Opening your pool is one of the biggest chores of Spring. For many, the real issue occurs when they see the color of the swimming pool. It is going to need some chemicals (and a little elbow grease) to make it clear again. We have compiled a checklist for properly opening your pool for the warmer months.

1. Drain and Clean Pool Cover

If you have a winter cover or a solid safety cover, you will want to drain as much water as possible before removing it. Simply place a cover pump on the cover and let it do the work. Sweep or blow all the leaves off of the cover before removal as this will lessen the amount of debris in your water. The pool cover can also be removed so you can brush away the remaining debris.

2. Raise Water Level Back to Normal

A garden hose can be used to fill the water level in your pool back to its normal level. This is generally around the middle of the skimmer opening or halfway up the tile.

3. Reconnect Pool Equipment and Remove Winterizing Plugs

If you prepared your swimming pool for freezing temperatures over the winter, you will need to reconnect all of the equipment, which includes your filter, pump, heater and anything else.

Take out all of the winterizing plugs from your pool equipment. This may include your pump, filter, heater, booster pump and pool cleaners. Keep in mind that you will need to reinstall each normal drain plug. Wait until after the antifreeze has been discharged to waste before removing the winterizing plugs from your skimmer and return lines. Reconnect any return valve fitting that were removed last winter.

4. Turn System Back On and Test Pool Chemistry

Turn your pool equipment back on, including priming the pump and turning on the circulation and filtration system. Be sure to open the air relief valve on your filter to bleed the air from the system.

Your pool water should be tested for pH, Total Alkalinity and Chlorine levels once the circulation system has run for several hours. This can be done using a test kit. Ideal levels for these chemicals are:

• pH: 7.4 to 7.6
• Total Alkalinity: 80 to 120 ppm
• Chlorine: 2.0 to 4.0 ppm

There will still be some remaining dirt and debris from the winter so now is the time to thoroughly brush and vacuum your pool. Give special attention to areas near pool steps, ladders or other equipment.

5. Run Filtration System Overnight and Shock Pool

Filtration will filter out all of the dirt, debris, algae and bacteria still floating in your pool. Shocking your pool will eliminate nearly all of the remaining bacteria and contaminants in your water after the winter off-season, especially for those have a chlorine pool.

These are just a few things you can do to prepare your pool for the warmer months. Don’t hesitate to contact us with the link below for more information!