5 Steps to a Proper Pool Opening

By Marcus Sheridan

Yippy Skippy! Hip-Hip-Hoorary! Que Bueno!...Why all the celebration you ask? Well it's pool time! Before long, the sounds of children and family laughing, splashing, and playing in their pool will be heard in back yards across the country. But before we can start to swim, we must all open our pools properly. This article will discuss the correct steps to a proper pool opening.

Step 1: Cover removal

Removal of a pool's cover can sometimes be quite precarious, especially when the cover is made of a solid vinyl material that has enabled water or debris to accumulate on top throughout the winter. The best way to deal with solid covers is to drain the water off completely, and then attempt the removal. Pool owners often times attempt to take the cover off prematurely, without having removed any excess water and debris. This can lead to, when done improperly, all of said debris falling into the pool's water before being entirely removed. Such an occurrence does not bode well for the pool's water clarity, and can mean up to a week or more of filtering to get the pool back to proper shape. Once the cover is removed, it should be thoroughly cleaned off , dried, and then folded, and finally stored for the season.

Step 2: Filter System/Plumbing

In this phase, one should re-attach all necessary plugs to their filter system. Typically, most pool pumps have at least two plugs and most filter tanks have one plug. All unions should be re-attached at the filter system, including the salt chlorine generator when applicable. Also at this time, the plugs should be removed from the pool's returns with the eyeballs being installed in their stead. The skimmer's plug or gizmo should also be removed at this time. During this phase, one should also make sure all electrical components are turned back on.

Step 3: Filter System On

During this phase, the pool's filter system is turned back on. As the water is going through the system, one should check to make sure there are no leaks and that everything is running properly.

Step 4: Cleaning/Vacuuming

Pool water clarity varies quite a bit from pool to pool with each opening. For pools where the bottom is visible, one should vacuum and brush the walls. For pools where the bottom is not visible, it is best to brush the walls and then let the pool filter for 24 hours before attempting to do more, as to attain better visibility for vacuuming. Remember, this process usually requires consistent backwashing or cleaning of the filter as to assist with clarity.

Step 5: Chemicals

For pools where the bottom is not visible, extra shock is necessary. If there is a large amount of algae, 3 bags of chlorine(for those using regular chlorine) shock per 10,000 gallons should be added. Shock can be added on consecutive days if the algae persists. During this phase, basic maintenance chemicals should be added(salt generator should be turned on for those with a salt-system) along with any necessary pool balancing chemicals (ie. ph, alkalinity, calcium).

Note** For those using salt chlorine generators, it is a very good idea to clean your cell at the beginning of each season. This can easily be done by pouring a water/muriatic acid solution to the cell and letting it soak, which will in-turn remove any unwanted scaling or build-up on the cell, which if present can prevent the system from generating chlorine properly.

For those of you who would like our service department at River Pools to open your pool, it is always a good idea to call at least 10 days in advance as to ensure proper scheduling. The cost of this service is $225, and consists of steps 1-5 found in this article, but only includes one trip. Pool owners often have to vacuum, brush, and shock their pool for a few days(after the initial opening), allowing for proper filtration, before ideal clarity will be reached.