It is inevitable that you will need to make a visit to the local pool supply store at least once a year. If there are any pool equipment or pool chemical issues that need to be solved, sometimes those visits can develop into multiple visits per day if you are not equipped with the right information. The staff at The Pool Factory have put together a helpful pool opening checklist to aid you when opening your swimming pool this upcoming season.
Pool Opening Checklist Guidelines
The following pool opening checklist has helpful tips that will jog your memory and keep the process easy so that it’s done right the first time around.
- Know what you need
- Don’t rush to uncover
- Replace all that might be misplaced
- Summer-ize
- Finishing touches
1. Know what you need
Take an inventory (and check the expiration dates) on all of the pool chemicals that you have leftover from the previous year. Or better yet, take a picture of all of your pool chemicals before heading to the local supply store. So often, customers go into a pool supplies store and forget what they have already at home. They say, “I have pH plus, wait, or was it pH minus. Clarifier? Yes, I have a little of that left over, or was I out of clarifier and have a little algaecide. Yes, my test strips are still good, I think. Oh, I don’t know, I guess I’ll buy everything.” And before you know it, you are out of algaecide with 3 full bottles of pH minus and could have saved again this year.
2. Don’t rush to uncover
Any experienced pool owner would know that patience is the key when removing the winter cover. It is more than likely that the cover not only has water on top of it, but that the water is filthy and full of debris. Use a submersible cover pump to remove all water on the cover. Then use either a leaf skimmer or a broom to remove all debris. Once clean, slowly remove the cover from the swimming pool and rinse it once more before letting it dry and storing it for the summer.
3. Replace all that might be misplaced
Pool closing can be a chore. And if the closing process was rushed, it’s possible that some items may have been misplaced during the winter months. Reconnect all parts of the pool filter system and take note of anything missing. Drain plugs, valve clamp screws, strainer lid O-rings, etc. are all necessities. Check for any cracks or leaks that may prevent a smooth startup. Again, take a picture of any parts in question and show them to your pool professional for advice. Also when reinstalling your ladder and/or pool steps check for all needed parts.
Peace of mind can be priceless and it never hurts to ask questions that may give you some perspective on how your pool functions. Check with a professional that all components are connected properly.
4. Summer-ize
Remove all pool winterizing hardware (ex. skimmer cover plates, winterizing plugs, ice compensators/air pillows, etc.). Refill the swimming pool to its proper water level and start the filter system.
Continue to run the swimming pool filter for 24 hours only breaking to clean the filter cartridge or backwash. Supplement any work done by the pool filter by also running an automatic or robotic pool cleaner. If the pool water is clear, use a test kit to test the water – add any necessary pool chemicals to balance.
An advantage to opening your pool early is it gives you the ability to be more liberal with the shock treatments. If you have a pool party the following day, you will be deterred from super chlorinating.
5. Finishing Touches
Clean the areas around your pool by raking any leaves, sweeping deck areas, and cleaning any tools used to open the pool. Keep an eye on the water level over the next few days to make sure there are no leaks.
Remember to keep a regular pool maintenance schedule to ensure pool chemical levels remain consistent throughout the summer. We hope you enjoyed our pool opening checklist be sure to check out The Pool Factory for new products and promotions that can continue to make your pool owner responsibilities even easier!
Kit Contains the following items: 5lb pH PLUS, 3lb pH MINUS, 5lb ALKALINITY PLUS, 3lb ALKA DOWN, 1 QT SUPER CLARIFIER, 3 Way Test Strips (50 Strips), 1.5lb STABILIZER, 1 QT 10% ALGAECIDE
Just purchased your 8×12 oval above ground pool. Specs say approx. 2200 gallons. All the chemicals say and this much per 10,000 gallons. How do I break down how much shock, clarifier, algaecide, chlorine tabs etc. to add to the pool?
Hi Darren,
Yes, an 8×12 pool holds approximately 2,000 gallons of water. 2,000 gallons is 20% of 10,000 gallons, so multiply the amounts required per 10,000 gallons by .20 or divide by 5.
Feel free to also bookmark our Pool Volume Calculator 🙂
We just bought a used 30 ft X 52″ tall pool. what beaded liner do you suggest? I am so confused on the 25mil vs 25 gauge.
Hi Dana,
We would recommend a Unibead pool liner for you. A Unibead liner simply hangs directly to the top of the pool wall utilizing an integrated J-hook style bead at the top of the liner. The J-Hook bead can be removed and you can install it as a traditional snap in beaded liner. We recommend installing it as a J-hook because it seals off and protects the pool wall. To install it as a J-hook you do not need to purchase any additional parts. When using it with bead receiver tracks as a snap in beaded liner, the chemically treated water in the pool can get behind the liner (through the gaps in the bead receiver tracks) and corrode the pool wall. Also, to install a Unibead liner as a standard beaded liner you would need to purchase bead receiver track separately.