Opening Your Above Ground Pool
Before enjoying your pool this summer, you have to prep and open it first. This takes some time and patience, but it has to be done if you want your pool to look and function well. You can’t just yank off the cover and jump in! Here’s what you will need to do.
First, you’ll need these supplies:
- Pool cover pump
- Skimmer net or soft broom
- Cover cleaner or car wash soap
- Start-up chemical kit
Clear the Cover
You’ll first have to clear off all the debris that got onto your cover all winter, from water to leaves. Use a pool cover pump or standard sump pump to get all the water off. To remove the debris, use the skimmer or broom.
Remove the Cover
Ask a friend to help. Carefully remove the cover and place it on the ground. Don’t drag it.
Clean and Store the Cover
Spread the cover out flat, then wash with a cover cleaner or car wash soap with rubber broom or scrub brush. Rinse and dry. Store your cover in a tightly-sealed plastic tub so critters don’t gnaw at it.
Remove Plugs and Ice Compensators
Remove these plugs from all openings, including the skimmer bucket and return jets. Remove the ice compensator from your skimmer bucket if you have one. Put in all skimmer baskets and install return jets into the return line. If you used a skimmer plate over the winter, take it out.
Add Water
Use a hose filter to add water and screen impurities. Fill to the halfway point of the skimmer’s opening.
Reinstall Deck Equipment
Reinstall all pool deck gear, including steps, lifts or ladders.
Set Up Pump, Filter and Other Equipment
Replace all plugs to the drains and pressure gauges for your filter system, pump and any other equipment. Attach hoses to all equipment and check the connections.
- Connect skimmer to the pump.
- Connect pump to the filter.
- Connect filter to the heater and chlorinator.
Got a multiport valve? It should be switched to the filter position.
Start the Pump and Filter
Turn on the system, let it run, and monitor for leaks. If you see it seems to be running dry, prime the pump. To do this, switch off your filter system, take off the pump lid, and add water from a bucket or hose. Replace the lid, tighten it, and reboot the system.
Whether you have a sand filter or a DE system, you’ll have to backwash it after starting your filter system.
Clean the Pool
Prior to adding any chemicals, you will have to make sure the pool is clean. Brush down the walls and floor, and then vacuum the pool. Skim the surface of the pool water to remove any floating debris.
Add Chemicals
Test the water with a liquid test kit or test strips. Balance the water as needed, or call the professionals at Central Jersey Pools.
Shock the Pool
A good rule of thumb is to add two pounds of shock for every 10,000 gallons.
Run the Pump
Let the pump run for 24 hours or more if you can. Vacuum any resulting debris, then retest the water. Enjoy!