Time for Swim Season! Open Your Pool in 6 Simple Steps

The weather is finally turning warmer and you can’t wait for pool season! What you’re not looking forward to, however, is the dreaded chore of getting the pool ready for swimming. Hiring a pool service is a possibility, but also an expense. Plus, pool services are in demand this time of year and you could run into scheduling difficulties.

The good news is that, with a little preparation, opening your pool is not that difficult to do yourself.

Start the pool opening process by using a soft brush to clear loose debris off your pool cover. Next, use a pump to remove any standing water that may be on your cover. It's best to have someone help you remove the cover from your pool, as it can be a bit heavy. Once removed, hose it down and inspect the cover for damage. Make sure it’s dry, then fold it neatly and store it in a safe, dry place for the season.

At the end of last season, you likely installed winterizing plugs to keep water from entering the pipes and freezing during the colder months. Now that you’re opening the pool, it's time to remove these plugs. It’s normal to see a gurgle of bubbles when the plugs are first released. You also want to remove the ice compensator, also known as a skim guard or gizmo, from the skimmer. This could be a gadget you purchased from a pool store, or even an empty water jug. If there is a plug in the skimmer, remove it, also. 

Use a skimmer net to remove dirt, leaves and other objects that may have fallen into the pool while removing your cover. This will help prevent filtration problems later. Take your time and get all the debris out of your pool. Brush the sides of your pool toward the bottom. Scoop as much of the leaves and debris out of your pool as you can. You may have to scoop out remaining debris you missed the first time around when water visibility improves.

Locate the drain plugs for the pump and filter that were removed at the end of the season last year. These are often stashed in the pump housing for storage. Put the plugs back in place. Make sure any O rings are still in good condition. Switch the filter from “winterize” to “filter” and turn it on. 

Now it’s time to test the pool water. Taking a sample of your pool water to a pool supply store for a baseline assessment is easy and worthwhile for the most accurate analysis. Once you have your water analysis in hand, you can get guidance on the best way to treat the water to get it clean and sanitary for swimming. Steps may include adding shock, clarifier, algaecide, pH balancers, chlorine and chlorine stabilizer.

While bringing your pool water back to health, continue to remove debris as needed, using your pool brushes, skimmers and vacuum. Check and clean your skimmer basket daily. Test and balance the water until all indicators reach recommended levels.

Opening your pool for the season requires a little preparation and attention to detail. By following these steps, you'll be enjoying crystal clear water in no time!

Don't forget to stock up on any water treatment products, floats, pool maintenance supplies and pool accessories you may need to help maintain your pool throughout the summer. Happy swimming!

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