Spring Pool Opening: What the Goodlin Crew Does and What You Do First

Every spring the same thing happens in Butler, Cranberry, Mars and Sarver. The weather turns, the neighbors start talking about the pool, and the winter cover is still sitting out there with a season of leaves and water on it. A pool opening is the job that gets you from that cover to a pool you can swim in. Here is what our crew does when we open your pool, and what we need from you so the visit goes smoothly.

What the crew does at an opening

We offer spring openings as a basic service, and we can do as little or as much as you like. The basic opening covers these steps:

• Remove the pool cover.
• Reconnect all plumbing lines to the equipment.
• Place the ladders and handrails.
• Start the equipment, as long as the water is at operational level.
• Test the heater, if you have one.
• Shock the pool and add algaecide.

The order matters. The cover comes off first so we can see what the pool looks like after winter. Then the plumbing goes back on, because all winter the pump, filter and heater were disconnected and drained so they would not hold water through a freeze. Once the lines are connected and the water is high enough to feed the skimmer, the equipment can be started. Running a pump with the water too low can damage it, which is why the water level is the first thing we check before anything gets switched on.

Testing the heater at the opening is worth a mention. It is much better to learn in April that a heater needs attention than on the first warm weekend in June, when every pool company in the area is busy.

What to do before the crew arrives

There are three things we ask the homeowner to take care of. They are short, but they make a real difference to how fast the opening goes.

• Drain the existing water and remove the leaves from the winter cover.
• Make sure the pool water is at operational level.
• Make sure the equipment is pool side.

Leaves are the big one. A cover loaded with wet leaves is heavy and messy, and the debris that slides off into the water makes the first cleanup harder. If you clear the cover first, the crew can lift it off cleanly. The water level matters because our equipment startup depends on it. If the level is low, we cannot run the system, and that can mean a return trip.

Scheduling by the week

Spring openings all want the same few weeks. Because of the large volume of openings and the small window to get the work done, we cannot guarantee a specific date or time. We typically schedule by the week, and we do our best to meet your needs. The practical advice is simple: it is never too early to get on the schedule. A call in winter, or as soon as you are thinking about it, puts you in line before the rush.

Repairs, payment and what is not included

Sometimes the opening turns up something that needs fixing. Minor repairs under $60.00 will be completed without prior approval, so a small part does not hold up your whole day. Anything bigger is different. Major repairs need homeowner approval and will result in a return service charge.

Payment should be presented on the day of the opening. Our pricing does not include removal of leaves or vacuuming. If your pool is full of debris, that is a separate conversation, and it is one more reason to clear the cover before we come.

After the opening: the water sample

Shocking and adding algaecide gets the water started, but it does not tell you the whole story. Allow the water to filter for 48 hours before bringing in a water sample. Then bring it to our store, where we use a Lamotte spin lab for accurate test results and recommendations. Pool water is constantly changing, and a fresh reading after the first two days of circulation gives us a clear picture of what the pool needs next.

If you are not sure whether you want the full opening or just part of it, ask. Some homeowners hand us everything, and others do the cover themselves and want us for the plumbing and equipment. Both are fine. To get on the schedule, call 724-352-7549 or stop by the store on North Pike Road.