Jeff Backer, FamilyPoolFun's CEO, covers the basics of opening a pool for Spring, with an important reminder about child safety.
If cold, blustery days are getting you down, just close your eyes and think of suntan lotion because now is the perfect time to get ready
for summer swimming! OK, so you can't close your eyes while you're reading, but I bet you can smell the coconut oil! Even in
early March, it's not too early to prep your pool for opening. Just follow these tips to make the process easy peasy
and then dig out your snorkel!
First, remove leaves and debris from the pool cover and then drain any water from the top. Hint: You can do this by yourself, but having two or more people makes the process much easier. Better yet, use one of our handy cover pumps.
Second, reconnect and tighten all pipe work unions, reopen any flow line valves, and then check and replace any drain plugs on the pump and filter. Reconnect and prime the heater if you have one.
Next, fill your pool's water level about one inch higher than normal operating level. This allows you to flush and rinse the filter before you test, add and balance the chemicals.
Now, you can measure and balance the pool's chemicals. If you closed your pool properly before winter, this step may not be as complicated as it sounds. For starters, consider the quality of the water you see once you take the cover off. If you're using chlorine as a sanitizer, be sure to test for it. Also check the pH level and Total Alkalinity. Our pool water testing kits make this process simple. Remember a good pH balance should come in somewhere between 7.2 and 7.6. For easier maintenance, consider our spring opening kits, and our season supply chemical kits. You get everything you need to make balancing the chemicals quick and easy!
Once the pH is correct, add chlorine shock to the skimmer and follow it with one or two 3 inch chlorine pucks in the skimmer basket.
Finally, when you're done working on the pool, always check the ladder to make sure it's secure so eager little ones can't climb in unawares. If you don't already have one, consider a locking or flip-up model for extra safety. Remember, your pool may not change much from year to year, but kids do. That little tike that could only crawl last year is probably walking this year. And even if you don't have kids, chances are pretty good your neighbors do. Make sure the fence is still in good order and that the gate locks. Never take a chance!
So, let's recap. At this point, you've cleaned the cover and removed any floating debris from the pool. You've checked the pool's connections and made the necessary adjustments. You've rinsed and turned on the filter and you went to work testing and balancing the chemicals. This should get you headed in the right direction. Now all you need to do is perform your weekly maintenance routines and tests throughout summer to keep your pool trouble-free.
A pool is supposed to be fun, so get out there and get these early season steps out of the way and get ready for the good times! It won't be long before you'll be smelling that coconut oil for real!
If you have any questions, give us a call. We'll be glad to walk you through the pool opening process.
