How To Open Your Swimming Pool For The Summer
When warm weather is approaching, it's time to think about opening your
swimming pool for the season. These steps should help you get your swim
pool open the right way for the pool season.
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The first thing you must do is remove the cover. If there are leaves
or other debris on the cover, use your leaf net to remove them.
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Then pump off any standing water if you have a solid cover. Note: if
your cover has a hole in it, you will be pumping water out of the
pool. This can lead to draining the pool if you do not watch for this.
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After removing the cover, be sure to clean it, let it dry, and store
for the season.
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You will need to add water, bringing the level up to its normal
operating level.
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Remove any freeze plugs, Gizzmo's, and other items installed to
protect against freezing.
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You should have cleaned your filter thoroughly when you closed the
pool for thi
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If not, you should do it n.Now, start your filter system up, being
sure to prime the pump before starting the motor. Be sure to purge all
the air from the plumbing and equipment. Warning: Air will be
compressed during this procedure. Be sure to release any built up
pressure before opening your filter, pump, or chemical feeder.
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Check for any leaks.
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Assess the pool itself. Hopefully, you had a solid cover on and the
water is as clear and blue as when you closed it. If not, you will
want to remove any large debris with your leaf net, leaf rake, or leaf
eater.
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Any dirt, sand, algae, or other small debris should be vacuumed to
waste.
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After cleaning the pool, it's time to check the water chemistry.
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DO NOT begin by throwing a bunch of chlorine or other chemicals into
the water. Adding chlorine and other chemicals in certain
circumstances can damage and/or stain your pool surface.
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Allow the water to circulate at least 8-12 hours, so that the water
that was added has time to mix with the water in the pool.
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After that time, test it thoroughly, then add the necessary chemicals
in the proper sequence to balance the water chemistry. We suggest
taking a water sample to your local pool professional to have it
tested for pH, Total Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness, etc. Be sure to
follow the procedure they describe to avoid damage to your pool's
surface.
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Install handrails, ladders, etc. being sure to inspect them for wear
and damage. If you apply car wax to the stainless steel rails, it will
help protect them from corrosion.
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Inspect the diving board. It should be free of stress cracks and the
surface should have a non-skid surface. If the board has any stress
cracks, it should be replaced. If the surface has been worn smooth,
you can use a refinishing kit to correct this.
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Tile lines can be cleaned with baking soda and a sponge if you do not
have any pool tile cleaner. Do not use any household cleaners
(especially abrasives) to clean the tile. You do not want to swim in
these chemicals.
