Pool Supply Delivery’s Guide to Opening Your Swimming Pool
There is no absolute method for opening a swimming pool. Because swimming pools vary across the country, there is no one method exclusively used. With the varieties of swimming pools and their locations, we can’t pinpoint a certain method for opening your swimming pool for spring, but we can make a generic list of necessary steps the majority of pool owners follow.
>>Step 1 - Preparation
Test your pool water before removing the cover of your pool. You’ll need to know what your levels are so you can accurately apply the right chemicals
>>Step 2 - Chemical Inventory
Do an Inventory of all necessary chemicals. Look through your store of chemicals to see if you have all the proper ones you need. Being prepared will make the process go quicker and smoother. Green Tip! To get rid of expired chemicals, pour them into the pool before you drain the water.
>>Step 3 - Conversion
If you are converting from PHMB to chlorine, have replacement filter media on hand before you start.
>>Step 4- Plugs and Valves Inventory
Do an inventory of all plugs that came out of the valves, filters, and pumps. If you check now, this will help alleviate future frustration. Some pool owners charge ahead opening their swimming pools only to discover they do not have everything they need. Sometimes it’s hard for some pool owners to remember where they stashed the plugs, so we suggest putting them in the strainer basket of your pump.
>>Step 5 - Checking the Gauges
Check your Filter Gauges. Filter gauges are prone to freezing. The best way to test is to look at the gauge for a “0” reading. If it reads “0” there are no problems. If not, replace it. We can help you with all filter parts and accessories that may have gone missing in the off season.
>>Step 6- Remove the Pool Cover
Drain as much water off the top of the cover as you can to make removal of your cover easier. This task is made simple with a winter cover pump. To keep yard debris from falling into your pool, exercise patience and remove your cover slowly. It's always a good idea to thoroughly wash and rinse your pool cover afterward. Using regular soap and water will help extend your cover’s lifetime. Drying the cover thoroughly will prevent any unwanted molds to flourish during your cover’s storage.
>>Step 7 - Connect Your Equipment
Since you already did an inventory of all missing items this will be a breeze. If your filtration system was cleaned before closing your pool in the fall, then attach the hoses and open all valves. If your system needs to be cleaned or the sand needs to be replaced, now is the best opportunity to do so.
We suggest following all manufacturer guidelines to prepare your pool pumps, filters, and pool heaters. Double check that your o-rings are lubricated for use with water-based lubricants. Double check that your skimmers and lint pots are free of debris. If you used an anti-freeze for your lines, make sure to vacuum those lines clean.
>>Step 8 - Add Water
Add water until 75% of the skimmer is covered.
>>Step 9 - Clean Now
With new water in the pool, take this opportunity to clean. Now is the best time to vacuum and skim the pool. A clarifying agent will help your filter remove particles vacuuming will miss.
>>Step 10 - Safety Tip!
When opening chemicals you stored in the winter, make sure that you open them outside, and stand upwind to avoid fumes from your face. Bromine Tabs and Chlorine can build noxious gases that are dangerous to ingest in any way.
>>Step 11 - Check the Test Kits
Way back at step one, we suggested testing your water to see what the levels were before removing the cover. Now check those test kits so you know what chemicals to add to your swimming pool.
(We suggest practicing on the water inside to gain a familiarity with testing products. Before testing extreme swimming pool environments.) You local water company might have accurate information of what you can expect from your tap water.
>>Step 12 - Shock Your Pool
Using a Shocking agent is your first step to a healthy pool. Make sure your pump is running when adding chemicals. This is often overlooked. Exercise caution when adding copious amounts of chlorine. This could damage your pool liner.
>>Step 13 - pH Levels
Try and have pH levels between 7 and 8. If your water is far from this level, adjust it gradually. Adjust the levels, circulate for 4 hours, and readjust as needed.
>>Step 14 - pH Patience
Do not attempt to adjust the pH, the alkalinity, and the calcium levels on the same day. Do pH, then calcium, then alkalinity on separate days. Trying to do it all at once will result in cloudy water from precipitated calcium carbonate
>>Step 15 - Missed a Spot
If your patience wore thin on step 6, we suggest using your swimming pool cleaner to remove any debris from your pool. An auto pool cleaner will make short work of any debris left behind.
Well... The hard parts are over, and now you can enjoy your swimming pool . Now is the time to accessorize, and enjoy, that beautiful and clean pool.