What to Expect When You Schedule a Pool Opening with The Swimming Pool Store

Start Pool Season Off Right with The Swimming Pool Store

After months of harsh New England weather, opening your pool correctly is essential to ensure a safe, clean, and stress-free swimming season. In Connecticut, where winters can take a toll on your pool and equipment, a professional pool opening isn’t just a convenience; it’s peace of mind.

The Swimming Pool Store has been helping Connecticut homeowners open their pools for over 50 years with reliable service and attention to detail. From carefully removing your winter cover to setting up equipment and jumpstarting your water chemistry, we handle all the critical steps, so your pool is ready when you are. Schedule your pool opening today and secure your preferred date before our spring calendar fills up!

What’s Included in TSPS Pool Opening Services

When you schedule a pool opening with The Swimming Pool Store, you’re getting more than just a quick start-up; you’re investing in a professional service from a team of pool technicians with decades of experience. Our standard pool opening includes all the essentials to transition your pool from winterized to swim-ready with efficiency and care.

Here’s what’s included:

• Winter Cover Removal & Storage: We carefully remove your pool’s winter cover, fold it neatly, and store it in your designated location. Let us know if you have specific storage instructions for covers, plugs, or water bags.
• Draining Water Bags & Deflating Pillows: We thoroughly drain your water bags and deflate any air pillows used for winter protection, helping preserve these items for next season.
• Removal of Winterizing Plugs: We’ll remove all winter plugs from returns, skimmers, and other fixtures to prepare for reinstallation and water flow.
• Reinstallation of Accessible Fittings: All accessible operational fittings—returns, jets, lights, and more—are reinstalled to restore full circulation and functionality.
• Pump & Filter Start-Up (As-Is): Your pool’s pump and filtration system will be started in its current condition. While we do not make repairs during the opening, we’ll note any concerns and recommend next steps if the equipment is not functioning properly.
• Ladders, Rails, and Hardware Setup: We assemble and install all accessible pool hardware, including ladders, handrails, and diving boards that are left out and ready for installation.
• Heater or Heat Pump Test-Fire: If you have a pool heater or heat pump, we’ll test-fire it to confirm it powers on and check for any safety circuit alerts.
• Clock, Timer, and Controller Setup: We reset and adjust any automation timers, system controllers, or filtration schedules so your pool starts running on the right rhythm from day one.
• Initial Water Treatment: We add a standard dose of 12.5% liquid sodium hypochlorite shock and algaecide for pools up to 30,000 gallons. This helps kick-start water clarity and sanitation, but does not include full water balancing.

At the end of your opening, we’ll note any visible equipment or water quality concerns on your invoice so you can stay ahead of potential maintenance needs.

For more about what to expect and how to prepare, visit our Pool Opening Guide.

What Customers Need to Do Before We Arrive

To ensure a smooth and efficient pool opening, every customer should complete a few essential steps before our team arrives. Taking care of these protects your equipment and helps us get your pool up and running on the first visit without delays or added service charges.

Here’s how you can prepare:

• Raise Your Pool Water Level:
  Make sure the water level is at least halfway up the skimmer before we arrive. If the water is too low, we may be unable to prime the pump or run the filtration system. Return visits to start-up equipment due to low water levels may result in an added service charge.
• Clear Your Pool Cover of Water and Debris:
  Standing water or heavy debris must be removed from your pool cover in advance. An additional hourly charge will apply if our technicians need to perform this task. Please remember: The Swimming Pool Store is not responsible for any debris or dirty water entering the pool during cover removal if the cover was not prepped.
• Ensure Power Is Accessible:
  A working, reliable source of electricity must be available at the equipment pad. If we arrive and power is not available or accessible, we may need to reschedule your appointment.
• Have Your Equipment Ready:
  Please ensure essential items such as O-rings, gaskets, plugs, ladders, rails, and skimmer baskets are accessible and placed near the pool. Missing or inaccessible items may prevent us from completing your opening and could require a return visit at an added hourly rate.
• Storage Instructions:
  Please let us know before your appointment if you have a specific place where you’d like us to store your pool cover, winter plugs, water bags, or other gear. We’ll make sure everything is packed away properly and to your preference.

Taking care of these tasks helps us serve you efficiently and protects your pool equipment from unnecessary wear or complications. If you’re unsure about any of these steps, just give us a call; we’re happy to walk you through the checklist before your scheduled service.

What TSPS Pool Openings Do Not Include

While The Swimming Pool Store provides a comprehensive pool opening service, it’s important to know what is not included in our standard opening to avoid any confusion or surprises. Our goal is to set clear expectations and ensure you’re fully prepared for the next phase of pool maintenance after the initial opening is complete.

Here’s what our standard pool opening does not cover:

• Pool Vacuuming or Cleaning:
  We do not vacuum the pool or remove debris from the water during the opening. If your pool has significant debris or algae, you may want to schedule a follow-up cleaning service.
• Chemical Balancing:
  Our service includes a standard liquid shock and algaecide dosage to help jumpstart water clarity and sanitation. However, balancing pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and stabilizer levels is the pool owner’s responsibility, or can be scheduled as a separate service.
• Equipment Repairs or Replacements:
  We will test your pump, filter, and heater for basic operation, but we do not perform diagnostics or repairs during the opening. If we notice an issue, we’ll make a note and can schedule a separate service visit if needed.
• Structural or Plumbing Repairs:
  Our opening does not include restoration of damaged pool surfaces, plumbing line repairs, or issues related to your pool’s construction, decking, or landscaping.
• Accessory Assembly Not Left Out:
  We only install hardware (ladders, rails, etc.) that is accessible and ready to go. If anything is missing or stored out of sight, we may be unable to complete the installation without a return visit.

We’re always happy to answer questions about what’s included or help you schedule additional services if needed. We aim to make opening your pool as stress-free and efficient as possible, starting with clear communication.

Additional Pool Opening Services 

While our standard pool opening service covers the essentials, certain situations may require additional time, labor, or materials. We believe in transparency and want our customers to understand when and why extra charges might apply.

Here are the most common scenarios that may generate additional fees:

• Water and Debris Removal from the Pool Cover:
  An additional fee will apply if our team needs to remove standing water or heavy debris from your pool cover.
• Low Water Level Revisit:
  If your pool water level is too low for us to start up the system, we’ll have to return once it’s filled. A service charge applies to return visits caused by incomplete customer prep.
• Extra Water Features or Systems:
  Pools with additional systems, such as separate pumps, waterfalls, or deck jets, may incur an extra charge due to the added time and setup involved.
• Inaccessible or Missing Equipment:
  If key components like gaskets, O-rings, or plugs are missing or cannot be accessed during service, the opening may be delayed, resulting in an hourly return visit charge.
• Cancellations Upon Arrival:
  A service fee will be invoiced if a pool opening is canceled after our technicians arrive at your property.

We recommend reviewing the complete list of customer responsibilities to avoid unexpected charges and prepping accordingly. If you’re unsure whether your setup requires extra attention, please give us a call ahead of time. We’re here to help!

What Makes TSPS Pool Opening Services Different

With decades of experience and a commitment to quality, The Swimming Pool Store offers more than just a standard pool opening; we deliver 

peace of mind. Here’s what sets our services apart from others in Connecticut:

• Over 50 Years of Local Expertise
  We understand the challenges of opening a pool after a long New England winter. Our team is trained to spot early signs of wear, damage, or equipment failure before they turn into costly repairs.
• Thorough and Respectful Service
  We treat your pool and property with care. From neatly folding your winter cover to reinstalling ladders and handrails properly, we leave your pool area clean and organized.
• Safety Checks You Can Trust
  When we test-fire your pool heater or heat pump, we don’t just flip a switch; we check safety circuits, monitor startup performance, and make note of anything that looks off.
• Clear Communication and Documentation
  If we spot a problem or potential concern, we make detailed notes on your invoice so you’re fully informed. We’ll never leave you guessing about your pool’s condition.
• Responsive Scheduling and Customer Support
  We recommend scheduling early, but our team is easy to reach and ready to assist if you have questions or need to adjust your service.

Our reputation has been built on reliability, transparency, and high-quality service. When you schedule your pool opening with TSPS, you choose a trusted team that puts your pool and your satisfaction first.

When and How to Schedule Your Pool Opening

Timing is everything when opening your pool, especially in Connecticut, where unpredictable spring weather and packed service calendars can lead to delays. The Swimming Pool Store recommends scheduling your opening at least two weeks before your desired swim date.

Here’s how to schedule:

• Use our easy online form at Pool Opening Services – TSPS
• Or give us a call at (860) 673-6118 to speak with a member of our team

Remember, our May and June slots fill up quickly, so early booking helps secure your preferred timeframe and ensures your pool is ready when the warm weather hits.

Billing and Payment Details

After opening your pool, you’ll receive a detailed invoice, typically within one week of service. Here’s what to expect:

• Full payment is due upon receipt of the invoice
• Late payments are subject to a 1.5% monthly late fee
• Invoices unpaid after 6 months may be sent to collections or legal action

To avoid billing issues or delays, we encourage customers to review their invoice promptly and contact us with any questions.

Get Ready for a Worry-Free Pool Season

Opening your pool is the first step to enjoying everything summer offers. With The Swimming Pool Store, you can count on professional service, clear communication, and the peace of mind from working with an experienced local team.

We’re proud to be Burlington, Connecticut’s trusted pool experts for over 50 years, and we’re here to help make your next pool season the best one yet.  Schedule your pool opening today and let TSPS take care of the rest.

The Swimming Pool Store has been helping Connecticut families get the most out of their pools for over 50 years. Our professional pool opening services are designed to ensure a safe, smooth start to the swimming season. Contact us today to schedule your pool opening service.