| Get ready for summer fun and parties! But wait, | | | | jets will need to be connected to the pump and |
| the pool opening has to be done properly before | | | | filter. Now, check to see that nothing needs to be |
| it can be used and enjoyed. Hopefully if the closing | | | | replaced with the equipment i.e. fittings, seals, |
| was thorough, the flip side should be fairly simple | | | | gaskets, diffusers, etc. This is the best time to |
| as well. This is a perfect time to make outdoor | | | | make those changes so it won't have to be |
| entertaining a focus as the economy remains flat | | | | closed temporarily during high season. Then, |
| and fewer families are traveling. Invest time and a | | | | connect pump, filter and any applicable equipment |
| little money, now, protecting a pool investment, | | | | (spa equipment, SCG, water feature pumps, |
| and months of affordable, summer fun are sure | | | | heaters, booster pumps etc.) |
| to follow! | | | | In most cases, the water level will have to be |
| The process of pool opening begins by assessing | | | | topped off and it is suggested that pool chemicals |
| the situation from winter weather. Standing | | | | be used to shock the water and address any |
| water, leaves and debris should be taken off the | | | | algae or other issues with the water balance that |
| cover to ease removal. Once, the pool cover is | | | | may have come up over the winter. Chlorine, |
| off, it should be scrubbed, dried, and stored for | | | | bromine, balancers, algaecides, etc. are all available |
| next season. If necessary, skim the pool water to | | | | as well as combo shock products. This can be |
| remove any items that may have gotten under | | | | done once the power is turned on and the |
| the cover and clean the walls and floor with a | | | | system is checked for drips and leaks; and any |
| pool vacuum cleaner. | | | | filters, depending on the type used, have been |
| Next, assemble the pool chemicals from storage | | | | cleaned or changed out. When it appears that |
| and check to make sure they are still current. | | | | everything is operating well, shock the water and |
| Expired chemicals should never be used so replace | | | | let it circulate for at least 24 hours but up to 72 |
| any that are out of date. At the same time, | | | | hours. Next, check the water balance frequently |
| remove from storage any parts, ladders, slides, | | | | until they stabilize. If the pool uses a heater, it |
| diving boards, fittings, pumps etc. that have also | | | | should be warm by the time the water is |
| been in storage. Once these have been | | | | balanced. At this point, a regular maintenance |
| reassembled, a skimmer may have to be | | | | schedule should kick in. The pool opening process |
| re-attached and if it is an above-ground model, | | | | is finished and it is time to enjoy the fruits of the |
| the hook-up hoses from the skimmer and return | | | | labor! |