To open your above ground pool you will need the following pool supplies (see below). The following instructions below have been provided by The Pool Factory’s Above Ground Pool Experts.
Here are simple and easy to follow instructions for helping you prepare your swimming pool and chemically treat your swimming pool water for the upcoming season. These instructions apply to both above ground pools and semi inground pools.
Your new pool has been installed and is now filled with water. Follow these steps for opening your pool for the first time.
Steps to Open your Swimming Pool
Step 1
Turn on your filter system and add the correct amount of salt to the water for your pool size. Continue to run the filter for 24-48 hours or until all of the added salt is dissolved.
Please refer to your filter’s instructions manual for proper installation instructions. You can also visit our Blog Section on filters for some further assistance.
Step 2
Turn on your Saltwater Chlorine Generator following the instructions provided by the manufacturer. If you purchased the Saltwater system from us you can find the instructions here – Salt System Support
Start the Chlorine output at the halfway point. In order to determine the proper chlorine setting for your pool, measure free chlorine every couple of days during the first few weeks. Adjust the output accordingly to achieve 1.0-3.0 ppm of Free Chlorine.
Step 3
Using test strips, test the swimming pool’s water total Alkalinity Levels (adjust if necessary). If the alkalinity level is low, based on the test strip, add Alkalinity increaser (plus). If the alkalinity is high, based on the test strip, add Alkalinity decreaser (minus). Please refer to the bottle’s instructions for the proper amount to add for the adjustments.
Step 4
Using test strips, test the swimming pool’s water pH Level (adjust if necessary). If the pH level is low, based on the test strip, add pH increaser (plus). If the pH is high, based on the test strip, add pH decreaser (minus). Please refer to the bottle’s instructions for the proper amount to add for the adjustments.
Step 5
Add oxidizing pool shock at a rate of 1 pound of powder per 5,000 gallons of pool water.
Pool Capacity Cheatsheet
| Pool Size | Capacity (Gal.) | Pool Size | Capacity (Gal.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Round | 2,000 | 8x12/14 Oval | 2,500 |
| 12 Round | 3,000 | 8x15/16 Oval | 3,000 |
| 15 Round | 5,000 | 8x19 Oval | 3,500 |
| 18 Round | 7,500 | 10x15/16 Oval | 3,500 |
| 21 Round | 10,000 | 10x18/19 Oval | 4,000 |
| 24 Round | 13,000 | 10x21 Oval | 5,000 |
| 27 Round | 17,000 | 12x16 Oval | 4,500 |
| 30 Round | 21,000 | 12x17/18 Oval | 5,000 |
| 33 Round | 25,000 | 12x20/21 Oval | 6,500 |
| 12x24 Oval | 7,500 | ||
| 14x20 Oval | 7,500 | ||
| 15x23/24 Oval | 10,000 | ||
| 15x30 Oval | 12,500 | ||
| 16x26 Oval | 12,500 | ||
| 16x32 Oval | 15,000 | ||
| 18x33 Oval | 17,000 | ||
| 18x40 Oval | 18,000 | ||
| 21x43 Oval | 24,000 |
Step 6
Add a chlorine stabilizer at a rate of 1 LB per 5,000 gallons of pool water.
Step 7
Monitor your Alkalinity, pH and Chlorine levels using your test strips, weekly. Adjust when necessary. You can adjust chlorine output on your Saltwater Generator using the control panel on the system.
Following the instructions above on how to open your above ground pool should get your 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.
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.
