A new mindset
Pool professionals across the country have reported their pools are filled with much more algae and are very difficult to get into shape for swimming. A growing number are now opting for new ways to close and open pools because of these challenging ‘openings.’
Steve White with UnderWater Pool Masters in Massachusetts has altered his closing and opening routine with recent changes in weather patterns.
“We have definitely changed our winterizing program in the last few years because of warmer weather here in the Northeast,” White explains. “We find that with increased rain and warmer weather in March and April, more pools being opened have a real algae challenge. Since most of our pools have safety covers, the mesh material allows rain water and nitrates to enter the pool water. With a little sunshine and temperatures above 10 to 13 C (50 or 55 F), the pools are filled with algae by the time you open in May.”
With fall staying warmer longer, some residential pool owners may also choose to keep their pool open longer. One problem that can occur in these situations is the falling leaves, which, over the course of the winter and early spring, can hold algae spores that release stains from tannins on the pool surface.
Ginny Mulvaney, president of Custom Pools in Minnesota, says, “We actually try to encourage people to keep their pools open longer, but with the leaves that come down in the fall, a pool can be covered in less than one hour. It can become a lot of work for the homeowner.”
Warm weather contingencies
Many pool professionals are incorporating contingency plans to deal with warmer weather patterns and earlier spring openings.
“We now offer what we call a ‘chemical drop,’ which is a pre-opening service for both our residential and commercial customers,” White explains. “This service involves adding 20 L (5 gal) of liquid chlorine and 0.95 L (1 quart) of algaecide to arrest algae growth. This keeps the algae from growing so we don’t have to battle it in late May. We even recommend this to ‘do-it-yourself’ customers who are treating their own pools.”
Others, such as Mulvaney, have started preparing for warmer springs at closing time. “Our main focus at the end of the summer is to heighten customer awareness about the importance of having to use extra chlorine and algaecide before closing, to hopefully help with spring openings,” he explains. “But again, you just don’t know what kind of winter we might have.”
