How to Open an Inground Pool in the Spring

A pool net skims off any debris.

When the weather starts giving way to the warmer months, you will be eager to get your pool open for the summer swimming season. You will need some supplies and a little time to make the water clean for swimming. During the winter, you should buy chemicals and replace any pool equipment that may have worn out from the previous summer. Then you will be ready to open the inground pool in the spring when the weather permits.

Things You'll Need

• Pool brush
• Pool net
• Extension pole
• Vacuum head
• Vacuum hose
• Skimmer plate
• Submersible pump
• Test kit
• Soda ash (pH increaser)
• Muriatic acid (pH reducer)
• Shock
• Algaecide
• Calcium hardness reducer
• Calcium hardness increaser
• Alkalinity increaser
• Tile or vinyl cleaner

Instructions

Remove The Cover

1. Clear away debris from the pool covers, using the pool net. Remove as much of the debris as you can so that it doesn't fall into the pool when you remove the cover.

2. Hook up the submersible pump. Place it on the cover in any pools of water that have accumulated after the winter melt. Watch the pump so you don't suck the cover into the pump motor. It does not take long to remove the standing water.

3. Remove the cover from the pool. Clean it with soap. Let it dry thoroughly before you put it away, to prevent mildew and mold from growing.

Prepare the Water

1. Remove the cover from the pool pump. Attach the hoses and plugs that were removed when the pump was shut down for the winter. Take the jet plugs out and put the skimmer basket in place.

2. Remove all debris from the pool water, using the pool net. Clean the pool walls and steps with a tile and vinyl cleaner.

3. Reattach any removable pool steps. Add water to the pool with a garden hose, until the level is up to the halfway mark on the skimmer outlet.

4. Pour the shock in the pool to bring up the chlorine level and help clear the algae in the water. Turn on the pump and allow the water to circulate for at least four hours. Check the pump to make sure that it is running correctly.

5. Test the water with the pH test kit the next day. Adjust the chemical balance as needed, using muriatic acid, soda ash, calcium increaser or reducer, alkalinity increaser and algaecide.

6. Vacuum the pool with the vacuum head, extension pole, vacuum hose and skimmer plate on the second day. The water should be clearer and you will be able to see what you are doing. Brush down the sides of the pool and stairs.

7. Retest the water on the third day after you have added chemicals and cleaned the pool.

Tips & Warnings

• Chemical ranges for pool water pH are 7.2 to 7.6. Total alkalinity is 80 to 120 parts per million (ppm); chlorine is 1.0 to 3.0 ppm; calcium hardness is 200 to 500 ppm.

• When adding chemicals, use the dosage recommended on the package for the size pool that you have.

References

• Pool Manual: Common Pool Chemicals