How To Properly Open Your Pool This Spring

Spring marks the beginning of the warm season. The blossoming plants, longer-lasting sunshine, and warm temperatures provide plenty of opportunities to go out and get a good swim. If you’re a pool owner, one of your biggest concerns is how you will open your pool, especially if it’s your first time. 

So, how do you open an above ground pool in the spring? This post will share a step-by-step guide to help you open your in-ground or above-ground pool.

How Do I Open My Pool After Winter?

Follow these steps to open your pool successfully this spring.

1. Remove water from the top cover and clean to remove all the leaves and other debris from the cover. If there’s too much water, use a cover pump to remove all the water. This prevents dirt and debris from getting into the pool when you remove the cover.
2. Ask someone to help remove the cover if you’re working with a large pool to help keep dirty water and debris from falling into the pool.
3. Clean the pool cover thoroughly, let it dry, fold it neatly and store it in a cool, dry place. You can sprinkle talcum powder to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
4. If you prepared the pool for the freezing temperatures, you need to start reconnecting the filter, pump, heater, and everything else you might have disconnected. Connect the flexible plumbing lines if you own an above-ground pool.
5. Remove the winterizing plugs that you used in the skimmer and return lines. Connect all return valve fittings you removed last winter.
6. Use a garden hose to add water back to its normal water level. This is usually halfway up the tiles or middle of the skimmer opening.
7. Turn the circulation and filtration systems on and prime the pump. If your pool filter has an air relief valve, open it to let air from the system. If you notice any significant issues, turn off the system and make the necessary repairs before turning it on.
8. Add scale and stain-prevention chemicals. Your pool and water may contain metals such as copper and iron, which can cause stains and discoloration in your pool. Use high-quality stain and scale prevention products and apply them around the pool’s perimeter.
9. Test your pool for chlorine levels, pH, and alkalinity with a test kit. The ideal levels for pH should be 7.4 to 7.6. The total alkalinity should fall between 80 and 120 ppm. Chlorine levels should be at 2.0 to 4.0 ppm.
10. Ensure that all the pH, alkaline, and chlorine levels are balanced for safe and healthy swimming. You can control the chlorine and pH levels by adjusting the total alkalinity.
11. Once the pool chemistry is at the right level, brush and vacuum the pool to remove dirt and debris. Give special attention to areas like the pool steps, ladders, lights, and other crevices.
12. Shock the pool to eliminate contaminants and germs in the water and add specialty pool chemicals like the clarifier, algae control, and enzymes to prevent oily residues and cloudy water, and that’s it. Your pool is ready for use.

Need help installing, maintaining, or opening your pool this spring in Oxford, Connecticut? Contact A-1 Pools & Spas today.

Categorised in: Pool Contractors