Start your swimming season the right way with Firehouse Pools.
IN-GROUND SWIMMING POOL OPENING
In-ground Pool Opening involves more than removing the cover and turning on the pump.
Our technicians bring your pool plumbing and equipment back into operation.
We test your water and inspect the system for visible problems.
Additionally, we begin preparing your pool for the swimming season.
Firehouse Pools provides professional pool-opening service throughout Indianapolis and surrounding communities.
What Is Included With a Firehouse Pools Opening?
We remove applicable winterizing plugs and skimmer protection devices. We reinstall return fittings and equipment drain plugs. We check equipment connections and prepare your circulation system for startup.
Your pump is primed and the system is started carefully so winterizing antifreeze can be directed out of the plumbing before normal filtration begins.
Once circulation is established, we verify that water is returning properly to the pool.
Complete Water Testing
We test and document your pool’s:
Water temperature • pH • Total alkalinity • Free chlorine • Total chlorine • Calcium hardness • Stabilizer/CYA • Water clarity
If chlorine is low, the technician can shock the pool according to the condition of the water and pool chemistry.
Chlorine, salt and water-balancing chemicals are additional when needed.
Equipment Inspection
Once the system is operating, we inspect the equipment area for visible leaks and startup problems.
Minor issues may be corrected during the visit when practical. Problems requiring additional parts, diagnostics or repairs will be documented and may require a separate service appointment.
Filter Startup
For sand filters, we backwash and rinse as appropriate.
For cartridge filters, we inspect the condition of the cartridges. If cleaning is needed, your technician can document it and discuss the recommended service.
Heater Startup Check
If your pool has a heater, we turn on the gas supply and test the heater to confirm that it starts properly.
The heater is normally turned back off after testing unless otherwise requested.
If the heater doesn’t start, our technician will check for basic startup issues and document anything that may require additional service.
Salt System & Pool Automation Check
If applicable, we’ll verify operation of your salt system and pool automation, including items such as:
salt chlorine systems, variable-speed pumps, spillways, slides and chemical-feed controls.
When a salt-cell issue is suspected, the technician can inspect the cell
Final checks and documentation:
Check the water level, record service details and materials used, and photograph the pool and equipment. Secure the gate and, for automatic-cover pools, close the cover and replace its pump unless instructed otherwise.
Vacuuming, the opening chemical package, and seasonal cover removal are not included in the standard opening unless selected as add-ons.
Pool Cover Removal Options (additional fees may apply)
Mesh or Solid Safety Cover
We remove loose debris from the cover before removal whenever practical, then carefully remove, fold or roll the cover and place it in its storage bag when applicable.
Tarp & Water-Tube Cover
We remove the water tubes or weighted cover system and remove as much water and debris as practical before removing the cover. Excessive may result in additional fees
Automatic Pool Cover
For automatic covers, we open the cover to access the pool and equipment. When necessary, we’ll use the customer’s cover pump to remove reasonable amounts of standing water so the cover can be operated safely.
Optional Pool Opening Services (additional fees may apply)
Vacuuming
Vacuuming is available as an additional opening service and should be selected when scheduling. Heavy winter debris may require additional cleaning even after the initial opening.
Opening Chemicals
Opening Chemicals include stain/scale inhibitor, phosphate remover and enzyme. Chlorine, salt and chemicals required to balance the water are additional.
Automation
We will install ORP/pH sensors and turn automation on. If you have specific settings and schedules, those may need to be checked or reset by the customer to verify operation
Fountains/Water features
reinstall fountains or water features as needed and inspect for proper operation
Floor Cleaners
For those with pop-up floor cleaners, we will reinstall water valve and check for proper operation.
Full Pool Opening
Want us to handle more of the spring cleanup? Choose a Full Pool Opening
For designated full openings, Firehouse can also perform applicable services such as cleaning the automatic cover, cleaning pool-edge areas and steps, removing winter dirt lines, cleaning skimmers/slides and reinstalling handrails and ladders.
- Pool vacuuming to remove debris from the pool floor.
- The opening chemical package: stain/scale inhibitor, phosphate remover, and enzyme.
- Cover service: removal of the selected mesh, solid safety, or tarp-and-water-tube cover. For automatic-cover pools, the cover remains installed and is cleaned as part of a full opening.
IMPORTANT: The opening chemical package does not include chlorine, salt, or chemicals needed to balance the water. These are additional charges when needed, including with a full opening. Replacement parts and separately selected specialty services are also additional.
For a full opening with a removable seasonal cover, select Vacuum, Opening Chemicals, and the appropriate cover-removal option when booking. For a full opening with an automatic cover, contact our office to confirm the appropriate selections and cover service.
Additional services and options
Select the applicable add-ons for cartridge-filter cleaning, automation systems with chemical-feed sensors, fountains or specialty water features, and in-floor cleaning systems. Spa opening and chlorine-tablet purchases are also listed separately.
Weekly maintenance options can be selected when booking and are separate from the pool-opening service. Contact our office to confirm the ongoing service plan and charges.
Tarp-and-water-tube cover removal is a different option from mesh or solid safety-cover removal. Excessive debris on a tarp-and-water-tube cover results in an additional charge.
Before Your Pool Opening Appointment
-Bring the pool water to the midpoint of the skimmer prior to opening.
-Set out your stored opening supplies, including return fittings and skimmer baskets, near the pool equipment.
-Provide any gate codes, automatic-cover codes, or special access instructions when scheduling.
Appointment times shown online are not guaranteed arrival times. Our technicians’ routes are organized by customer location for the day.
AFTER YOUR OPENING
Opening is the first step in preparing your pool for swimming. Depending on its condition, the water may need continued filtration, additional chemical adjustments, or further cleaning after the initial visit. Some fine dirt may settle after vacuuming.
Follow your technician’s instructions for pump operation and follow-up care. An opening appointment does not guarantee clear, swim-ready water that same day.
Will My Pool Be Ready to Swim Immediately?
Not necessarily.
Opening gets your pool equipment operating and begins preparing the water for the season. Depending on the condition of the water when the cover comes off, the pool may need additional filtration time, chemical adjustments or cleaning before it is ready for swimming.
At Firehouse Pools, we take pride in professional service, careful workmanship, and clear communication.
Schedule your opening and select the services that fit your pool’s needs.