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Pool Opening Instructions

At the end of winter, let your pool completely defrost. When the temperature reaches approximately 10°C (50°F), it is time to re-start your filtration system since algae and bacterial formation increase with the rising temperatures.

Here, in several simple and easy steps, is how to re-open your pool:

1. If your pool is equipped with a winter cover, remove the cover. Since rainwater and debris accumulate on the cover, you will have to pump or syphon off the accumulated excess water, and carefully walk the cover across the pool to lift it out, trying not to spill any of the debris into the pool. Stretch out the pool cover and clean it with proper cleaning solution. A proper Cover Cleaner will effectively break down slime and organic materials, and deodorize your cover. Rinse the cover and let it dry thoroughly before folding and storing for the summer. Store your cover in a dry, warm place, off the ground so that insects and rodents don't eat the material. If you have a blue vinyl cover, follow the above procedure, or store in a pail of water with some algaecide mixed in the water. Vinyl covers will shrink. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carfully.



2. Set your pump and filter in place and attach the hoses. The suction hose connects the in-wall pool skimmer to the front of the pump. The pressure hose connects the top of the pump to the filter (usually marked 'PUMP'). The return hose connects the filter (usually marked 'RETURN') to the return fitting on the side of the pool wall. Restore the water level to the middle of the skimmer's face plate. When the water level is up, check that there are no large air bubbles in the pump pot. Check that the filter's diverter is on 'FILTER' position. Starting the filter on 'FILTER' position prevents clogging of underdrain laterals. Turn the pump on, and expect some air bubbles to come through the return jet for the first few minutes. If bubbling continues after one hour of operation, inspect the hoses, connections and pump pot lid O-ring for suction leaks.
   
   To clean the pool bottom of any debris or fine sediment, you should not use any make or model Automatic Pool Cleaner. YOU MUST USE YOUR MANUAL SYSTEM (vac head, pole, hose) and put your filter position to 'DRAIN' or 'WASTE'. This will eliminate clouding of the pool or the contamination of the filter sand with debris. If there is a lot of dirt or leaves, due to your cover falling in for example, clean your skimmer and pump strainers frequently so that proper suction is maintained during cleaning. Clean your vinyl liner with one of our liner cleaners; they will not foam up or effet the pH and total alkalinity of the water.
   
   IMPORTANT: Do not renew your water by draining unless absolutely necessary (because the water is recyclable). If you do empty your pool, minimize the empty time and try to avoid direct sunlight. It is at this time that the liner has the greatest tendency to shrink.



3. Now that you have finished the cleaning step you must have your pool water analyzed. The pump and filter must filter the water for 24 hours to properly mix the older water with the fresh water so that you can get the most accurate readings possible. At The Pool Shoppe, we will test your pool's total and free Chlorine, Bromine, pH, Total Alkalinity, Stabilizer and Hardness readings. Bring a 16 oz. sample to ensure the water tester has enough water for a complete analysis.
   
   Once your chemistry is in balance (pH = 7.2-7.6, T/A = 80-120 ppm), add a shock treatment to your water (liquid chlorine, granular shock, Oxy Out).
   
   N.B. When shocking with chlorine-based products, shock after the sun has set since sunlight rapidly dissapates chlorine.
   
   
4. After the water has been filtering for 2-3 days, and the water is clear, add your stabilizer/conditioner, only if required. Because stabilizer does not breakdown or evaporate over time, it will stay in your pool water over the winter and mix with the fresh water that you add in the spring. This is the reason you only add it after we have tested your water and confirmed that you need it and how much you need. Also add the "initial" dosage of algaecide for your spring start-up.



5. You are now ready to begin the regular maintenance of your pool! Have a fun and safe summer!

N.B. Don't forget to change your solutions in your water test kit. If not, you risk getting false results.

Still have questions? Please contact us at The Pool Shoppe and a customer service representative will be happy to assist you.

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