How deep dip temperature probe to determine when to open pool

[goody222]

This is my first year closing the pool. I understand it is desirable to open the pool before the temperature hits 60F - I'm not sure what time of year that is for me. Recently, on cloudy, normal temperature days, the first inch of water is 58F and 6 inches down it is 52F. On a sunny above average temp day, 6 inches down is still 52F but the first inch is 72F. THEN, when I go to repeat the measurement in the first inch on that sunny day, I get 62F because simply dipping the probe in mixes the water. When I mix with my hand, the first inch drops well below 60F. Even on sunny warm days the outdoor temps are dropping to 50F at night so I know that the first inch isn't above 60F all day.

So....what is the best way to determine this 60F limit? Thanks!

 

[Newdude]

Use the 6 inches down temp IMHO. All year long the top inch is the warmest. Whenever i pop my looplock cover to peek, i can feel a small burst of air warmer than the actual air temp. When i had my solar cover during the summer, the top inch was approaching Hot tub hot. Right now, if 98% of your pool is 52 degrees or less even deeper, use that as your baseline.

 

[Arizonarob]

Goody, from what you said, you’re about a week away from opening. It’s not going to hurt to open a little early, as long as your area is past any freeze cycles.

 

[jimim]

What rob said is what I do. I don’t worry about water temp. I check my nights. Once I see a few weeks that there is nights at or above 32 I open. My water will be maybe 37 tips tomorrow I bet when I open. We might get a night here or there or even 2 nights that r below freezing. I just run the pump. Ground won’t freeze in that kinda weather.

 

[Newdude]

Me three, but that wasnt your question.

 

[mas985]

When the risk of extended freezing temperatures has passed, that is when you should really open your pool. An occasional short duration dip below 32F is fine but when air temps stay below 32F for more than 10 hours per day, there is risk of freeze damage and the pool should remain closed.

 

[wogster]

Easy to tell for me, water temperature is still below freezing.... The block of ice on top is a good indicator....

 

[Newdude]

Easy to tell for me, water temperature is still below freezing.... The block of ice on top is a good indicator

Is summer still scheduled for July 31st, or does the early spring for everybody get you a full week this year ?

 

[goody222]

I'll keep a close eye on it. With all the pollen starting, I was hoping to keep it covered as long as possible. I don't start using it until the beginning of May anyway.

 

[revitup]

I understand it is desirable to open the pool before the temperature hits 60F

What would be the reason for that - in a properly balanced closed pool?

 

[Newdude]

The closed months allow for the FC to usually dissipate completely. Most of us open with zero. 60 degrees tends to be the line where algae growth greatly decreases/increases, so if you do have algea it’s easier to kill, or you get your chemistry in line before it starts to exponentially grow in the first place.

This was one of my big fears before getting the pool. I knew many people that opened the pool only when it’s plenty warm out already. Usually Memorial Day to Labor Day with no exceptions. A lot of these people open to green swamps every year. Then they close too early and have it festering all winter increasing the chances for a repeat next year. I didn’t want that fight every year and almost didn’t get the pool. My first spring I opened early for the view alone. It was blue as could be. Out of refusal to admit the season was over, I waited much later to close every year, which helped just the same. TFP has since taught me the how/why It worked.

 

[revitup]

Thanks, I understand the algae/green pool concerns, which is why I added the 'balanced closed pool' reservation. Our pool is chemically maintained all winter here in the 'deep south'. With the solar cover on, our water will be easily in the mid 70s by the time we open. It's been crystal clear all winter, with the exception of some debris on the bottom that got by the leaf net and solar cover. We'll open to a clear pool just needing a net sweep and vacuum.

 

[Newdude]

Mine for example has a mesh safety cover and takes a lot of rain. I have never needed to treat in the winter but I do drain a few times. One green time would probably make me winter treat forever though. Lol.