Opening Your Pool

Here at Poolandwater.com we hope you will work safely while opening your swimming pool.

Please always work with a pool opening partner, make sure all obstacles are out of your way for ease of removing the swimming pool cover and other equipment. Make sure that cover has been pumped off with a submersible cover pump available at poolandwater.com. Always lift with your leg’s, pool equipment can be bulky and heavy. Do not get into the pool early in the season due to water temperatures to remove debris, always use a telescopic pole with a leaf bag skimmer available at poolandwater.com. Also check vacuum heads for wear if there are any issues cracks or worn brushes look at the selection of vacuum heads at poolandwater.com.

Make sure that your equipment, pump, filter and motor are in good condition. Lube all “O” rings properly with Magic Lube available at poolandwater.com. If your pool water is low, fill to within 6” from the top of the pool, Pool water should run freely into all skimmers. Test your water. Clean and store your winter pool cover with Stow Away cover cleaner available at poolandwater.com, in a dry place. Clean off all winter plugs and water tubes and store in a box or plastic tote for next year.

Most swimming pool stores sell Pool Opening Kits to make this job easier. Opening Kits are available at poolandwater.com and are sold based on the gallonage of your pool. Easy to follow instructions are printed on the package.

If you experience any problems, call Poolandwater.com 800-225-9665 for help.

Remove cover water with a submersible pump from the top of the cover.
Clean off pool cover debris.
Remove water tubes and set aside.
Now each person get on opposite sides of the swimming pool grab the corners and fold over approx. 3 feet and keep folding in this manner until you are at the end of the pool. Both people left each end and remove from pool area.
Clean your cover with proper cleaner using a hose and a broom. Let dry. Fold in an accordion manner then fold each end to the center and again until manageable size to store in a dry weather proof place.
Remove all winter plugs and skimmer Gizmo plugs.
Check the condition of the filter pump(s), filter(s), heater, and skimmer(s). Make sure they are in good working order.
Fill your pool to the proper level.
Vacuum if necessary.
Run filter for 24 hours.
Test water
Check PH levels – normal range should be 7.4 - 7.6 If under 7.4 add alkalinity increaser as per package. If over 7.6 add alkalinity decreaser. Shock the pool water overnight 1lb of shock per 10,000 gallons of water. Add algaecide per package. Add chlorine as per package. Add stabilizer through skimmer as per package.
Install diving board, guard rails and ladders. Make sure they are installed as per the manufacturer and anchors are secure.
Once the water is balanced and tests normal, add chlorine and test weekly to maintain balanced water throughout the season. Poolandwater.com offers free water tests, just stop by or send a fresh pool water sample to 9000 Harford Road Baltimore Maryland 21234.