Opening Your Swimming Pool

It is almost that time of year again. Time for backyard bar-b-queues, parties and swimming. Follow these steps to ensure you are off to a great start to your swim season.

swimming pool opening
Guide to Open Your Swimming Pool

Opening Your Swimming Pool Guide

  1. Remove the cover if you have one. Make sure to get rid of any debris that may be on the cover.
  2. Inspect pump, plumbing and filter for cracked or damaged parts.
  3. Reconnect all plumbing (if you disconnected when you closed the pool).
  4. Remove any winter plugs you may have used and reconnect eyeball jets to the returns.
  5. Remove any debris from skimmers and weir basket.
  6. Remove any debris from pool floor with rake or leaf skimmer.
  7. Fill pool so that the water is 3” to 4” above skimmers.
  8. If you are using a cartridge filter, make sure filter is clean.
  9. If you are using a sand filter, make sure sand is in good shape, should be replaced every 5 years or so.
  10. Make sure valves are set to recirculate the water and turn on the pump.
  11. If you are unable to see 12” or the first step in the pool, follow the instructions below.  If you can see the bottom of the shallow end, continue to step 12.
    1. Put filter on re-circulate (bypassing the filter) and add proper amount of Drop-Out or a Heavy Flock. (Follow Drop- instructions especially regarding the pH). With filter on re-circulate, run pump for 2 hours then cut pump off.
    2. 24 hours later, hand vacuum slowly to remove waste. Wait one more day as pool water may drop out additional waste during this time. Re-vacuum.
    3. You may have to add water to your pool during this process when water goes below the skimmer.
    4. Take filter off of bypass and recirculate the water through the filter
  12. Check and balance your chemical levels: pH, Total Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness, and Copper or chlorine.  Refer to operator manuals for suggested ranges.
  13. It is recommended that you clear the water with an oxidant and not a clarifier when you first open you pool.  You can utilize 1 qt. for every 8,000 gallons daily until your water is crystal clear.
  14. Allow a few weeks for any stains or discoloration to subside.  If these deposits do not go away, please contact our toll-free helpline at 800-896-1759.
  15. Once your pool water is clear, the pool itself is clear of debris and the chemistry is in balance, dive in and enjoy!

If you have any questions on opening your swimming pool or copper ionization, please call Intec America at 1-800-896-1759 or submit your query on contact us page.

 

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