Opening a swimming pool can be quite difficult. This quick guide covers the basic steps needed to complete the process.
Steps to Open a Swimming Pool
1. Gather all tools, equipment, and components needed.
- Gather all the tools needed for your pool’s equipment and accessories. A pump, pressure washer, net, and brush to clean the cover. And any other components and accessories that were removed when closing.
2. Pump and clean off the cover
- For vinyl and tarp covers, pump off the water with a sump or trash pump, while also scooping out any leaves with a net. Use a pressure washer and pool brush to remove algae. For safety covers, spray off any debris with a pressure washer.
3. Take off and fold the cover
- Remove all clips for vinyl covers, remove the cover from the track, fold the walls on top of the cover, and fold the cover at one end. For tarp covers, empty and roll up the water bags and/or remove any weights, then fold up the cover. For safety covers, take the springs off of each peg, screw the pegs down, and fold up the cover.
4. Remove plugs and add accessories
- Remove any plugs from the returns and skimmer and install any railings, ladders, and return eyeballs you have.
5. Add water
- Fill your pool to the halfway point of your skimmer. For safety covers the water may be above the skimmer, this water needs to be removed from the pool.
6. Setup Equipment
- Reinstall all the equipment, plugs, gauges, filters, and any other components that were removed during closing.
7. Test Equipment
- Next, turn on the power and gas to your pool equipment and make sure everything works properly. Check for leaks and fix them if found.
8. Add chemicals and clean the pool
- Finally, once all is working, add the opening chemicals, chlorine, and any other needed pool chemicals. Then, using your pool vacuum, clean up any debris or algae in your pool.
This quick guide covers the basic steps needed to get your pool open and ready for the summer. If you need more information on how to open your pool, check out our detailed guide, which is linked below.
