Spring pool opening service
We remove the cover, prepare the water, and get your pool ready for the season.
What we do on every opening
- Remove water and debris from your cover
- Brush tarps as water is removed
- Remove and roll cover and water bags
- Remove winterizing plugs from jets and skimmer
- Reinstall jets, lights, ladders, and deck equipment
- Start equipment if water level allows
- Add opening chemicals; salt is added separately once balanced
What's not included
Pool cleaning is not part of a pool opening. If you need a spring pool cleaning, please add pool maintenance at checkout.
Van-stocked. Store-backed.
Our vans carry the parts that come up most at openings: water bags, pressure gauges, drain plugs, and more. And because we run our own pool store, if something isn't on the van we can pull it from store inventory rather than waiting on an order. Most things get sorted on the day. Specialized repairs are quoted and billed separately.
2026 Pool opening pricelist
All rates include opening chemicals. HST extra. A $100 booking fee is collected at checkout and applied to your balance, not an extra charge. Rates apply to our standard service area; additional charges may apply based on location. Add-ons are selected during booking.
| Pool opening base price | |
|---|---|
| Spring opening – safety cover | $395 |
| Spring opening – tarp cover | $440 |
| Pump and remove cover only | $340 |
| Start pool if cover removed | $200 |
| Book my pool opening | |
| Opening add-ons | ||
|---|---|---|
 | Waterfalls | +$25 |
 | Deck jets | +$50 |
 | Solar system | +$50 |
 | Spill over spa | +$75 |
 | Double cover | +$100 |
What to expect on opening day
-
We arrive within your scheduled window
You don't need to be home. As long as the backyard is accessible and there's an outdoor tap, we'll handle everything.
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Cover removal and storage
We pump off standing water, clear away debris, and carefully fold and store the cover so it's clean and protected until fall.
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Equipment reinstall and startup
Winter plugs come out, return fittings go back in, and we prime and start the pump if we are able. We check for leaks and confirm the system is running before we move on.
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Opening chemicals added
We add your opening chemical treatment: pool shock, clarifier, and a stain and scale inhibitor. This is what starts the water on its way to clear.
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Clean-up and follow-up if needed
The pool is left running. If we spotted anything worth flagging (a cracked fitting, a worn gasket, a heater that needs attention), we'll follow-up with a quote. Expect cloudy water for 48–72 hours. That's the chemistry working, not a problem.
Gas heaters require a certified gas technician. If yours needs attention before the season, we can connect you with the technician we work with.
How to prepare
- Clear the pool area and deck (including pet waste)
- Have all winterized parts and equipment accessible
- If we couldn't start the pump due to low water, top it up and start the equipment once the level is right, then begin your regular water testing routine
A little prep before opening day helps the service go smoothly and gets your pool swim-ready faster. Make sure the yard and equipment area are accessible.
If the water level is too low for us to start the pump on the day, we'll let you know. Top it up as soon as you can and start the equipment once it reaches the skimmer. From there, begin your regular testing and chemistry routine.
If anything looks off after we've left, give us a call and we'll help you sort it out.
Proudly serving Waterloo Region and surrounding area
- Kitchener
- Waterloo
- Cambridge
- Elmira
- Guelph
- New Hamburg
- Hawkesville
- Wellesley
- Baden
- New Dundee
- St. Jacobs
- St. Clements
- Heidelberg
- Maryhill
- Conestogo
Frequently
asked
questions
Every spring brings a fresh round of questions about timing, water chemistry, cover removal, and what to do if something doesn't look right after we leave. We've answered the ones we hear most often below.
Don't see yours? Give us a call at (519) 886-8751. We're always happy to talk it through.
When should I open my pool?
Most pools in Waterloo Region are opened between late April and mid-June. We recommend opening before consistent daytime temperatures exceed 18°C. Algae growth accelerates quickly once the water warms up, and an early opening makes balancing the chemistry much easier.
Do I need to be home for the opening?
No. As long as we have access to the pool area and an outdoor tap, you don't need to be there.
What if my water level is too low?
We'll complete everything we can. You can fill the pool to the right level and start the pump once it gets there. If you're having trouble, give us a call.
What if my water is green after the opening?
Green water after an opening is normal. The chemistry needs a day or two to work through. Keep the pump running continuously and your water will typically clear within 48–72 hours. If it hasn't improved after that, give us a call.
Does an Aquascapes pool opening include cleaning?
No. A pool opening is the mechanical and chemical reactivation of the pool: uncovering, reconnecting equipment, restoring filtration, and balancing water chemistry. Cleaning the water and surfaces to a swim-ready state is offered as a separate service, either on a one-time or a weekly or biweekly contract.
Is salt added at the opening?
No. Once the pool is filled and has been circulating for a few days you can bring a water sample to the store so we can test your water and calculate how much salt your pool needs to start the season.
What if you find a problem during the opening?
We flag it with a photo and follow up with a repair quote. Small parts we carry on the van and can often fix on the same visit. Anything beyond routine scope is quoted separately before we proceed.
Do you service gas heaters?
Gas heater servicing is not part of our opening service. We can connect you with the certified technician we work with if yours needs attention before the season.
Can you open my pool if the cover is already off?
Yes. If you've already removed the cover yourself, we offer a 'Start Pool if Cover Already Removed' service. We reinstall plugs, start the equipment, and add opening chemicals, all at a reduced rate.
What our clients are saying
I want to take this opportunity to thank you for all of your assistance in the past as it has been greatly appreciated. In particular however I want to expressly thank the foreperson of the pool opening team that you sent to us last week. Her name is “Marin”, I believe. I am throughly impressed by her courtesy, consideration and especially her attention to detail. When I went out this morning to check the fittings and start the pump I was surprised and impressed with the fact that Marin had arranged things so that it was only necessary to flip on the power.
They opened our pool this year....and the service was OUTSTANDING. This same crew came to replace a gasket on the sand filter...and AGAIN...we received a friendly, professional, caring service to repair the problem. I highly recommend them!
One of the best pool companies around. Aquascapes has been servicing our Beechwood neighbourhood pool for years
Incredibly helpful and honest services. Have been dealing with Sean and his staff for 10 years and would highly recommend Aquascapes to any pool owner 👍😊
More from Aquascapes
Pool closings
Protect your investment over winter. We blow the lines, winterize equipment, and close properly so spring is headache-free.
Weekly maintenance
Crystal clear water, every week. We handle cleaning, chemical balancing, and equipment checks so you just enjoy the pool.
Emergency repair
Leak, pump failure, liner damage. We know pools inside out and can diagnose problems before they get expensive.
Ready to open your pool?
Book my pool opening