Spring Is In the Air
As soon as the springtime air surrounds us, so comes the time to get a pool opening. Though some may find the task overwhelming, following these five simple steps will help turn a potential headache into a simple chore.
1) Remove the pool cover
Standard Tarp Cover: Covers provide the most cost-effective way of protecting your pool from dirt and debris over the winter. Begin by using a leaf net to remove the debris from the surface of the cover. Usually, the task of removing debris is somewhat easier while there is still water on the cover, so do not totally drain the cover of water until all the waste has been removed.
The cover can be cleaned one of two ways. First, you could wash your cover while removing it by using a method called fan-folding. Take the two corners of the cover at the short end of the pool and pull it roughly 4-5 feet onto the deck. Repeat the process over and over again, folding the cover back into itself (like an accordion). Take your brush and garden hose, and scrub the exposed five-foot section as you fold. The second method involves taking the whole cover and spreading it out on your front lawn. Wash the entire cover before rolling it up with a pressure sprayer and a good brush.
Safety Cover: By far the easiest option when opening your pool, a safety cover only needs to be removed, cleaned and then folded and stored away for the summer months. Storing the cover in a proper storage bag or bin will protect it from rodents and other pests.
Fitted Vinyl Cover: It is important to store fitted vinyl covers in water over the summer months. Clean the cover thoroughly before storage. Now is a good time to check the cover for holes that need to be repaired. This is also a good time to order a replacement cover if you think your cover is on its last leg. Waiting until fall to realize the cover needs replacing could result in a longer wait to close your pool.
2) Clean entire pool area
To clean the deck area, brush debris away from the swimming pool. On the deck, use a high-powered pressure sprayer to remove any stains. Remove debris from the pool surface or floor as needed. DO NOT add shock or algaecide while debris remains in the pool water. Organic waste will eat up chemical and impede its effectiveness; thus, costing you more money. Clean the water line and coping with a vinyl cleaner designed specifically for pool surfaces. DO NOT use household cleaners on a vinyl liner.
Once the waterline has been cleaned, begin adding fresh water to the pool using a garden hose.
3) Assemble pool equipment
Pump/Filter: Coat any threads with Teflon tape and restore any gauges and drain plugs on the pump and filter. Do not forget to replace the strainer basket in the pump. Prime the pump by filling the suction line with water.
Heater: To prepare the heater, replace any drain plugs at the base of the heater, and reconnect both the pressure switch and the thermostat if disconnected during the winter. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for igniting the pilot on the inside of the front panel.
Automatic chemical feeder: Set the feeder’s check valve at a medium position and clean any waste out of the inside. Apply silicone or teflon lubricant to the cover o- ring to ensure a tight seal.
Skimmer and returns: Remove any plugs from the skimmer and returns, as well as any foam rope if used. Remove any containers or Gizzmos from the skimmer and replace the skimmer basket.
Deck Equipment: Assemble diving board and install any ladders or handrails. Check over all exposed nuts and bolts and ensure they are in proper working order. Make sure to check the rubber ends of the ladder to see if they are still intact. Otherwise, an exposed metal edge on the ladder can cause a costly liner rip. Reagents typically have a shelf-life of one year, and do not store well if left outside for the winter, so it is best to replace them each spring.
4) Begin Circulation
Start the pump when the water level has reached the midpoint of the skimmer opening. Set the multi-port filter valve in the “filter” position. Operate the filter valve ONLY when the pump is turned off. Make sure all necessary diverter valves are in the open position before starting the pump.
5) Balance Water
It is highly recommended to have a water test done after the pool has been opened. Once the pool is clean and circulating, there are some chemicals that can be added immediately. Use a quality algae inhibitor as an initial treatment for the water. Inhibitor algaecides work efficiently at low or high pH conditions, making it effective even when the water may not be properly balanced.
Secondly, add an oxidizing shock compound to the water.
It is important to establish sanitizing residual in the water as quickly as possible in order to sustain safe and clear pool water. Granular chlorine is of higher quality than liquid, and is recommended especially for initial treatment following spring opening. Always remember that the trick to keeping clean pool water all season lies in your ability to stay ahead in your chemical treatments.
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