Testing Your Sand Bottom
The weight of the water in the pool will help to compact the sand bottom underneath the liner.; Generally it takes 5-10 days for the sand to be fully compacted and become hardened. ;
The first time you get in the pool to swim, gently feel the bottom of the pool to ensure the sand is sufficiently compacted.; If the bottom is still soft, give it a few more days before walking around on the bottom. ;
***Country Leisure Pro Tip:; Leaving footprints in the bottom of the pool will make it extremely difficult to vacuum your pool dont rush this step!
Balancing Your Water Chemistry
Now, its time to get the rest of your water chemistry balanced.
Using a good pool test kit, test the waters chlorine level, pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and cyanuric acid level .
Youll need to know the volume of your above ground pool to ensure proper chemical levels.
Its best to test and adjust alkalinity and hardness first, because the alkalinity will buffer the pH.
Then make any necessary adjustments to the pH and CYA using the chemicals in your start-up kit.
Make sure you adjust each chemical one by one, rather than adding all of them in at once.; Follow the directions on each chemical carefully as they will need to be applied in different ways.
If you are diluting a chemical in a bucket before adding it to your pool remember the following rule:
Always Add Chemicals to Water, NOT Water to Chemicals.
This will help you avoid harmful splashback of full strength chemicals to your skin or eyes.
Always wear proper eyewear, gloves, and clothing when handling ANY pool chemicals as well.
Inventory Your Pool Chemicals
Youll want to have all of your chemicals ready to go before you start opening your pool. Check the expiration dates on all of your pool chemicals, and replace any that are past their prime. . You should also replace any chemicals that werent properly sealed before they were stored.
Chemicals Checklist: Everything You Need to Open Your Pool
Need to do a pre-opening pool chemical supply run? Heres what youll need to get the job done right:
- A good test kit or test strips for checking your pools pH, calcium hardness, total alkalinity,and chlorine levels
- Chlorine granules or tablets
- Stain treatment
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The Basic Components Of A Swimming Pool
Like most major home improvements, you can get as fancy as you like with your swimming pool. You can add advanced heating and lighting, install high-tech pool covers, and even enjoy music while you swim with underwater pool speakers. But whether you have a basic backyard pool or a massive inground oasis shaped like Elvis, every pool has four components that need regular care to keep the good times rollin.
These include:
- The pools interior wall or liner
- The pools filter system
- The pools system of skimmers and returns
Additional Things You Might Need
Here is a list of some of the equipment you might need to open the pool for the first time:
- A pool cover pump
- A soft broom or skimmer net
- A cover cleaner
- A friend to help you out
- Chemical testing kit
Now that you have an idea of the chemicals you will need, lets take a look at the steps you need to take to open your above ground pool.
Step 1 Clear off the water, debris and anything else from the pool cover
First off, use a pool cover pump to remove water that might have accumulated on the pool cover surface. You can even use a regular sump pump, which you must have at home. Once all the moisture has been removed, use a soft broom or a skimmer to clear out debris from the pool cover surface.
Step 2 Remove the pool cover
Once the pool cover has cleared and dried out completely, it is time to remove the pool cover. You need to be very careful while removing the pool cover. Make sure that you do not let any of the debris or accumulated water enter the pool.
With the pool cover removed, get the help of a friend and wash the pool cover using a pool cover cleaner. Cleaning the pool cover will save you from a lot of trouble when you need to put the cover back on. It also helps extend the lifespan of the pool cover.
Store the pool cover in a safe place to protect it from damage caused by critters. Use an airtight container to give it the best protection.
Step 3 Pull the winter plugs and accessories out
Step 4 Top up the water in your pool
Step 5 Reinstall the pool ladder
Also Check: How To Remove Cyanuric Acid From Pool Water
How To Open An Above Ground Pool
- |March 24, 2020
Its that time of year again: pool season. Lots of sunshine in the forecast and warmer weather is finally here.
All you want to do is jump in the pool for a refreshing dip but youve been avoiding the unavoidable: re-opening your above-ground pool after the winter season. Its just sitting out there, taunting you. The pool cover is a dirty puddle of rainwater and old leaves.
Youve been dreading it, but the time has come. The sooner you open your pool, the sooner you can get back to swimming and enjoying it! So don a floppy hat and slather on some sunscreen, were here to walk you through it step-by-step.
How To Open Your Above Ground Pool Like A Pro
If this is your first season opening your above ground pool by yourself, then youve come to the right place.
Its time to think twice about hiring a service because weve got a comprehensive, easy to follow guide that will have you ready for summer pool parties in no time. You have the pool already, you may as way learn your way around it.
If youve got an above ground pool we have 12 or 13 steps for you, depending on whether you consider a cannonball contest as part of the process. If you have an in-ground pool youll want to check out our other guide here.
If youre ready to open your above-ground pool, weve got your back.
1.Give your pool cover a spring cleaning
Use any soft broom to clean off any debris that may have found its way onto your pool cover. You want to do a good job at this since anything you miss is going to end up in your pool, haunting you later. Next you want to use a submersible pump to eliminate any still water sitting on the cover. Be patient and let the pump do the work.
2.Pull the Cover Off the Pool
Now would be a good time to recruit a friend or family member. Youll both start on one end of the pool to lift the cover and pull it back. Instead of pulling all the way to the end, fold it back onto itself to make it more manageable.
Pro Tip: Youre going to want to lay the cover out to dry, so start on the opposite side of where you want to end up.
3.Prepare your Pool Cover for Storage
4.Fill the Pool with Water
5.Skim the Surface
10.Clean Up Duty
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#step 1: Retest Your Water
After at least 24 hours of running your pool, test your pool vater. Adjust chemical levels as needed.
If everything is balanced and you have a clear pool, congratulations, you have finally opened your above ground pool. Your hard work paid off and its time to reap your reward- enjoy swimming!
May you find this article on how to open an above ground pool for the first time helpful. Let us know about your experience in opening your above ground pool.
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Removal Of Winter Cover
Before the winter cover can be removed, accumulated water and debris must be removed.; The easiest method of removing water from the top of the cover is to use a submersible pump and a discharge hose this hose could be a garden hose or backwash hose depending on the size or attachment on your submersible pump. Fasten your discharge hose to the discharge outlet on your submersible pump and place the pump on top of the cover into the water. If there is a large amount of leaves and debris on the cover, we suggest placing the pump into a small laundry basket. This will prevent leaves and debris from plugging the bottom intake of the pump. Consider using a mesh Leaf Cover next Fall to help reduce the amount of leaves and large debris on the cover in the Spring!
Using your vacuum pole and brush, work the water on the cover towards the pump. Keep in mind that if there are any holes in the cover, water can be pulled from below the cover upwards, thus draining the water level in the pool too low. Once all of the water has been removed from the cover, use a wall brush to push the leaves to the edge of the pool so they can be removed with a leaf scoop or bucket. Ensure that all water and debris are removed before attempting to remove the cover.; Loosen the covers winch and cable and proceed to slowly slide the cover across the water, carefully lifting over the toprails as not to snag it on the rails or seat caps.;
Recommended Reading: Can You Heat An Above Ground Pool
Start Up Pump/filter System
Head over to your breaker, and power on your pool pump.
As its running, check that its receiving adequate power. Then listen for any strange sounds while keeping a lookout for any leaks or unusual behavior. If you run into any issues, this Pool Pump Troubleshooting Guideshould have a solution for you.
But, the problem youll likely face is your pump running dry, which can easily be solved by adding a bucket of pool water directly to the pump.
RECOMMENDED: Backwash/clean your filter before running it regularly
How To Open An Above Ground Pool For The First Time
Contemplating on opening an above the ground pool by yourself for the first time? If you decide on that, then start gearing up with your pool supplies and follow the simple steps on how to open an above the ground pool.
In no time, youll realize that your pool has been opened just like a pro would.
Opening your pool for the first time may seem a taxing job. But it could be a lot easier than you think if you familiarize yourself with the process.
Just be patient and enjoy doing the task. You have to keep the following pool supplies and equipment handy to facilitate a systematic way how to open an above the ground pool. Here is the list:
Start-up chemicals:
If youre ready, then lets get started!
Contents
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S To Open Your Swimming Pool
Step 1
Turn on your filter system and add the correct amount of salt to the water for your pool size.;Continue to run the filter for 24-48 hours or until all of the added salt is dissolved.
Please refer to your filters instructions manual for proper installation instructions. You can also visit our Blog Section on filters for some further assistance.
Step 2
Turn on your Saltwater Chlorine Generator following the instructions provided by the manufacturer. If you purchased the Saltwater system from us you can find the instructions here ;Salt System Support
Step 3
Using test strips, test the swimming pools water total Alkalinity Levels . If the alkalinity level is low, based on the test strip, add Alkalinity increaser . If the alkalinity is high, based on the test strip, add Alkalinity decreaser . Please refer to the bottles instructions for the proper amount to add for the adjustments.
Step 4
Using test strips, test the swimming pools water pH Level . If the pH level is low, based on the test strip, add pH increaser . If the pH is high, based on the test strip, add pH decreaser . Please refer to the bottles instructions for the proper amount to add for the adjustments.
Step 5
Add oxidizing pool shock at a rate of 1 pound of powder per 5,000 gallons of pool water.
Remove Your Winter Pool Cover
Once youve tidied things up, with your friends help, carefully remove the cover. Dont drag it, and take care to keep any lingering debris from falling into the pool.
A little dirt and debris falling into the water isnt the end of the world. But thinking ahead can save you headaches later when you break out your chemicals and tools in pursuit of a truly clean pool.
If youve installed a pool air pillow with your cover, be sure to remove it along with your cover. You can deflate the air pillow once its safely out of your pool.
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How To Put Chemicals In Your Pool For The First Time
First time opening your pool? Congratulations! You’re about to have endless summers of fun and enjoyment. Before you can get to swimming, follow these steps to put chemicals in your pool for the very first time:
Pro Tip: Be sure to check your filter and return lines for damage, cracks, or leaks. If you have a sandfilter, add sand if needed. If you have a cartridge filter, check the cartridge and clean/replace asneeded.
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Simple Steps To Opening Your Above Ground Pool
As the temperature starts to rise, its about that time to shed your covers…pool covers that is! Now is the time to start thinking about opening your swimming pool. As you plan to open your pool for the summer, there are a few tips and tricks that will streamline the process so you can enjoy your pool!
Below are 10 simple steps to follow when you open your above ground pool.;
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A Shock To The System
With everything back into balance, we need to make sure the sanitizer has a fighting chance. When opening your above-ground pool, youre going to want to give it a double dose of shock to really get that cleaning power into gear.
A double dose, you say? What does that look like? Well, its going to be around 2 pounds of shock for every 10,000 gallons of water or 5 gallons of liquid shock for every 20,000 gallons. Its a good idea to add shock after the sun has set to avoid losing any to those UV rays and remember, always follow the manufacturers guidelines whenever adding chemicals to your pool.;
Then once youve added the right amounts of all of the ingredients, you need to stir the pot.
Intex Pool Start Up Chemicals
Intex pools are small aboveground pools, but they still need startup or opening chemicals as any other pool. Perhaps you arent as concerned about staining and scaling as an inground pool owner, but you certainly want clean and clear water, without any signs of algae.
If you are starting with a freshly filled intex pool, consider screwing on a pre-filter to your garden hose before filling the pool, to remove excess solids and minerals, and reduce the workload for your pool filter.
Step 1 – Water Balance First! As usual, start by balancing pH, Alkalinity and Calcium Hardness levels to the chart above. Calcium is not as critical in a vinyl Intex pool, but maintaining a minimum level of 150 ppm is still a good idea. Your pool water pH level is best in the 7.2-7.5 range, and to hold the pH steady, the waters Alkalinity should be around 100 ppm. Intex pool chemicals startup would not be complete without cyanuric acid ), to protect your chlorine from the sun. Add 1 lb per 2500 gallons, to raise CYA levels to 40 ppm.
Step 2 Add Clarifier: Most Intex pool filter systems are decidedly small, and can use a helping hand. Swimming pool water clarifiers coagulate suspended material into larger clumps that are more easily filtered.
Step 5 Add Algaecide: Following label instructions for dosage, treat your Intex pool with a good quality pool algaecide, as a supplement to your chlorine treatment, to prevent algae growth.
Also Check: How To Heat An Above Ground Pool
Fill Pool To Middle Of Waterline Tile And Do Final Debris Removal
Grab a garden hose and fill the pool until the water level reaches the midpoint of the waterline tile or middle of the skimmer weirs. Once youve got the water level where it needs to be, you can now clean leaves, twigs and debris from the pools bottom by using a wall and floor brush. This is also time to dust off your algae brush and pool vacuum. Also be sure to remove any debris from the leaf basket.
Maintaining Normal Chlorine Levels
Safety Tip: Be especially cautious if you’re using a liquid or granular product. Wear long sleeves and pants, and be careful not to spill the chlorine.
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