Pool Opening Tips To Know
In warm weather, your swimming pool is ground zero for socializing and family functions. Opening your pool can seem like a daunting task, so we’re going to provide you with advice for opening it with this handy Pool Startup Guide.
Pool Opening and Pool Startup Guide
How to Open an Aboveground Pool
First, you will want to remove the water and any debris from the pool cover and store it in a safe place. Then, do a visual inspection around the pool and make sure all plugs are removed. This includes the skimmer bucket and the return jet. Some skimmer buckets have ice compensators. Be sure to remove it, then reinstall the skimmer baskets into the return line using eyeball fittings. If you used a skimmer plate, which is used to keep water out during the winter, remember to remove it before starting the filter.
Fill your swimming pool with water, and be careful to fill it to the halfway point of the skimmer. Get your deck equipment, such as the ladder and rails, installed. Replace pieces of your filter system, such as gauges and drain plugs.
We’re almost there! Now, you will attach hoses from:
— the skimmer to pump
— the hose from pump to filter.
— the hose from the filter to the heater
— the hose to the chlorinator or other additional filter gadgets
Turn the multiport valve to the “on” position, if you have one, and start it up! You might need to prime the pump if it’s not pulling water. To do this, shut down the filter system and put water in the housing. This will get the pump pulling water from the main drain and skimmer.
How to Open an Inground Pool
The first thing is removing your pool cover using the same steps as removing the cover for an aboveground pool (See above). Remember to not use any sharp objects when cleaning the cover to avoid puncture holes.
When the cover is off, do a quick inspection to make sure all plugs are removed from the return and step jets. Then replace the return lines using the correct jet or eyeball fittings. One quick tip: if you see bubbles when you remove the plugs, the pipes may not have been blown out right when you closed the pool. You may have to clear the pipes before going on to the next step, which is removing the ice compensator from the skimmer area and releasing the winter plugs from the bottom of the pool. After that, replace the skimmer baskets.
Now, you’re ready to install the equipment, such as ladders, rails and diving board. Fill your pool with water and move on to adding chemicals. It is important to pay close attention to startup instructions when you first open the pool for the season.
Pool Chemical Startup Instructions
First, determine how much chlorine to put in the pool by testing the water. In most situations, you will want to super-chlorinate (or shock) your pool to get rid of any unwanted bacteria and algae. In fact, it is recommended that you “double shock” your pool when you first open it.
To do this, use 2 pounds of shock for every 10,000 gallons of water. If you’re using liquid shock, 5 pounds for every 20,000 gallons of water. For best results, perform the shock in the evening to avoid interference from the Sun’s UV rays.
Check the water balance frequently for a few days until it stabilizes. It’s recommended that you run the pool pump for about three days until the water is completely clear. You’ll also want to backwash the filter a couple of times and then, Hooray! The pool is open! Enjoy.
Need Help With Your Pool Opening?
If you need more information and help with your pool opening please feel free to contact Skovish Pools. We have two locations, one in Luzerne, PA and the other in Shickshinny, PA. We are you opening pool specialists and provide services to a vast area way beyond our office locations.
