- Remove as much dirt and debris from the pool cover as possible before you remove it. This will save you work and increase your chances of beginning the pool season with clean and clear water. Remove the cover, lay it flat in the sun and allow it to dry before folding it up to prevent mildew, according to Poolandspa.com.
Get chemicals and pool equipment out of storage and reassemble any parts that were dismantled for the off-season. This may include parts of the pump or hoses that were disconnected to prevent freezing. Place ladders, diving boards and any other accessories back in their proper places and wipe them clean. Do not forget to take out any plugs and refit any return outlet fittings. - Now is the time to place a hose in the pool and raise the level of the water back to the appropriate operating level. The water level must be above any water outlets and it typically submerges half of the skimmer opening.
Once the water is at the correct level, start your pump and filter system and let the water begin to circulate. If you have not disassembled your pump in the winter, you will likely want to perform a backwash to clear any buildup off the filter after running it for a few minutes. Any water that is removed through backwash should be replaced immediately to ensure proper water depth. - Thoroughly clean the pool of any algae buildup or debris. Use brushes first, sweeping down the sides and bottom to loosen any dirt or algae on the sides of the pool. Use the vacuum to suck up any loose debris from the bottom to get the pool as clear as possible. Physical cleaning may not make the pool appear entirely clean, but chemicals will complete the process.
- Use a super chlorinator or "shock" treatment in the pool water to destroy any bacteria or other microorganisms in the water. The pump should be circulating the water 24 hours a day while chemicals do their jobs during the opening process, according to Poolandspa.com. The initial addition of chlorine should bring the chlorine level to 10 parts per million. It may take several days for it to return to a user-friendly level. During the hottest part of the summer, your water should read between 2.0 and 3.0 on your test kit.
Test the water daily with a kit that indicates chlorine and pH levels. Use soda ash to regulate the pH level of the pool within the 7.2 to 7.6 range for proper balance and to optimize the effect of chlorination.
Identify any algae discoloration in the water (green, mustard or black) and treat the pool with recommended amounts of algicide. Once your pool water is clear, and the chlorine and pH levels are maintained within the proper range, you are ready to enjoy your pool.
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