subject: 10 steps to opening your swimming pool for the season [print this page] 10 steps to opening your swimming pool for the season
You might be anxiously watching the calendar to count down to swimming pool opening season. But regardless of the area of the country in which you live, pool opening season could be just around the corner. Even if swimming pool opening season isn't just around the corner for you, here are some things to think about when you do get the opportunity to open your swimming pool.
Don't remove the swimming pool cover until you clean it off. Don't take a chance on having leaves and debris fall into the swimming pool. Once the cover's been removed, clean it with a pool cover cleaner. Keep it handy as you will want to use it throughout the season when you're not swimming.
Check the condition of the filter, pump and skimmer. Turn them on and run them to see if they are functioning properly. Clean the skimmer basket. Remember, these pieces of equipment are crucial to keeping your chemicals flowing through the pool to keep it clean.
Fill the swimming pool to the proper level and vacuum it thoroughly.
Turn the filter on and run it for a full 24 hours. Test the water after the filter's been running for 24 hours.
Check the pH of the water. The normal ranges should be 7.4 to 7.6 (neutral). If under 7.4, add alkalinity increaser. If over 7.6, add alkalinity decreaser.
Use a shock treatment on your swimming pool and let it work overnight. The shock to water ratio is: one pound of shock per 10,000 gallons of water. Algaecides should be added according to the directions on the bottle. Add chlorine to kill any bacteria in the pool. The skimmer should have stabilizer added to it. The tablets should be replaced when they dissolve.
If you removed your diving board or slide, they will need to be reinstalled. Also, check the safety and tightness of grab rails and the ladder.
Take all items that you had in your pool to hold down the cover and that you might have floated in the pool to keep the water from freezing out of the pool. Clean them and store them away for the next season.
Test your pool water and once it tests in the normal ranges, add chlorine weekly to maintain balance throughout the pool season. Test water often and keep the chemicals balanced throughout summer usage.
Pick up a "pool opening kit" -- these are available at swimming pool supply stores and have all the items you need to open your swimming pool for the season.
Once swimming pool season hits, you will be ready to face the long, lazy summer days of fun and frolicking.
