Opening Your Pool: An Easy to Follow Guide

Perhaps one of the most-overlooked steps in getting your swimming pool ready for the season is addressing the area surrounding your pool.

Things to Consider During Spring Pool Season

Clean up plant debris from the pool deck, patio, nearby planting beds – virtually anything that has the potential for producing debris in your pool. Trim trees and hedges that have grown in recent months and might hang over your pool. Some plants shed their flowers in the summertime, which can end up in your pool.

Check your Pool Supplies

Check expiration dates on all pool chemical containers. Cleaning supplies that are past expiration should be properly disposed of and replaced with new chemicals. Also remember that if a chemical was not properly sealed before being stored in the off-season, you need to replace that as well.

Remove the Pool Cover

During the fall and winter months your pool cover accumulates water. Be sure to avoid mixing the water on the top of the cover with your pool water by using a pump to remove the water from the top of the pool cover. After removing the cover, take it to a driveway or other solid place on a slant or slope for easier drainage. Thoroughly sweep and hose off the cover, and use cleaner or treatment if it’s recommended by the manufacturer of the cover. 

Clean the cover and allow it to dry completely before storing. Tightly roll the cover and wrap with rope or use strapping to keep it tight. Store the pool cover indoors or in a garage - away from insects, rodents and moisture.

Inspect the Pool

Remove freeze plugs from the surface skimmers and walls, and restore directional fittings. Make sure to inspect the filter and pump for possible damaged or worn parts and be sure to buy a replacement if necessary. This is  the perfect time to remove calcium scale and stains from the tile with a household tile cleaner or baking soda and a tile brush. For tougher stains, try using a pumice stone.

Inground Pool Inspection

Different types of pools require different pre-opening measures. Here are some steps to take for Vinyl pools. 
 
Check for holes or tears and make any needed repairs as soon as possible. The primary function of the vinyl liner is to hold water. If it is properly maintained, it can last for a very long time. Patch tears or holes promptly, before they get any bigger, following the instructions of your pool’s manufacturer. If you are not sure about how to make the repair, call or go to your local pool supplier for help or consult a swimming pool maintenance company. 
 
Keep your pool liner clean. Dirt and other fine materials accumulate at the waterline. Remove this buildup frequently by gently scrubbing it with a soft cloth and vinyl cleaner. You can also use a mop or a brush specially designed for your type of pool liner.

Fill the Pool Water Midway and Clean Debris

Grab a garden hose and fill the pool to the midpoint on the waterline tile or middle of the skimmer weirs. Once it's at the desired level, you can now clean leaves, twigs and debris from the pool’s bottom by using a wall and floor brush. This is also time to dust off your algae brush and pool vacuum. Also be sure to remove any debris from the leaf basket.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRS5CrVTu0s&list=PL9JA4ZkGiHjJIGPuBMOv8cx0QA83f7hrP&index=25

Check the Filter Cartridge

Remove the top of the filter and check the filter cartridge (if applicable). If you have a sand filter, refill it to the indicated level. Check the piping in your filters for cracks or leaks.

Turn on the Pool Filter

Turn on the filter and run it 12-24 hours to mix up the old and new water before testing or adding chemicals. Be sure that you are using new testing strips and not expired ones. In order to get the best start for your pool, you should bring a water sample to a pool professional for proper analysis. Your pool professional will provide you with instructions for balancing your pool water. They can test the water’s pH level, the alkalinity, the calcium hardness and the chlorine content. In addition to shocking the pool, they may be able to also recommend that you add a stabilizer, conditioner or algaecide to your pool before it’s ready for the warm weather. 
 
Continue to run the filter for a few days, vacuuming out any debris that has settled. When the water is clear and the chlorine levels have come down, your pool is ready for swimming!

Safety

Rescue equipment should be easily accessible near the pool and well maintained. The equipment should be appropriate, durable, and easy to use. All equipment should be checked before the swimming season begins. Don’t forget to post emergency numbers by the pool.