As summer draws near, pool owners think about opening the pool. Here are some tips to help you.
1. The water that typically accumulates on the surface of the pool cover gets very dirty over the winter. Be careful to avoid dumping that water into the pool below as you remove the cover. Use a submersible pump if you have o.
2. If you have one, remove the safety cover from the pool and place it somewhere to dry. If the cover is dirty, wash it with a pressure washer or garden hose and let it dry before storing it in the storage bag provided.
While the water level is low, this is a good opportunity to brush the floor and water line as well.
3. Remove the anchor bolts and wash them free of dirt. Check that everything is in good shape. Then clean out the sockets and replace the bolts in their summer position. DON’T grease the anchors since this attracts dirt and can make them difficult to remove in the future.
4. Replace all the plugs that were removed when you winterized the pool . There should be:
- 2 plugs on the pump
- 1 filter plug
- 1 or more heater drain plug
- 1 chlorinator plug on chlorine pools
5. Replace the pressure gauge being careful not to cross thread.
Now is the time to check all the other equipment: pumps, filters, and heaters.
6. If you have one, reconnect the salt system to the plumbing.
7. Replenish the water levels. Then prime the pump with a bucket of water. (Never let the pump run dry.)
8. Remove the winterizing plugs from the wall jets.
9. If your skimmer has a plug that allows a bottle to be screwed into it for ice expansion, remove that as well.
10. Check the lines for foam. If you are in any doubt, start up the system before you insert the eyeballs (directional fittings).
11. If your pool has them, remove main drains and plug in the skimmer.
- If you have a separate line for the drain pump, the skimmer will not have a removable plug.
- The hole closest to the pool in the bottom of the skimmer is usually the main drain.
- Please note: If there is a separate line to the pump for the main drain(s), consult your pool professional. You will need either a “safety vacuum release system” (SVRS) in place or you must disconnect the line. These safety standards are there to prevent you from being hurt so consult your pool professional to be safe.
12. Replace the skimmer and pump baskets and start up the system to check for leaks.
- Note: If you use a safety cover, make sure the water level is at the top of the pool.
- If you use a beaded or water bag cover, use the manual vacuum hose, pole and vac head to run the system.
13. Connect the vacuum head to the pole and hose. Prime the hose and plug it into the skimmer.
- Leave the garden hose in the skimmer so the pump can’t suck it dry.
- You can choose to start the system when the water level is at the proper height, about halfway up the skimmer.
12. Test the water and add opening chemicals only after the system is up and running. Typical chemicals used at opening are
- non-chlorine shock
- algicide and
- stain and scale prevention
Read all the labels on the containers before using and apply only according to the instructions.