| Soon spring will be here and so will the annual | | | | Once you have the water cleared, use a leaf rake |
| chore of opening your swimming pool. Planning | | | | to remove as many leaves and twigs as possible. |
| ahead can make the job much easier. There's | | | | Next, remove your cover weights or springs. At |
| nothing worse than realizing your short one bag of | | | | this time a few people positioned around the pool |
| shock when you're in the middle of prepping the | | | | will help to keep the cover out of the water. Try |
| pool. So let's first make a list of chemicals that | | | | to fold your cover like a blanket keeping the crud |
| you might need. | | | | in the middle then remove the cover. You need |
| There will be different needs depending on the | | | | to scrub the cover thoroughly and properly dry |
| type of pool you own, so this list is general. Refer | | | | for summer storage. |
| to your pool and pump instructions for additional | | | | Now it's time to attach all the pump hoses. |
| information. | | | | Remember to lube plugs, fittings, valves and |
| Liquid or powdered Shock | | | | o-rings with petroleum jelly. Also be sure to |
| Chlorine powder or tablets | | | | remove any freeze plugs that were used to |
| BrominepH increase or pH decrease | | | | cover the hose openings. You will most likely need |
| Sanitizing cartridge for cartridge filters | | | | to add water to the pool. It should be filled to the |
| A test kit or bottle of test strips to test pH and | | | | skimmer half way point. |
| chlorine levels | | | | At this point you should start re-circulating the |
| Before you run off to your local pool supply store | | | | water and check for any leaks around the pump |
| for chemicals, now would be the time to check all | | | | and hoses. Once your pool is leak and drip free, |
| of your hoses, clamps, skimmer baskets, gaskets | | | | skim off as much floating debris as you can with |
| and o-rings. If any of the parts look like they | | | | your skimmer net. Open all your valves to flood |
| need replacing, take them with you to the pool | | | | the hoses and prime the pool pump. Most |
| supply store. It's a lot easier to match | | | | manufacturers recommend constantly recirculating |
| replacement parts if you have the old part with | | | | the pool water for at least three days. Any crud |
| you. | | | | and debris on the sides and bottom of the pool |
| Now that you have the easy part finished, it's | | | | will need to be scrubbed off. Use the broom |
| time to get to work. The first thing required is to | | | | attachment of your pool vacuum for this. |
| get the cover off. Enlist some help for this, as | | | | After all debris has been removed and the pool |
| you want to avoid getting any top water into the | | | | has been scrubbed, check your filter for cleaning. |
| pool water. If you have an above ground pool, | | | | Some pumps have removable filters; others are |
| siphon the water off with a hose. If you have an | | | | back-flushed, so clean as directed. Once the filter |
| in-ground pool you will need to use a sump pump | | | | is cleaned, you can now super shock the water |
| to remove the top water. | | | | as per your manufacturer's instructions. If you |
| To get a good siphon started, hook up the hose | | | | start with green water, you will need a lot more |
| to the spigot and put the other end of the hose | | | | shock. It may take a few days of recirculation to |
| into the top water. Turn the hose on for a minute | | | | clear the water. Once the water has cleared, test |
| or so to fill it. Next crimp the hose a foot or two | | | | your water or take a sample to your pool supply |
| away from the faucet, and with your other hand, | | | | store and have it analyzed. Adjust the water as |
| disconnect the hose from the spigot. Position the | | | | required and keep recirculating. All that is left to |
| hose at a downspout drain to discharge then let | | | | do now is to wait for the water to warm up so |
| go of the crimp. The water will reverse and start | | | | you can start enjoying your pool. |
| to drain. | | | | |