Spring & Summer Pool Opening Tips

You’ll want to drain as much water from the cover before removing it. This can be done with a cover pump or if it’s an above ground pool, you can use a simple siphon. Once water is removed, use a broom to sweep off any large piles of debris.

*USE CAUTION & DO NOT USE ANYTHING SHARP.

2. Remove pool cover.

Do not worry if water and debris fall back into the pool as you will be vacuuming and shocking the pool.

3. Clean and store the pool cover.

Be sure the pool cover is dry before you store it to prevent mold and mildew buildup. Fold the cover up loosely and store in a cool, dry place.

4. Walk around your pool & complete this check list:

Remove debris from strainer basket, pump & skimmer
Check pump lid and lid o-ring – replace if needed
Inspect pump and all equipment for leaks

5. Raise water level back to normal.

If the water level in your pool is below the midway point of the skimmer opening, use a garden hose to fill it up.

6. Reconnect your pool equipment.

If you prepared your pool for freezing winter temperatures, you will want to reconnect all equipment that was disconnected.

7. Remove winter plugs and reattach drain plugs.

This involves checking all winter plugs from your pump, filter, heater, booster pump, cleaners and anything else with a drain. Next, replace with normal drain plugs.

8. Clear antifreeze from drain lines.

If you used antifreeze to protect your swimming pools equipment during the winter, you’ll need to discharge it.

9. Turn pool equipment on.

This includes priming the pump and turning on the circulation and filtration system. Be sure to open an air relief valve on your filter.

NOTE: Check that there is a strong flow returning to the pool. Look for ripples on the pools surface or pat your hand over the return fitting *DO NOT PUT YOUR HAND DOWN THE SKIMMER SUCTION LINE

Next, vacuum out large debris. Use a leaf trap to prevent clogging the suction line. Also, brush the pool walls to remove stuck on algae or dirt.

10. Filter Cleanse.

Use filter cleanse to renew and refresh the filter sand. Oils and scale can build up on the sand filter overtime and can create water channeling around the sand filter rather than filtering through the sand. This leads to cloudy water. Filter cleanse will remove oils and scale and restore filter to proper order. Next, backwash filter to clear out any collected debris.

11. Test pool water.

After running your pool for several hours, you will want to test your swimming pools pH levels, Total Alkalinity and chlorine levels using a pool test kit or bring a pool water sample to our Victoria location for testing.

pH – 7.4 to 7.6
Total Alkalinity – 80 to 120ppm
Chlorine – 2.0 to 4.0 ppm

12. Adjust pool chemistry starting with Total Alkalinity.

Starting with Total Alkalinity, you will easily be able to control the pH and chlorine levels in your water.

If Total Alkalinity is too high, use pH Down or Muriatic Acid to lower the levels.

If Total Alkalinity is too low, use Alkalinity Plus or Sodium Bicarbonates to increase the levels.

13. Adjust pH levels.

With Total Alkalinity now within its proper range of 80ppm - 120ppm, you can now easily adjust the pH balance in your pool. By adjusting Total Alkalinity first, your pH levels should be between normal range, but don’t worry if it’s not.

If pH level is above 7.8, use pH Down or Muriatic Acid to lower the levels.

If pH level is below 7.2, use pH Up or Soda Ash to increase the levels

* If the pH isn’t balanced before shocking it will reduce the chlorines efficiency by up to half!!

14. Balance calcium/hardness level.

Calcium/hardness level should fall between the 150ppm – 300ppm range.

If calcium/hardness is below 150ppm, add Calcium Chloride to increase the levels.

It is extremely rare for calcium/hardness level to be above 300ppm. If this is the case, contact Colin at 1-888-444-8497.

15. Shock your pool.

Shocking your swimming pool will eliminate any remaining bacteria and contaminants left in your water after the winter season. Shock your pool using HTH Super Shock.

16. Prevent algae growth during summer.

If prone to algae problems, test for phosphates. Phosphates provide nutrients for algae and promote algae growth. Phosfree is an easy and effective way to remove phosphates.

17. Bring a sample of pool water to Van Isle Water.

At Van Isle Water, we conduct FREE pool water testing. With expert advice, we can get you back to enjoying your pool with family and friends in no time!

If you need any help with water balancing or have any further questions and concerns, give Colin a call at 1-888-444-8497 or email at colin@vanislewater.com