How Do I Open my Swimming Pool?
We’ve had an AMAZING start to spring here in Iowa, and it has many of us thinking about opening our pools! In fact, we opened our pools at the store a few days ago–it was so nice to get to work on them in the warm sunshine!
Some of you are new pool owners, some maybe just want a refresher on what to do, and perhaps some of you are just curious as to how our service team opens your pool every year. Remember–every pool is a little bit different. These are general guidelines to follow, but the specifics are up to you and your pool. Read on!
Opening a Pool
- First thing to do is to remove your cover. If there is any debris or leaves, remove that first as best as possible.
- Pump off any standing water from your cover. Make sure you aren’t pumping water from the pool itself by accident; this can happen if there is a hole in your cover.
- After removing the cover, be sure to clean it, let it dry, and store for the season. We recommend using BioGuard Stowaway. It cleans well, and allows you to even put your cover away still wet.
- Remove any freeze plugs, Gizzmo’s, and other items installed to protect against freezing, and re-connect all of your hoses with clamps. Double check that they’re plumbed correctly!
- Fill up the pool with new water, back to a normal operating level or even a little bit higher.
- If you didn’t clean your filter chemically last fall, make sure you do it now! We recommend BioGuard’s StripKwik if you’re on a chlorine system, and SoftSwim Filter Cleaner if you’re using a Biguanide.
- Now, start your filter system up, being sure to prime the pump before starting the motor. I normally backwash at the start, as well.
- Check for any leaks in you hoses, plugs, and clamps.
- Check the pool water itself. Hopefully it’s just as clean and clear as when you closed it. If there IS any debris, remove with a net or similar tool of your choice as best you can.
- Dirt, sand, algae, and other small debris should be vacuumed to waste.
- Once your pool is clean, we can worry about water chemistry.
- DON’T just throw a bunch of chlorine into the water–we don’t want to damage your liner.
- Give your pool 24-48 hours to circulate and filter–backwash as often as needed.
- After that, test your water thoroughly and add chemicals in the proper order to correct your water balance. We highly suggest bringing us a water sample to test forpH, Total Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness, etc. Be sure to follow the procedure they describe to avoid damage to your pool’s surface.
- Install handrails, ladders, etc. being sure to inspect them for wear and damage. If you apply car wax to the stainless steel rails, it will help protect them from corrosion.
- If you have a diving board, check it over! Make sure there are no cracks or other signs of damage, and that the surface isn’t worn smooth.
If this sounds like a lot to handle, you can ALWAYS call a pool professional to come out and open your pool for you. There are different options available, whether you want full-service (we’ll even take care of removing the cover and pumping water off for you), or a smaller service where you can do some of the easier parts yourself. There are always options!
Now it’s time to start enjoying your beautiful pool!
Other articles that may interest you:
WHEN Should I Open my Pool?
Does it Matter WHERE I buy my Chemicals?
Pool Service
100 Reasons for Cloudy Pool Water
As always–THANK YOU for reading! Your questions are welcomed and loved. Send them my way!
Jen Allen
Central Iowa Pool & Spa
515-263-6900
jen@soakandswim.com
