How to Open In-ground Swimming Pools for Summer

Are ready to open up your swimming pool for the season? The pool is covered and you need to know what to do. Follow these steps for easy opening so you can enjoy your pool all season long.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 
    
   pool with a mesh safety cover

   Depending on the cover you chose to put on your pool when you closed it will have an impact on the procedure for opening. If you used a solid tarp type cover with water bags, you will simply need to clean the water and debris off the cover, remove the water bags and pull the cover off the pool without the cover ending up in the water. I recommend at least 2 people for this. If you have a safety cover that anchors into the concrete or wooden deck, also clean the water and debris off the cover, remove the spring anchors with the tool provided during installation and pull the cover off. Again, I recommend using a few people if you can because these covers are pretty heavy.

2. 
    

   After removing and cleaning the cover (very important), determine the state of the water in the pool. De-winterize your pump, filter, and other equipment (heaters, chlorinators, ionizers, etc) and start the pump. You may need to put the water hose in the pump strainer pot to prime the pool pump. Circulation is very important as the temperatures begin to go up. Take a sample of your water to your local pool store or "pool guy" and let him analyze it and tell you exactly what you need to begin the balancing process. Sometimes, very little is needed, sometimes, and more aggressive approach is necessary.

3. If you used a solid cover over the winter, the water will probably be in pretty good shape. If you used a mesh cover that allowed rain water and sunlight to get to the water, I usually see that more chemicals are needed initially to get the water back in balance. If your pool is green when you remove the cover, begin by starting the pump, and adding a lot of chlorine. Fill up your chlorinator or add tablets to the skimmer, and shock the pool with granular chlorine. Add at least 10 lbs. This will at least get you started in the right direction.

4. When the cover is off and clean, allow it to dry and store in an enclosed container. Many covers come with a storage bag but a big heavy duty garbage bag or large garbage can will work as well. Put in a safe area out of the elements to keep it good shape for use the following winter.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask friends and family to help you remove the cover. It is a tough task for just one person.
• Clean the cover before removing it to eliminate the possibility of the debris ending up in your pool.
• Clean the cover well after removing it and allow it to dry so mildew or other things grow and eat away the material.