If you own a swimming pool in Murfreesboro, Franklin, or anywhere in Middle Tennessee, timing your pool opening correctly can save you money, prevent algae problems, and reduce stress heading into summer.
Many homeowners ask, “Should I wait until May to open my pool?” In Tennessee’s climate, waiting too long often costs more than opening a little early. Let’s break down the best time to open your pool in Murfreesboro and Franklin—and why timing matters.
Tennessee Spring Weather: What You’re Really Balancing
Spring in Rutherford and Williamson Counties brings three unpredictable factors: rising water temperatures, heavy tree pollen, and sudden temperature swings. To navigate this, you need to understand one critical threshold.
The 60-Degree Rule
Once your pool water consistently reaches 60°F, algae begins to grow much faster. If your pool stays closed while water temperatures climb into the 60s and 70s, you dramatically increase the risk of green water, stubborn staining, and higher chemical demands.
Opening before the water warms too much makes your startup process significantly easier and cheaper.
The Great Pollen vs. Algae Debate
Middle Tennessee pollen season typically peaks from late March through April. Many pool owners delay opening to avoid pollen, but that often leads to a much bigger headache. Here is what you are really trading off:
Opening Early (Late March – Mid-April) | Opening Late (May) |
The Catch: More surface skimming and filter cleaning due to pollen. | The Catch: Fighting algae in warm water trapped under a cover. |
The Cost: A few extra weeks of basic maintenance chemicals. | The Cost: High chemical usage and potential "green-to-clean" service fees. |
The Result: Swim-ready water the moment the first 80° weekend hits. | The Result: Peak-season scheduling delays and a longer cleanup process. |
The Sweet Spot: For most homeowners in Murfreesboro and Franklin, the ideal opening window is late March through mid-April. Proactive always beats reactive!
If Your Pool Is Already Open
If you run your pool year-round, spring is when you should shift into “peak season readiness mode.”
1. Tighten Up Water Chemistry
As temperatures rise, chlorine demand increases. Salt pools also require close monitoring as production ramps up. Keep your water balanced within these ideal ranges:
Chemical | Ideal Range |
Chlorine | 2–5 ppm |
pH | 7.4–7.6 |
Alkalinity | 80–120 ppm |
Stabilizer (CYA) | 30–50 ppm |
2. Clean Your Filter Before May
A clean filter reduces strain on your pump and keeps water clearer. Depending on your system, sand filters should be backwashed, DE filters should be backwashed and recharged, and cartridge filters need a deep clean. A spring filter service prevents June service calls!
3. Inspect Equipment Now
Cold Middle Tennessee winters can impact pump seals, O-rings, valves, and heater components. Catch small leaks now before they become big summer problems.
If Your Pool Is Still Winterized
Here is how to properly prepare for opening your Murfreesboro or Franklin pool:
- Remove the Cover Carefully: Clear debris first to prevent dirty water from dumping into the pool, and inspect the cover before storing it.
- Reassemble Equipment: Replace drain plugs, reinstall return fittings, restore proper valve settings, and prime the pump correctly.
- Clean Before Adjusting: Always remove debris and brush the pool walls thoroughly before balancing your water.
- Shock Proactively: Spring startup almost always requires a shock treatment to prevent algae from gaining a foothold.
Ready to Schedule Your Pool Opening?
At ASP – America’s Swimming Pool Company, we help homeowners across Murfreesboro, Franklin, and surrounding Middle Tennessee communities open their pools safely, efficiently, and correctly.
Our professional pool opening service includes:
- Safe cover removal and storage prep
- Complete equipment startup
- Full system inspection
- Proper chemical balancing
- Clear communication and digital service reports
Early openings fill quickly as spring approaches. Don’t wait until peak season to get your pool swim-ready!
Contact ASP Murfreesboro today to schedule your professional pool opening and get ahead of the season. Call us or request service online to secure your preferred opening date.