How to Open a Swimming Pool

Drain water from top of pool cover and remove leaves and debris., Inspect filter and pump for any damaged/worn parts. , Change or clean filter media if needed. , Fill pool with cover still on to raise water level to 2/3 up skimmer. , Purchase new...

32 Steps 1 min read Advanced

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Drain water from top of pool cover and remove leaves and debris.

    (Do not leave cover laying on grass
    - it will kill grass.

    Do not store wet or dirty covers or tarps, as they will mold) , The plugs are located in the return ports on the sides of the pool usually about 2 feet (0.6 m) below the skimmers.

    Also check for plugs in the skimmer ports. , Adjust jets to point toward the surface of the water to slightly disturb the water surface. , Plugs are usually stored in the basket over winter. ,,,,, If a plastic hose is available install on waste port with hose clamp and route hose to yard.

    A large volume of water will exit this hose when pump is turned on. , Water will spray out of air bleed valve.

    Leave valve open until air is removed
    - approximately 3 minutes. ,,,,,,, Vacuum the algae the next day and begin filtering again. ,,, Adjust filtering times, you may only need to filter 6-10 hours a day for the rest of the summer.
  2. Step 2: Inspect filter and pump for any damaged/worn parts.

  3. Step 3: Change or clean filter media if needed.

  4. Step 4: Fill pool with cover still on to raise water level to 2/3 up skimmer.

  5. Step 5: Purchase new parts

  6. Step 6: chemicals

  7. Step 7: and supplies for the season.

  8. Step 8: Take cover off

  9. Step 9: hose off and store it dry.

  10. Step 10: Remove winter plugs by loosening the wing-nuts and then pulling out plugs.

  11. Step 11: Install eyeball jets in return ports in the sides of the pool where you removed the plugs.

  12. Step 12: Install plugs in bottom of filter

  13. Step 13: and basket.

  14. Step 14: Install pressure gauge and clear plastic port.

  15. Step 15: Install air bleed valve and back out a few turns.

  16. Step 16: Open all valves.

  17. Step 17: Fill filter basket with water.

  18. Step 18: Set valve to waste.

  19. Step 19: Turn on pump.

  20. Step 20: Turn off pump.

  21. Step 21: Set valve to filter.

  22. Step 22: Restart pump.

  23. Step 23: Run filter continuously for 24 hours

  24. Step 24: back-washing as needed (backwash or clean the filter each time the pressure rises 10 psi) to keep filter media clean.

  25. Step 25: Clean debris from bottom of pool with leaf bag.

  26. Step 26: Shock pool

  27. Step 27: scrub sides.

  28. Step 28: Shut pump off to allow dead algae to settle overnight.

  29. Step 29: Repeat steps 20-22 until water clears.

  30. Step 30: Adjust chlorine levels to maintain 1.0-2.0ppm and pH to 7.2-7.6.

  31. Step 31: Add algaecide and monitor pool every week for chlorine use

  32. Step 32: pH and clarity.

Detailed Guide

(Do not leave cover laying on grass
- it will kill grass.

Do not store wet or dirty covers or tarps, as they will mold) , The plugs are located in the return ports on the sides of the pool usually about 2 feet (0.6 m) below the skimmers.

Also check for plugs in the skimmer ports. , Adjust jets to point toward the surface of the water to slightly disturb the water surface. , Plugs are usually stored in the basket over winter. ,,,,, If a plastic hose is available install on waste port with hose clamp and route hose to yard.

A large volume of water will exit this hose when pump is turned on. , Water will spray out of air bleed valve.

Leave valve open until air is removed
- approximately 3 minutes. ,,,,,,, Vacuum the algae the next day and begin filtering again. ,,, Adjust filtering times, you may only need to filter 6-10 hours a day for the rest of the summer.

About the Author

D

Douglas Roberts

Enthusiastic about teaching organization techniques through clear, step-by-step guides.

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