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How to Open Your Saltwater Swimming Pool

This article will show you how to open your saltwater swimming pool for your next pool season. Taking the proper steps is crucial in maintaining your pool.
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Opening your saltwater above ground pool is not very different from opening a chlorine pool. These simple, easy to follow how to open your saltwater swimming pool instructions will help you prepare your above ground pool and chemically treat your swimming pool water for the upcoming season.

Steps to Open your Saltwater Swimming Pool

Step 1

Remove the swimming pool cover.

Step 2

Connect your filter system to your swimming pool.

Step 3

If you have an inline saltwater generator (AquaTrol RJ, Hayward Salt & Swim, Solaxx Saltron Retro Jet RJ) connect it after the filter system, right before the pool’s return. If you have a drop in model (Solaxx Saltron Retro, Chlorease) re-install the saltwater generator by removing the top ledge of the pool where you would like for the chlorinator to go.

Step 4

Remove skimmer plate from the skimmer opening along the swimming pool wall and remove the winter plug from the pool return opening.

How to open a saltwater swimming pool step 4

Step 5

Review the pool water level and add water to the swimming pool (if necessary).

Step 6

Perform a quick scrub of the inner pool walls as well as vacuum the swimming pool.

Step 7

Check the salt level with a saltwater test kit and adjust if necessary. You only need to add the full amount of salt for your pool size when you initially fill the pool; the salt stays in the water and keeps making chlorine. Only water loss will reduce the salt content, so you will need to check the salt level with a salt test kit and adjust as necessary.

Step 8

Test and adjust the swimming pool’s water total Alkalinity Level using Saltwater Series Alkalinity Increaser or similar.

Step 9

Test and adjust the swimming pool’s PH using Saltwater Series PH increaser or Saltwater Series PH Decreaser or similar.

Step 10

Measure the chlorine stabilizer level of the pool water. Add Saltwater Series Stabilizer as necessary following the instructions on the label.

Step 11

Add 1lb of Saltwater Oxidizing Shock for every 5,000 gallons of pool water.

Following the instructions above on how to open your saltwater swimming pool. Should get your saltwater swimming pool ready for the season to come. Should you have any questions during this process please use the comments section below and our pool experts will get back to you as soon as possible.

Saltwater Series Chemical Kit

The Saltwater Series Pool Opening & Maintenance Kit includes everything necessary to maintain sparkling clear salt water except the salt. Two test kits are included, a salt test kit and 4-way test strips to help maintain proper water chemistry balance. The kit also includes Saltwater Shock, Saltwater Stabilizer, as well as Saltwater pH and Saltwater Alkaline increaser and decreasers.

About The Pool Factory

America’s Above Ground Pool Experts – is the best place to find everything you need to make owning a swimming pool or spa fun and easy, at the best prices today. With a combined 50+ years of experience The Pool Factory employs a highly trained staff of above ground and semi inground pool specialists. The Pool Factory can provide unique solutions for all pool supplies and swimming pool needs.

COMMENTS 2
  • August 31, 2016 at 9:32 PM
    Roberta Yates

    If I have allowed too much water in during the initial filling, what can I do to correct the problem?

  • April 20, 2017 at 2:38 PM
    Ava weatherington

    I have a above ground pool a high-dollar one I haven’t opened it yet I want to go to salt water instead of chlorine the chlorine really messes my hair up I have the Frog system do you have the salt in the Frog instead of the chlorine

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