Preparing For your OPening

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  • Remember to call or schedule online early for your spring opening appointment.
  • Please specify if you have a concrete pool, a Fox pool with a beaded snap cover, a Buster Crabbe Pool, an above-ground pool, a Splash Pool, an auto cover, mesh cover or water bag cover.
  • Pump the water off your cover.
  • Have the pool water at normal operating level (except Splash Pools).
  • Have equipment accessible along with baskets, plugs, garden hose, etc.
  • Have electrical power available.
  • Payment is due prior to, or at the time of opening. For your convenience, you can also schedule your opening online .
  • Heaters are checked and pilots are lit. However, the heater will be left in the OFF position. Check pilot often, they tend to blow out on windy spring days.
  • Circulate water at least 24 hours before testing.
  • Hot Tub Opening - Have your hot tub and filter clean. Provide access to water and have a garden hose out. Do not have the hot tub full of water.
  • Chemically Clean your filter(s) with Strip Kwik then Kleen It either in the fall or in the spring. If you would like us to clean your Cartridge Filter, please allow 2 weeks prior to opening to have Valley Pools & Spas clean your filter cartridges.
  • Pools with chlorine generators - your chlorine generator will not produce chlorine until the pool water is over 50 degrees and it will not give a correct mineral reading until the pool water is over 70 degrees. If needed, you may use chlorine sticks in your skimmer until the cell is working properly. Bring in a water sample for testing at one of our locations to get an accurate mineral reading while the water is cold.
  • If you have a Mesh Safety Cover:

    Leave your water at normal operating level or lower the water level to the bottom of the skimmer if you choose.

  • If you have an Auto Cover:

    Leave your water at normal operating level.   Water on top of Auto Covers must be pumped off prior to our arrival.

  • If you have a Water Bag (Tarp) Cover:

    Leave your water at normal operating level.   Check old water bags for leaks. We are not responsible for bags that have been put on with holes in them.

  • Above-Ground Pool Owners:

    Water must be lowered to 18”-20” from the top. If you use a cover, we recommend you use a minimum of two air pillows.  We do not cover hard-sided above-ground pools with cabled covers.

  • Concrete Pool Owners:

    Have the pool drained below the light and/or inlets before the crew comes to close the pool. Be sure to leave at least one foot of water in the shallow end.

  • Buster Crabbe Pool Owners:

    Have the pool drained below the inlets before the crew comes to close the pool.

  • All Pool Owners:

    Make sure the water is NOT ABOVE normal operating level; There will be a charge of $114.00 per service tech, if we have to lower the water level.

REMEMBER:

  • If we have not winterized your pool in the past, if you have special instructions, or if you have a concrete or Buster Crabbe pool, please let us know.
  • Extra service work must be pre-scheduled.
  • Do not put the winter cover on before the closing.
  • We are not responsible for mesh cover anchors.
  • Closing crew does not bring cartridges back to our shop for cleaning. If you would like us to clean them please bring them in and pick them up when finished. The cost for in-store cartridge filter cleaning is $150.00.
  • Filter cartridge pick-up and delivery service is $69.00 (within a 30 mile radius). Cartridge must be out of the filter; please call to schedule pick-up. Service will begin November 1st.
  • The cost for in-store Mineral Springs Cell Cleaning is $40.00.
  • Payment is due prior to, or at the time of the closing.
  • It is your responsibility to shut off circuit breakers and timers.
  • Throughout the winter, check the winter cover for shifting, flattened water bags, etc. Valley Pools & Spas is not responsible for flattened water bags. New water bags have a 30 DAY warranty on seam separation. There will be a service charge to replace bags even if we put on the cover at closing.
  • We do not cover above-ground pools with cabled covers.
  • For out of area customers, our toll-free number is 1-800-671-1480.