Summer is fast approaching and brings with it the promise of long, relaxing days by the pool. But before you can take full advantage of all that sunshine, water, and company, you’ll need to open up your pool for the season. This can be a daunting task for beginners, but don’t worry. In this article, we’ll show you the step-by-step process for opening a pool successfully.

Assemble Your Tools and Equipment

Before beginning, it’s essential that you gather all the tools and equipment you need for opening your pool.

An essential pool equipment set includes a cover pump, leaf net, pool brush, pool skimmer, garden hose and chemicals (chlorine, shock and algaecide), along with a water test kit for accurate results.

Removal of Cover

The first step in opening your pool for the season is removing its cover. For solid pool covers, use a cover pump to clear any standing water away. Next, remove it from the pool and use a leaf net to collect any debris on top. Finally, use a pool brush and garden hose to thoroughly clean it before storing away until next year’s season arrives.

Inspect and Reconnect Equipment

Before filling your pool with water, it is necessary to inspect and reconnect all equipment. Be sure to carefully examine your pump, filter, and heater for any signs of wear or damage. Replace any broken parts as necessary and lubricate all moving parts, then reconnect hoses and electrical connections securely while making sure everything works perfectly.

Fill Your Pool

It’s now time to fill your pool with water! Start by using a garden hose to fill it to its halfway mark before turning off the flow of water and adding chemicals from a pool water test kit in order to balance its chemistry and maintain proper levels of chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness. Make sure you heed any warning labels regarding safe handling practices of chemicals when handling them as well.

Once the water chemistry has been balanced, it’s time to switch on your pool equipment. First, switch on the pump, followed by filter and heater before checking flow of water through both sources and making sure everything works as intended.

As soon as your pool fills with water, use a pool brush to clean both its walls and floor of any debris, algae or build-up that has accumulated since wintertime. A pool skimmer should then be utilized to collect any floating debris on top of the water surface.

Set It Running Overnight

After brushing and skimming your pool, let it run overnight so it can circulate the water and distribute chemicals evenly across its entirety. This will also allow evaporation.

Test and Adjust Water Chemistry

On the following day, use a pool water test kit to retest and adjust levels of chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness as necessary, according to instructions found on chemical labels.

Additional Steps Needed for Opening a Pool

If you own an above-ground or vinyl-lined pool, there are a few extra steps you must take in order to prepare it for summer use.

Above-Ground Pools

Before filling an above-ground pool, be sure to inspect its walls for debris. Replace any worn-out or damaged liners, as necessary. Upon filling, check and adjust water levels as necessary.

Vinyl-Lined Pools

Vinyl-lined pools require special care to avoid damaging their liner. Before filling your pool, make sure its liner is in good condition and free from tears or holes, and once full use a vinyl liner cleaner specifically made to remove any stains or discolorations caused by discoloration on its surface. Other cleaners could cause irreparable damage!

Final Thoughts

At first, opening your pool for summer can seem like an intimidating task, but with the proper tools, equipment, and knowledge, it should be simple. Make sure you gather all necessary tools and equipment before beginning, inspect all equipment after disconnection/reconnection, balance water chemistry accordingly, and test/adjust as needed. You’ll soon have a refreshing summer swim!

Poseidon Pool Services is here to help you open your pool for the season. For expert help, contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Let’s get going now to start opening up your pool for summer fun. Soon, you will be lounging around and enjoying the sun in your very own backyard oasis!