Opening Your Swimming Pool

Spring is finally here! All around the country people are getting their swimming pools in shape for the warm months. The Swimming Pool Library is happy to bring you a step-by-step guide to opening your swimming pool. Don't forget to print a copy of this article or e-mail it to your friends and family!

Step 1. Removing Your Pool Cover

If you have a solid winter cover, be sure to drain as much of the water sitting on top of the cover as possible before removing it. This is most easily accomplished using a cover pump. Be careful while performing this step as any hole in your pool cover might cause you to pump out more water than you really need to. Once you've drained the water off and removed the pool cover we recommend using a cover cleaner to remove dirt and grime. Make sure your pool cover is dry before folding it and storing it in a dry place until next fall.

Step 2. Getting To Know Your Water

Knowing the chemistry of the water you will add to your swimming pool is essential. In this case, "an ounce of prevention" will save you the "50 to 100 pound buckets" of cure. The good news is that testing your pool water is easier than ever before! Find a swimming pool water testing method you're comfortable with and record your results.

Step 3. Just Add Water!

Add enough fresh water to bring your swimming pool to the desired height.

Step 4. Check Your Pool's Equipment & Plumbing

Before you start up your swimming pool pump and filter system be sure that all lines are open. Make sure the pump and skimmer baskets are in place and free from debris. Follow your manufacturers guidelines for starting up your pool heater, pool filter, and pump. Make sure to start each new season with a clean filter.

Step 5. Remove Debris from The Bottom of Swimming Pool

Remove leaves, twigs and other large debris from the pool's bottom using a leaf rake. If you cannot see the pool bottom it is important that you perform this step especially well. The reason for this is that chlorine shock seeks out contaminants to oxidize including leaves, so much of the chlorine will be consumed if the pool bottom is not well cleaned. A cloudy pool which is free of debris is much easier, and less expensive, to clear up and shock treatment is more effective.

Step 6. Start Your Filtration System & Vacuum

Once your swimming pool is full, start the filter and circulate the water. Adding a clarifier chemical at this point will help your filter remove small particles. Next hook up your vacuum. Vacuum the entire pool and brush the walls.

Step 7. Shock Your Pool

When the swimming pool is free of debris and has recirculated overnight shock treat the water by adding 1 pound of chlorinated shock treatment per 10,000 gallons. Be sure to follow label directions for the proper way to introduce the shock treatment to your pool.

Step 8. Stabilize Your Pool Water

Swimming pool water needs to be stabilized or "conditioned" to prevent the rapid loss of chlorine by the sun's UV rays. Add the recommended amount of stabilizer by dissolving it in a bucket of water before adding it to the pool. This will help reduce chlorine usage throughout the season.

Step 9. Chlorinate Your Pool

Now you can chlorinate your swimming pool! When starting your pool for the season, use twice the normal dosage indicated for your pool's capacity or use and automatic feeder. Allow pool water to circulate overnight.

Step 10. Prevent Algae

Using an algaecide not only kills existing algae but will also prevent algae from entering your pool. Once algae is dead a settling agent can be used to remove it from the pool.

Step 11. Save Time And Money!

We want to recommend using a chemical start up kit containing everything you need to get your pool open and started this season!

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