How to Open Your Swimming Pool

When warm weather is approaching, it's time to think about opening your swimming pool for the season. These steps should help you get your swimpool open the right way for the pool season.

1. The first thing you must do is remove the cover. If there are leaves orother debris on the cover, use your leaf net to remove them.
2. Thenpump off any standing water if you have a solid cover. Note: if yourcover has a hole in it, you will be pumping water out of the pool. Thiscan lead to draining the pool if you do not watch for this.
3. After removing the cover, be sure to clean it, let it dry, and store for the season.
4. You will need to add water, bringing the level up to its normal operating level.
5. Remove any freeze plugs, Gizzmo's, and other items installed to protect against freezing.
6. You should have cleaned your filter thoroughly when you closed the pool for the winter. If not, you should do it now.
7. Now,start your filter system up, being sure to prime the pump beforestarting the motor. Be sure to purge all the air from the plumbing andequipment. Warning: Air will be compressed during this procedure.Be sure to release any built up pressure before opening your filter,pump, or chemical feeder.
8. Check for any leaks.
9. Assessthe pool itself. Hopefully, you had a solid cover on and the water isas clear and blue as when you closed it. If not, you will want toremove any large debris with your leaf net, leaf rake, or leaf eater.
10. Any dirt, sand, algae, or other small debris should be vacuumed to waste.
11. After cleaning the pool, it's time to check the water chemistry.
- - DO NOT begin by throwing a bunch of chlorine or other chemicalsinto the water. Adding chlorine and other chemicals in certaincircumstances can damage and/or stain your pool surface.
- - Allow the water to circulate at least 8-12 hours, so that the water that was added has time to mix with the water in the pool.
- - Afterthat time, test it thoroughly, then add the necessary chemicals in theproper sequence to balance the water chemistry. We suggest taking awater sample to your local pool professional to have it tested for pH,Total Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness, etc. Be sure to follow theprocedure they describe to avoid damage to your pool's surface.
12. Install handrails, ladders, etc. being sure to inspect themfor wear and damage. If you apply car wax to the stainless steel rails,it will help protect them from corrosion.
13. Inspect the divingboard. It should be free of stress cracks and the surface should have anon-skid surface. If the board has any stress cracks, it should bereplaced. If the surface has been worn smooth, you can use arefinishing kit to correct this.
14. Tile lines can be cleaned withbaking soda and a sponge if you do not have any pool tile cleaner. Donot use any household cleaners (especially abrasives) to clean thetile. You do not want to swim in these chemicals.

Enjoy your beautiful pool!

Woody McDowell | About.com

Water hygiene

Requirements for safe water.

Basic water chemistry & controls

A short video that describes basic water chemistry and the controls required for safe water.