| Soon spring will be here and it will be time to | | | | Once you have the water cleared, use a leaf rake |
| undergo the task of opening your above ground | | | | to remove as many leaves and twigs as possible. |
| swimming pool. Planning will make your job a | | | | Next, remove your cover weights or springs. At |
| whole lot easier. There is nothing worse than | | | | this time a few people positioned around the pool |
| realizing you're short one bag of shock when you | | | | will help to keep the cover out of the water. Try |
| are in the middle of prepping the pool. So first, | | | | to fold your cover like a blanket keeping the crud |
| you need to make a list of chemicals that are | | | | in the middle then remove the cover. You need |
| needed. | | | | to scrub the cover thoroughly so it is dry for |
| The needs will vary depending upon the type of | | | | summer storage. |
| pool you own. Therefore, this article will talk about | | | | Now it is time to attach all the pump hoses. |
| it in general. You should always refer to your pool | | | | Remember to lube plugs, fittings, valves, and |
| and pump instructions for additional information. | | | | o-rings with petroleum jelly. Also, be sure to |
| Things you will likely need are liquid or powder | | | | remove any freeze plugs that were used to |
| shock, bromine, chlorine powder or tablets, | | | | cover the hose openings. You will most likely need |
| sanitizing cartridge for the cartridge filters, pH | | | | to add water to the pool. It needs to be filled to |
| increase or decrease and a test kit to test the | | | | the skimmer halfway point. |
| chemical levels. | | | | At this point you should start re-circulating the |
| Do not take off just yet and run to the local pool | | | | water and check for any leaks around the pump |
| supply store for chemicals. Stop and take a few | | | | and hoses. Once your pool is leak and drip free, |
| minutes to check out all of your hoses, skimmer | | | | skim off as much floating debris as you can with |
| baskets, clamps, gaskets and o-rings. If any of | | | | your skimmer net. Open all your valves to flood |
| the parts look like they might need replaced, take | | | | the hoses and prime the pool pump. Most |
| them with you to the pool supply store. It is a lot | | | | manufacturers recommend constant recirculation |
| easier to match replacement parts if you have | | | | of the pool water for at least three days. Any |
| the old part with you. | | | | crud and debris on the sides and bottom of the |
| Now that you have the easy part finished, it is | | | | pool will need to be scrubbed off. Use the broom |
| time to begin the fun. The first thing required | | | | attachment of your pool vacuum for this. |
| taking the cover off. You will want to enlist help | | | | After all debris has been removed and the pool |
| for this, because you want to avoid getting any | | | | has been scrubbed, check your filter for cleaning. |
| top water into the pool water. In an above | | | | Some pumps have removable filters; others are |
| ground pool, you should siphon the water off with | | | | back-flushed, so clean as directed. Once the filter |
| a hose. | | | | is cleaned, you can now super shock the water |
| To get a good siphon started, hook up the hose | | | | as per your manufacturer's instructions. If you |
| to the spigot and put the other end of the hose | | | | start with green water, you will need a lot more |
| into the top water. Turn the hose on for a minute | | | | shock. It may take a few days of recirculation to |
| to fill it. Next crimp the hose a foot or two away | | | | clear the water. Once the water has cleared, test |
| from the faucet, and with your other hand, | | | | your water or take a sample to your pool supply |
| disconnect the hose from the spigot. Position the | | | | store and have it analyzed. Adjust the water as |
| hose at a downspout drain to discharge then let | | | | required and keep the recirculation going. All that is |
| go of the crimp. The water will reverse and start | | | | now left to do now is to wait for the water to |
| to drain. | | | | warm up so you can start enjoying your pool. |