The days are getting longer, the birds are chirping, the temperature is rising, and the sun is shining. All of these indicators show that it is time to get ready to open your pool!
Opening your pool is an exciting symbol of the coming of summer and lots of fun. But some work goes into getting the pool ready for swimmers. This article will guide you through the steps you need to take to open your pool and prepare it for your summer fun!
Clean the Pool Area and Check for Damage
The first step to take when opening your pool is to clean the area around the pool. Cleaning includes:
- Picking up any debris that has blown into the area.
- Sweeping and power washing around the deck.
- Ensuring there is no damage to the equipment or structure of the pool itself.
You will also want to check the condition of your pool cover and ensure it is clean and free of any holes or rips. If it is not in good condition, you may need to purchase a new one.
Check Your Inventory of Pool Chemicals and Supplies
After you have cleaned the area around your pool, it is time to check your inventory of pool chemicals and supplies.
You will need to double-check that you have enough chlorine tablets or granules, algaecide, pH increaser, pH decreaser, shock treatment, and test strips. You may also want to purchase a new bottle of pool conditioner, a chlorine stabilizer.
If you are using a saltwater chlorination system, you will need to ensure that the salt levels in the system are complete and that the cells are clean.
Remove the Pool Cover
Once you have checked your pool chemical inventory and made sure you have everything you need, it is time to remove the pool cover.
To remove the pool cover, you will need to gather a few supplies: a pool cover pump, a garden hose, and a large tarp or plastic sheeting. You will also need a few people to help you remove the cover and place it on the tarp or plastic.
First, attach the garden hose to the outlet on the pool cover pump to remove the pool cover. Then, place the pump in the middle of the pool cover. Please turn on the pump and let it run until all the water is gone.
Once the water has been removed, have your helpers fold the pool cover in half, then in half again. Place the folded pool cover on the tarp or plastic sheeting and drag it away from the pool area.
Do a Close Inspection of the Pool and Clean It
Now that you have removed the pool cover, it is time to do a close inspection of the pool. A close inspection includes checking the tile, the liner, and the skimmers.
If you have a concrete pool, you will want to check for any cracks or damage to the surface. If you find any cracks, you will need to repair them before you can open the pool.
If you have a liner pool, you will want to check for any tears or holes in the liner. If you find any damage, you will need to repair or replace the liner before you can open the pool.
You will also want to clean the skimmers and ensure they are debris-free.
Fill the Pool Up With Water
After you have inspected the pool and made any necessary repairs, it is time to fill it with water.
If you have a hose connected to your home, you can turn on the water and let it run until the pool is full. If you do not have a hose attached to your home, you will need to use a garden hose to fill the pool.
It is vital to fill the pool slowly to avoid damaging its structure. Once the pool is full, you can turn on the filter system.
Turn On the Pool Filter and Test the Water
Once the pool is full, you must turn on the filter system and test the water.
It would be best to locate the main drain and the skimmer to turn on the filter system. The central drain is typically located at the bottom of the pool’s deep end. Meanwhile, the skimmer can be found at the pool’s shallow end.
To turn on the filter system, you must open the main drain and the skimmer. Once both valves are open, you can turn on the filter system.
After the filter system runs, you must test the water to ensure it is balanced. You will need to test the pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels.
You can purchase a home water testing kit or take a sample of your pool water to a pool supply store to have it professionally tested.
Maintain the Pool Throughout the Season
To ensure your pool stays tip-top, you must maintain it throughout the season. Regular maintenance includes checking and balancing the water chemistry, cleaning the pool, and backwashing the filter.
Wrap Up
Congratulations! You have now successfully opened your pool for the season!
Follow the tips in this article to ensure your pool stays in good condition throughout the season. With a little effort, you can enjoy a beautiful, refreshing pool all summer long!
What is your experience opening your pool at the beginning of the season? Let us know in the comments below.
