Upon the arrival of spring, many of our favorite things return, such as the flowers and trees that bloom. It also brings back the excitement of being outside and enjoying the sun.
Although it's already warm enough to start preparing for the season, swimming is still a great way to get in shape. There are a few simple steps that can help make sure that your pool is ready to go.
The steps for opening your pool are listed below. Highlights include:
- Clearing, removing, and storing your pool cover.
- Filling your pool water to regular levels.
- Reconnecting and turning on your pool equipment.
- Testing and balancing your pool water.
- Shocking your pool.
1. Drain and Clean the Pool Cover
When it comes to a winter cover or a safety cover, there's a process involved in removing the water from the top of the cover. This will involve either using a cover pump or a blower to remove the debris from the cover.
2. Remove the Pool Cover
If you're working with a pool cover, make sure to remove it properly. Also, make sure to avoid getting in the pool with a pool vacuum.
3. Clean and Store the Pool Cover
After removing the cover, brush off any dirt and then let it dry. Use a soft cloth to evenly distribute the cover. Then, after the cover has dried, apply a layer of talcum powder or Leslie's Alkalinity Up to the top of the cover.
4. Raise the Water Level Back to Normal
To return the pool to its normal water level, use a garden hose to fill it up. This method works for most swimming pools.
NOTE: If you did not winterize your pool for freezing conditions, skip ahead to Step 8.
5. Reconnect the Pool Equipment
When preparing a pool for freezing temperatures, make sure to reconnect the various components of your pool equipment. This includes the filter, heater, and anything else that's connected to the system.
6. Remove Winterizing Plugs from Skimmer and Return Lines
Before removing the winterizing plugs, make sure to wait until the antifreeze has drained before doing so. Once this happens, then reconnect the return lines and drain plugs for various equipment.
7. Turn the System Back On
This includes turning on the pump and the filtration system. Also, make sure to check the air relief valve is open. If it is, close it.
8. Add MetalFree to Prevent Staining
After a long winter, metals such as iron and copper may have concentrated in your pool's water. To prevent these metals from staining your pool's surface, add 1 liter of MetalFree for each 20,000 gallons of water.
9. Test the Pool Chemistry
After your pool system has been running for a couple of hours, check the water for pH, Total Alkalnity, and Chlorine levels.
pH: 7.4 to 7.6
Total Alkalinity: 80 to 120 ppm
Free Available Chlorine: 2.0 to 4.0 ppm
Calcium Hardness: 200-400 ppm
10. Balance the Water, Starting with Total Alkalanity
It's important to maintain a balanced water level to ensure that your swimming experience is safe and enjoyable.
If the TA is too high, try adding Leslie's Dry Acid to your water. It will help lower the level by 10 ppm.
If the TA is too low, add Alkalinity Up. It will increase the water's pH by 10 ppm. Before applying Alkalinity Up, make sure to wait at least 4 hours.
11. Adjust the pH Balance
To maintain a pH level of 8.0 to 120 ppm, adjust the TA's pH balance. When the pH is back to its ideal range, test the tolerance.
If the pH level is above 7.8, add small doses (2 cups at a time) of Leslie’s Dry Acid. Wait 2 hours with the circulation system running and retest before adding more acid. Always follow the label directions.
If the pH level is less than 7.4, add 6 oz of Leslie's Soda Ash to the water. Wait 4 hours and retest the system before adding more.
12. Adjust Calcium Hardness
Your pool’s Calcium Hardness should always be over 150 ppm. If it is too low, add Leslie’s Hardness Plus.
Your pool’s calcium hardness should always be at or above 150 ppm. If it gets too low, add Leslie's Hardness Plus. The goal is 200 to 400 ppm. It will increase the amount of water that has a high CH by around 10%.
13. Brush and Vacuum the Pool
After your pool's chemistry has been adjusted, thoroughly clean and vacuum the area around the pool steps, ladders, lights, and other components.
14. Run the Filtration System Overnight .
Run the filtration system overnight to remove the debris from your pool.
15. Shock the Pool
Shock the pool using a chlorine shock to remove the contaminants from its water. Follow the instructions on the product label to determine how much to add to its pool.
If you have any other questions about pool and spa products please do let us know - we are here to help!