How To Open Your Pool

Every year, pool owners take part in the same important event—opening the pool. Opening your pool the right way will ensure a great start to your swimming season.

For practical advice and tips to keep your pool going all season, watch Maintaining Your Pool.

PREPARATION

When the temperature warms up outside, it’s time to get the pool ready. The opening process doesn’t take too much time, but you’ll need to complete it over the course of a few days, so plan ahead. Review the list of Materials and Tools needed (on the left) and verify that you have what you need before proceeding.

  • TIP: In warmer climates where pools are not closed for the winter, you can start the process at Testing the Water Chemistry.
  • Selecting the correct amount of chemicals depends on knowing how many gallons of water the pool contains. You can calculate pool volume in gallons by first measuring pool size in feet and using the appropriate multiplier.

Use the formula associated with your pool’s shape to determine average depth:
(shallow end depth + deep end depth) / 2 = average depth. Calculate all feet as decimals: 6.5' instead of 6' 6".

Pool Shapes

 

REMOVING THE COVER

01 Sweep off any debris from the pool cover.

  • Remove any standing water on the cover by using a pump to drain it.
  • CAUTION: Do not walk on the cover, and do not allow children and pets to play near the pool unsupervised.

02 Verify that the water level is up to the middle of the skimmer openings.

  • As needed, slide a hose under a cover opening and raise the water level.

03 With assistance, carefully remove the cover from the pool.

04 Clean and dry the cover before storing it to prevent the growth of mildew.

  • TIP: If you dry the cover on the lawn, be sure to move it around throughout the day so the heat doesn’t burn the grass.

05 Remove all freeze plugs from the return lines and skimmers.

Return Line Directional Fitting

06 Reinstall the directional fittings on the return lines.


07 Inspect all pool accessories such as the ladder, rails and diving board for any damage.

08 Reinstall the pool accessories following the pool or equipment manufacturer(s) instructions. Make sure everything is properly secured.

 

CHECKING MECHANICAL COMPONENTS

01 As needed, reinstall the pump, skimmer and heater, making sure that all the fittings are secure.

02 Before starting the filter system, first release the air pressure by opening the relief valve. When there is a steady flow of water, all of the air has been released. Close the valve.

Pool Filter Relief Valve

03 Verify that the filter was cleaned before closing the pool or is new. If not, clean or replace the filter following the manufacturer’s instructions.

04 Open the valves on the return line, skimmer line and main drain.

05 Start the filter system.

 

CLEANING THE POOL

01 Use a skimmer net to clear debris off the top of the water.

02 Use a pool brush to clean the pool sides and floor.

Swimming Pool Vacuum

03 Use a pool vacuum to collect the dirt dislodged by the pool brush.


04 Allow the filter system to run for about 24 hours to circulate and clean the pool water before checking pool chemistry.

 

TESTING THE WATER CHEMISTRY

  • CAUTION: Always wear safety goggles and rubber gloves when performing water tests and working with chemicals.
  • Also make sure you read and follow each product’s directions including how to use and how to store the chemicals.

Follow instructions provided by the pool test kit manufacturer. Most products suggest this procedure:

01 Dip the test strip well below the water surface for a few seconds, then remove.

02 Read the test strip results by referring to the color chart provided with the test strips.

  • Keep the included Water Chemistry Chart for quick reference.

Water Chemistry Chart

03 Adjust total alkalinity (how well the water resists a change in pH levels) as needed.

  • Alkalinity should be between 80 and 125 parts-per-million (ppm).
  • If lower, add total alkalinity increaser.
  • If higher, add pH decreaser.
  • After adjusting, wait two hours before continuing tests.

04 Check and adjust pH, the level of acidic and alkaline qualities in liquids.

  • Pool pH should be between 7.2 and 7.6.
  • If lower, add pH increaser.
  • If higher, add pH decreaser.
  • After adjusting, wait one hour before continuing tests.

05 Check and adjust water hardness, the proper level of calcium in the water.

  • Water hardness levels should be between 175 and 225 ppm.
  • To increase the level, add calcium hardness increaser.
  • To decrease, drain some of the water and refill with source water that has a lower calcium level.

06 Check and adjust the chlorine level in the pool water. Chlorine is what kills all the bacteria, viruses and germs in the water. However, the sun’s UV rays can diminish its effectiveness, so pool water also needs a chlorine stabilizer.

  • Check the stabilizer level and adjust to at least 30 ppm.
  • Check the chlorine level and adjust to 1 to 4 ppm by adding granular chlorine as indicated by the test strip and chlorine manufacturer.
  • TIP: Avoid adjusting the chlorine and stabilizer levels during the hottest part of the day. Also, add the appropriate chemicals with the pump running to circulate additives.
Swimming Pool Algaecide

07 Add algaecide as recommended to prevent the growth of algae on the walls, floor and ladder of the pool.


08 The following day, test the chlorine level again. If needed, adjust the chlorine as above.

The pool is officially open and ready for swimming. However, you still have to do pool maintenance throughout the season. For practical advice and tips to keep your pool going all season, watch Maintaining Your Pool.

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Project Details
Skill Level: Beginner
Materials
  • Pool Skimmer Net
  • Pool Brush
  • Pool Vacuum
  • Water Test Kit
  • Total Alkalinity Increaser
  • pH Increaser
  • pH Decreaser
  • Chlorine Stabilizer
  • Calcium Hardness Increaser
  • Granular Chlorine
  • Algaecide
  • Scale, Metal and Stain Control
  • Safety Goggles
  • Rubber Gloves
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