5 Easy Steps To Open Your Pool For The Summer

Spring has sprung!

That can mean only one thing. It’s time to open your pool! If you’re a new pool owner or are taking care of your pool for the first time, then keep reading! These steps will have you well on your way to having a clean pool and a stress-free spring opening.

1. REMOVE WATER AND DEBRIS FROM YOUR WINTER POOL COVER

Remove surface water and debris from the winter cover before taking it off, then clean and dry so that it is ready for storage. To remove the water, you can use a submersible pool cover pump.

2. CLEAN YOUR WINTER POOL COVER AND STORE

After removing the cover, be sure to clean it, let it dry, and safely store for the season.

3. REMOVE WINTER PLUGS AND SKIMMER ICE COMPENSATORS

Walk around your pool and make sure all winter plugs, and any items installed to protect against freezing, are removed from any openings in your pool, including return jets and step jets.

4. REINSTALL YOUR DECK EQUIPMENT

Now is a good time to inspect and re-install you pool ladders, diving boards, and step rails. Make sure to lubricate all bolts to prevent corrosion and ensure that the diving board is free from stress cracks and has a non-skid surface.

5. FILL YOUR POOL UP

Your pool might have been drained during winterization or lost water over the winter season. If the water level in your pool is below the midway point of the skimmer opening, add water using a garden hose to bring it up to its normal operating level.

6. SET UP YOUR FILTER AND PUMP

Replace the drain plugs and other parts, including your pressure gauge, on your filter and pump. Your filter should have one major drain plug and your pump may have one or two. Re-install any additional equipment, including a booster pump, heater or chlorine dispenser, and make sure that all drain plugs are securely in place.

7. POWER IT UP

Turn on the power to your pump and filter. Make sure the system starts up properly. Check for any leaks or drips. If there are leaks present, mark them, then turn the pump off while repairs are made. If there are no leaks, run the filter for several hours, vacuuming out any remaining debris.

8. CLEAN IT UP!

If the swimming pool water is clear enough to see the bottom, you can vacuum any leaves or debris. If you are vacuuming through your filter system, switch your valve to waste. This will allow all the debris that is being vacuumed to bypass the filter and be flushed out through the waste port. The water level will drop while you do this. You can fill up the swimming pool using a garden hose while you vacuum.

9. CHECK THE WATER CHEMISTRY

Take a sample of your water to your local pool professional to have it tested for pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness. Be sure to follow the procedures they describe to avoid damage to your pool’s surface. Once your pool water is balanced, add the proper amount of sanitizer to your water, such as chlorine or bromine.

10. ONE LAST CHECK

Let your pool run at least 24 hours and vacuum out any debris out of the bottom. Retest the water using a home test kit or test strips. If the pool water is crystal clear, the chlorine level is under 2.0 ppm (medium yellow color on most test kits), and everything else seems to check out, you are ready to enjoy your beautiful pool.

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