OPENING UP A POOL

• Clear any debris and leaves off the surface of the cover before you remove it to avoid this falling into the water and creating extra work. Any water lying on the top should be drained off too. Remove the cover (you may need some help with this) then wash with detergent and let it dry thoroughly before storing it for the summer.

• Ensure the filtration system is clean, though this should have been done when winterizing. Reattach and check the filter, hoses, heater and pump, remembering to prime the latter before use, and remove any items that were installed to prevent freezing such as plugs or Gizzmos.
  

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• Add water if necessary to the normal operating level, which is about half way up the skimmer.

• Run the pump when first opening up the pool to thoroughly circulate the water. Check for leaks and if you see the water level going down then you know you have some repairs to do.
  

• If there is any debris floating around or on the bottom then it needs to be removed with a leaf net or vacuum to get it ready for the chemicals that need adding.
  

• Test the water thoroughly either with a kit or take it to the pool supply store and have them analyze it for you. Then you can decide which chemicals you need to add.

• One of the most important tests to do is to check the pH level; this shows the acidity or alkalinity of the water and should be in the range of 7.2-7.6. A pH increaser or reducer should be added to achieve this level.
  

• Check the total alkalinity which is the level of alkaline substances in the water. It should be 80-120 parts per million(ppm) and this will stabilize the pH and help prevent the pH from fluctuating.
  

• Check the calcium hardness, how hard or soft the water is, which should be in the range of 200-400ppm.
  

• Shock the pool with chlorine to oxidize organic waste and keep the water clean and suitable for swimming in, generally add at the rate of 1lb per 10,000 gallons of water.
  

• Test the level of available chlorine which should be 1.00-3.00ppm.
  

• Stabilize the pool to prevent loss of chlorine from the negative effects of UV rays and heat.
  

• Finally algaecide may be added to keep the water free from algae.
  

• Install handrails or ladders making sure you inspect for any damage.
  

• Run the pump 24 hours a day for about 3 days to get the pool water balanced and don’t venture in till all the readings are correct.