Pool opening common questions.
Quick reference FAQ
🏊 Pool Opening — Common Customer Questions
Timing & Scheduling
- How long does the opening process take? - The pool opening takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and a half depending on the size and equipment of the pool.
- What happens if it rains on my scheduled opening day? - Unless there is lightning we can still open your pool. However, we will reschedule the next available date if we cannot.
- Do you open pools on weekends? - We do not typically open pools on weekends unless we have weather delays during the week prior.
Pricing & What's Included
- How much does a pool opening cost? - Our pool openings are ~$825 for our 4-visit packages and ~$400 for our 1-visit opening.
- What exactly is included in the pool opening service? - During the opening we will remove the cover, install the pool fittings, start and test the pool equipment, test and adjust the chemicals and brush the pool.
- Is there an extra charge for chemicals? - No chemicals are included in the price for all residential openings.
- Do you charge extra for travel or if my pool needs extra work? - Travel is included in the price. We do provide parts for essential pool equipment so we can get the system running. However, any large or expensive extra work needed would be notified to you and a quote would be made.
- Are there any hidden fees I should know about? - We do not have any fees and provide you with any information you need about our process and pricing.
Chemicals & Water Treatment
- How long after opening can we swim in the pool? - Once the chemicals are within a safe range the pool would be safe to swim in.
- Do you provide the chemicals, or do I need to buy them myself? - 614 provides the chemicals for you.
- My water is green — can you still open it? Is there an extra cost? - There is no extra cost to a pool being opened green. Being in Ohio causes unpredictable water conditions which our staff is trained to treat.
- Will you test my water when you open the pool? - Yes we will test the water chemistry during the opening.
Equipment & Winterization
- What if my equipment (pump, filter, heater) doesn't work when you open it?- If necessary equipment does not work during the opening, we will complete as much of the process that we can and quote you for services to either repair, replace or do a deeper diagnosis of the equipment.
- My pool was damaged over the winter — do you handle repairs? - 614 Pools can handle above ground equipment and plumbing repairs as well as small leaks in vinyl liners. Anything of a large scope can be recommended to several fantastic pool repair companies we know of.
- What if my cover had water/debris on it? - 614 Pools will remove debris on the cover and some water. If you have an autocover your cover put will need to be placed on prior to our arrival to remove the water.
- Do you remove and store the winter cover, or do I need to handle that? - 614 Pools removed and stores the cover where you request. If a location is not requested we will leave off to the side of the pool deck.
- Can you reinstall my ladder, rails, and accessories? - Yes, this is included in the service.
Pool Condition After Winter
- My pool water is really dark/dirty — is that normal? - Yes, it is possible with Ohio's unpredictable conditions, typically caused by a later opening in the season or debris getting into the pool.
- How long will it take for the water to clear up after opening? - The timeframe can vary depending on how much debris is in the pool and the size of the pool. 614 Pools will typically have the pool swimmable after two weeks with the 4-visit package but we would inform you if we are expecting a longer time frame.
- Is it normal for my pool to have algae in the spring? - Yes, once the temperatures start to rise and the sun comes out algae can begin to grow quickly.
- What if my liner is damaged or shifted? - If you have damaged or shifted liners we do provide services to fix these issues and we can discuss more if needed.
Heater & Energy Questions
- When can we start heating the pool after opening? The heater is recommended to be started on when the chemicals are balanced to prevent any chemical damage.
- How long does it take to heat the pool to a comfortable temperature? A pool heater can heat the pool around 1-2 degrees per hour depending on the size of the heater and pool.
Ongoing Service
- Do you offer weekly maintenance after the opening? - Yes, we can provide you a quote for our cleaning packages.
- Can I bundle the pool opening with a service package for the season? - We do not provide any bundles for the packages as they are priced accordingly.
- Do you also close (winterize) pools in the fall? - 614 does provide closings which we can quote now or later. Many of our customers like to get it out of the way earlier so they do not have to worry about it.
- What's your cancellation or rescheduling policy? - You’re allowed to cancel at any time, 614 does not hold any contracts. In order to reschedule just email or call us and provide us with what dates work better and we will try our best to accommodate.
First-Time Pool Owners
- I've never opened a pool before — what do I need to do to prepare? - Please make sure there is power to the system and not too many obstructions around the pool.
- What should I do before your technician arrives? - Ensure power is going to the equipment, the safety cover bag is out or water is removed from the autocover. Your pool fittings are somewhere if not in the cover bag and the gate if one is unlocked.
- Do I need to be home during the opening? - We do not require you to be home as long as the gate is unlocked but you are welcome to be.
Pro Tips for Sales Members:
- Emphasize the Ohio-specific spring timeline (weather unpredictability is a big concern)
- Highlight bundle deals — customers who book openings often want closings too
- Reassure customers that green or dirty water is very common after Ohio winters and is fixable
- Always clarify what is and isn't included to set expectations upfront