It’s getting to the time of year when pool owners across the country will begin to think about opening their pools.
Opening your pool at the start of the season is a big task, getting it right is essential to ensure the safety and longevity of your pool.
There’s a lot to think about when it comes to pool opening, which is why we have put together this helpful checklist:
Pool Opening Checklist for Beginners
Follow this simple checklist to opening your pool correctly:
- Clear & Remove your Pool Cover – Before removing your pool cover, you need to clear it of all debris, leaves and rainwater. Once you have removed the cover from the pool you can then lay it out flat and brush away the remaining dirt before storing it away.
- Unplug all Pipes – Unplug all pipes from around the filter and inside the pool.
- Install Pool Fixtures – Add your ladders, rails and other pool equipment, be sure to lubricate their bolts to protect against rust over the summer months.
- Re-Attach Skimmer Baskets
- Install your Pump, Filter & Heaters etc..
- Switch the Power on & Perform Checks – Turn on the power to your pool system and check that everything is working correctly.
- Check for drips & leaks
- Check that the pump is producing proper water flow
- Check that the pump is primed correctly
- Check that any grounding straps and wires are connected properly.
- Perform a Backwash of Your Filter – For DE filters add a new DE.
- Shock your Pool – Shocking your pool is one of the easiest ways to keep it clean & clear of contaminents. Use a chlorine shock product and follow the instructions on the packaging. Add enough so that your chlorine level is at least 3.0 ppm (parts per million)
- Check your Chemical Levels – Depending on how clean your pool is, you may want to check that you have the right chemical levels. If your pool is filled with algae and other bacteria it’s best to leave this step before you have effectively cleared the algae, follow our guide to effectively clear your pool of algae. Adjust the levels accordingly:
- Check the chlorine level – Chlorine residual should be between 1.0 and 1.5 ppm
- Check your PH level – An optimum PH balance should be between 7.2 and 7.8.
- Check the Pool Alkanity
- Run your Pool for 24hrs – Leave your pool to run for at least 24 hours.
- Clear Remaining Dirt & Debris – Once the system has run for at least 24 hours you can clear any remaining debris from your pool, ideally using a pool vacuum. If you don’t have one you may wish to hire a pool professional to do this for you.
Professional Pool Opening Service in CT
Pool opening can be complicated, which is why many people choose to use a pool professional instead of doing it themselves. For a reliable pool opening service in CT schedule an appointment with Aqua Pool & Spa: (203)340-6874