Swimming Pool Opening Checklist

Posted on: April 28th, 2017 by

Tips to Open Your Swimming Pool

It is that time of year again for swimming pool opening. In fact, as of this writing, we are looking at a solid ten days of temperatures in the upper 70s and mid-80s here in the Atlanta area. If you are opening your pool, as your pool service and maintenance experts, we wanted to remind you of some things to keep in mind if you are going it alone.

Remove and Store Pool Cover

Step for a swimming pool opening is to remove the cover and try to avoid getting any debris into the pool. But, if some dirt gets in, no big deal. You will simply have to remove it later. While removing the cover, simply fold it onto itself like an accordion.

Once you have removed the cover, give it a good cleaning with your garden hose and/or use a winter cover cleaner. In fact, there are several cleaners that all you to store your cover while wet. However, we do recommend you wait until it is dry, as it makes it easier to manipulate into storage.

Speaking of storage, you may want to invest in a good heavy duty bin for your cover. This will help prevent little critters from nesting in your cover over the summer months.

Remove Winter Plugs

If, when closing your pool, you installed plugs on all the jets and returns, go around your pool and remove them. Then, replace your return lines with the correct eyeballs or jet fittings. If you see some bubbles rise from the returns or jets when you remove the plug, that is a good sign. It means that your lines were successfully blown out during the pool winterization process.

Also, do not forget the skimmers. If you put in ice compensators during winterization, you will need to remove those and the plugs from the bottom. Then, you can replace the skimmer baskets.

Install your Swimming Pool Deck Equipment

Before getting too far into the swimming pool opening, take a moment to re-install all your pool accessories such as diving boards, step rails, and ladders. After all, this can be easier to do when your pool is not as full or when the deck area is wet. Be sure to lubricate all the bolts while doing this to prevent rust during the summer.

Fill Up the Pool

Even if you did not empty your pool in the winter, you may need to add water. You will want to fill the pool to the midway point of the skimmer opening. Simply use a garden hose to fill the pool.

Filter and Pump

With a swimming pool opening, you have to make sure the system is working, especially your pump and filter. Replace drain plugs and pressure gauge on your filter and pump. If you have a multiport valve, you will want to also replace the air bleeder, sight glass, and pressure gauge.

You will also want to check the lid o-ring on the pump housing. If you find it is cracked, you will want to replace it. After all, you do not want your filter pulling in air. If the ring looks good, apply a Teflon-based lubricant to create a good seal. This will also help make the pump lid easier to remove if you should need to do so at a later time.

Lastly, reinstall any additional equipment, such as a booster pump, heater, or chlorine dispenser.

Turn it On

Power up the pump and filter and make sure things are working correctly. Look for any leaks around the pump area.

If you find your pump is not pulling any water, you may need to prime it. To do this, shut down the filter and remove the pump lid. Using a garden hose, fill the pump housing with water. Then, replace the lid and turn the filter system back on.

Clean and Shock

Once everything is up and running, give your pool a good cleaning. Remove any debris in the water. Brush the tiles, walls, and floor. This will get debris into the water which will then get cleaned out by the filtration system.

Balance your pH and alkalinity before adding any chemicals. Once balanced, then you can add sanitizers such as chlorine or bromine. You may also want to shock your pool. Use two pounds of shock for every 10,000 gallons of water.

How to Use This Information

We are very excited that the summer is upon us. Opening a pool can be quite a challenge and all day project. Many do go it alone, but if you need help, give us a call. We are Atlanta’s go to pools service and maintenance experts. We can take care of all your pool needs so all you have to do is enjoy your pool. Call 770-451-1621 or contact us online.

Request a Quote

Please call (770) 451-1621 to request pool winterization by Allen Pool Service in Atlanta.

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