How to Open an Inground Swimming Pool

A beautiful pool ready for summer

The spring season launches homeowners into an array of outdoor maintenance activities. Depending on your geographic region, your last spring maintenance chore might be opening your inground pool for the summer swimming season. Pools that were properly closed during the winter months should present few problems when opening, other than the expected maintenance work required to test the pool's equipment and restore the pool's water to conditions suitable for swimming.

Things You'll Need

• Pool chemicals
• DE (if you have a DE filtration system)
• Water testing kit

Instructions

1. Check all your chemicals and replace any that have exceeded the expiration date.

2. Remove the pool cover and skim the pool surface to remove leaves and other debris that might have gotten trapped underneath the cover. Sweep debris off the pool cover and allow it to dry completely before folding and storing for the summer.

3. Uncover any equipment that is protected by insulation or other coverings for the winter. Re-install any equipment that is torn down for the winter.

4. Fill the pool with water until the level is appropriate for operating the equipment.

5. Clean or replace the pool's filter as required by the filtration system manufacturer.

6. Turn on the pool system and check for leaks in the pipes and equipment around the pump. Backwash the pool and check the filter gauge to ensure the pressure is appropriate for your filtration unit. Add new DE to the pool's filtration system if you have a DE filter.

7. Test the pH balance and alkalinity levels in the pool's water using a water-testing kit and add chemicals as needed. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the administration of chemicals to the pool. Run the pool's system for 24 hours and then retest the water. Do not get in the pool until the pH and alkalinity levels of the pool are within the appropriate range.

8. Vacuum debris from the bottom of the pool and skim the top. Then change into your swimsuit and take a dip.

Tips & Warnings

• Your local pool supply company will usually test your pool water for free if you bring them a sample.

• Always wear gloves when working with pool chemicals.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish