DIY Pool Opening Checklist

Prepare

Just like when cooking a good meal, preparation becomes valuable. Preparing your yard for a pool opening is key. Taking the time to clean the immediate area, such as your deck or patio, in order to make sure that there are no obstructions will better prepare you for the pool opening process. Cleaning the pool area means that there won’t be any debris present to possibly fall into your pool while you are opening it. Performing landscaping duties, such as pruning or cutting the grass, will also lessen the chance of any leaves or weeds entering your pool.

Check

Although all pools are different, we still recommended that all pool owners should perform a chemical inventory. Check your stock of pool opening and season chemicals before you begin your opening process. We recommend that you take an inventory of the following:

• Chlorine Tablets & Chlorine Stock
• pH Increaser & Decreaser
• Alkalinity & Calcium Increaser
• Cyanuric Acid or Stabilizer
• Algaecides, Clarifiers, Enzymes
• Test Kit Reagents or Test Strips
• Stain Removers

Remove & Store

Once any securing devices, such as water bags, snap-in beading, winches, or cables, have been removed, you can remove your pool cover by grabbing hold of the material and pulling 4 ft at a time onto your deck, or remaining yard, and folding it in accordion style. Repeat the process of folding the cover “accordion style” until the entire cover has been piled on to your deck or ground. Make sure to inspect your pool cover for holes or winter damage.

Pro Tip: Vinyl covers must be stored in a water filled container over the summer. Add an ounce of liquid algaecide (approximately 40%) to the water to keep away algae growth. It is recommended that you change the water in the barrel every 6 weeks. Tarps and safety covers however, must be stored dry.

De-Winterize

First, remove the plugs and/or foam rope from the returns and restore the directional fittings. Once this is done, empty the physical winterizing materials from the skimmer (gizmo or extra bottles) and place your skimmer basket back in its place. Don’t forget to put the plugs back into your pump and filter! Reattach the pressure gauge and site glass on the filter as well. You will then need to reattach the pressure switch to the heater and reinstall the plugs. We recommend that you also take the time to closely inspect the pool, deck, equipment, tools and supplies – to be sure you have everything you need to open the pool successfully.

Refill

Fill the water level in the pool to reach approximately 3/4 of the way up your skimmer. If the bottom of your pool is dirty, we recommend that you thoroughly vacuum it first before filling!

Treat

You will need certain pool opening products for proper cleaning and balancing of the pool water. A good quality Algaecide, Shock Treatment, Testing Trips and a fresh Cartridge for Mineral Purification will go a long way in ensuring that your pool becomes a clean, healthy oasis. We have listed our recommended pool opening products here.

Warning: Do not use household cleaners in your pool as they contain phosphates and/or other chemicals that are not compatible with pool water chemistry.

Please see below for our Pool Opening Chemical Treatment sheet.

Re-Install

After you have treated your pool and have run your filter for at least 24 hours, you can test the water for total alkalinity, calcium hardness, chlorine, and pH levels. You will likely need to shock the pool in order to remove bacteria; followed by adding algaecide and stabilizer to your water. The type and number of specific chemicals that you will need to add will depend on the results of your water test.

Pro Tip: You should start by balancing the total alkalinity since it will help the other chemicals reach the desired levels. When balancing your pool water, the total alkalinity should be between 80 and 120 ppm, the pH Level should be between 7.4 and 7.6; while the free available chlorine needs to be between 2.0 and 4.0 ppm. The calcium hardness is ideal between 200 and 400 ppm and the Cyanuric Acid (stabilizer) should sit between 30 and 50 ppm.

Inspect

Some pool owners may prefer to do this earlier, but once the water is properly balanced you may insert or install the diving board, stairs, safety rails etc.

Enjoy!