean as possible. Check and adjust the pH level if necessary, before chlorine shocking the pool to get rid of any lingering bacteria. Wait until the chlorine level returns to normal before swimming. You could use this time to tidy up the area around the pool, pruning foliage, washing your swimming pool surround or decking, and generally making the area look attractive and cared-for. If all this sounds like a lot of work, employ a pool maintenance company to open or close your pool for you. It’s a vital task to get right to ensure the safety and longevity of your pool, so let us ake care of that for you.