How to Open Your Swimming Pool

Opening your swimming pool is one of the first priorities of summer and we want to help you get off to the right start. We’d be happy to help you open your swimming pool, but if you have the do it yourself spirit, here are step by step instructions on how to open your pool. PRO TIP: If this is your first time opening the pool at this property, please contact a professional to do the job. This is a good chance to have it professionally inspected for any issues you may not be aware of.

What you will need:

• Safety goggles
• Chemical-resistant gloves
• Hose
• Pool cover pump
• Skimmer net
• Winter cover cleaner
• Silicone pool gasket lubricant
• Thread seal tape
• Skimmer on a telescoping pole
• Pool brush
• Start-up chemical kit
• Pool shock
• Test strips

Removing and cleaning the winter pool cover

Drain away any excess water from the top of your winter cover and remove. Brush away all debris and wash clean with winter cover cleaner or even car wash soap. Allow time for the cover to completely dry, then fold and store in a dry, protected space.

Skim away the debris

Take a few minutes and skim your pool to remove anything that may have settled in the water or fallen off the cover during the removal. For now, just focus on the big stuff.

Remove the plugs and ice compensator

Remove all winterizing plugs and the ice compensator from the skimmer as well. Double check to ensure all have been removed. At this point you may see water bubbles start to flow through the pipes. This is normal and nothing to be concerned about.

Set up ladders, slides and pool peripherals

Your swimming pool is almost ready to fill. Before you do, re-attach any ladders, slides, diving board or other accessories you may have removed for the winter. This is much easier with an empty swimming pool.

Fill ‘er up

This is what you’ve been waiting for! Grab your hose and fill the pool with cool water. You’ll want to fill the pool up to the middle of the skimmer opening. PRO TIP: We recommend you purchase a hose filter, to help ensure you are not pouring lose debris back into your swimming pool.

Start the filter back up

Time to get filtering. Start replacing the drain plugs in your pump and filter that you removed in the fall. Also, take a minute to lubricate and inspect all gaskets and o-rings. Replace with new ones if you see any cracks. Repeat this process for your heater and filter. Position your return side valves to open. For multiport valves, set to waste, replace air bleeder, sight glass, and pressure gauge. OK, time to turn on the filter. Turn on your circuit breaker, then turn on the pump. Wait until the pump is primed then if you have multiport valves, switch to filter.

Balance the water

Time to let your inner scientist out. Grab your test strips or even better come visit us with a water sample and we will use our free in-store water testing station to tell you exactly what needs to happen to balance your swimming pool. PRO TIP: Always add alkalinity, then pH, then adjust the calcium levels.

Cleaning the pool liner

Grab your pool brush and brush down all the walls and floor, then give the water a few minutes to settle and start vacuuming down your swimming pool.

Shock that pool

Now it is time to put on your safety goggles and gloves. Shocking the water kills bacteria and algae that may be present in the water after a long winter. Do this as you would normally in the summer.

Filter and wait

This is the last step, and the hardest part will be waiting to jump in your freshly opened pool. Leave your pool filter running for at least 24 hours to allow the shock and filter to do their jobs of cleaning the water. Have fun and enjoy your pool for the rest of the summer.  We realize this job isn’t for everyone and we are here to help you if you need it. Contact us to set up an opening appointment and remember the sooner you book the earlier your swimming pool will be ready.