Nothing quite marks the beginning of summer like the opening of pool season. If you’re fortunate enough to own a swimming pool, consider opening it once the temperatures consistently reach 70 degrees or higher.
Whether you’re a novice or an experienced pool owner, opening a pool for the summer is an easy job if you follow the proper instructions. In our most recent blog, Indiana American Water discusses step-by-step tips for properly opening a swimming pool.
How to Open a Swimming Pool for the Season
As the weather transitions from the winter months, spring is a great time to open your pool. Your local pool supply store will have most of the equipment you need to get your pool clean and ready for summer. When you open your pool for the first time, your pool water will need to be treated and your filtration system will need to run to get your pool ready before you can jump in. Indiana American Water shares step-by-step instructions for opening your pool.
Clean and Sweep the Deck
This first step involves a little elbow grease. Cleaning and sweeping the pool deck prevents dirt, debris, and leaves from blowing into your pool on a windy day. To save yourself from future cleanup, consider sweeping the pool deck with a broom, brushing it with soap, and then hosing it down with water that is directed away from the pool. You’ll thank yourself later.
Remove the Cover
Next, it’s time to remove the pool cover that’s protected your pool from the harsh Indiana winter weather. During the winter, your pool cover likely collected dirt, debris, and grime, so it’s important to thoroughly clean it before storing it away for the summer. You can use an electric pool cover pump to remove any excess water on the cover before removing it. When you need to cover the pool again in the fall, it will be all ready to go. Make sure to bring the pump inside, including the hose, during freezing weather.
Stock Up on Chemicals
Make sure you have all of the appropriate chemicals on hand before you open your swimming pool. You can typically save on swimming pool chemicals by buying them at a discount before warmer weather arrives.
Fill the Pool with Water
Most swimming pools become partially drained over the long winter. Check your swimming pool’s water level and add water using a garden hose until it reaches the middle of the skimmer opening.
Unplug Winterizing Plugs
Now it’s time to unplug the winterizing plugs you installed in the fall to protect your return lines, skimmer, and other equipment. This is also a good time to reinstall accessories such as return line fittings, ladders, and handrails.
Prime Your Pool Equipment
If you’re still a novice, consult your pool’s owner’s manual regarding priming your pool equipment. Some of the most common tasks include starting the circulation system, making needed valve adjustments, and priming your pool pump.
Clean and Circulate the Water
The next step is to thoroughly clean your swimming pool. Use a skim net to remove as much debris as possible from the water’s surface. Then, use a pool brush to brush the pool walls and floors. Finally, use a vacuum to thoroughly remove any remaining debris. Let your filter run for 24 hours to allow your pool to circulate and remove any remaining dirt particles.
Balance the Water
Use an at-home pool test kit to test the water to ensure the alkalinity, pH, and hardness are within acceptable ranges.
Shock the Water
Apply a shock (chlorine or non-chlorine disinfecting chemicals) to clear the pool and remove any lingering contaminants. This will make your pool water clean and safe to use.
Apply an Algaecide
Apply a preventative algaecide according to the label’s instructions. Algaecides act as a backup to your normal sanitization program and can treat algae that developed over the winter and prevent it from growing shortly after opening your pool. A multi-functional algaecide can treat and prevent black, green, and mustard pool algae.
Indiana American Water Is Committed to Healthy, Safe, and Quality Water
Whether it is water for drinking, cleaning, bathing, or your swimming pool, Indiana American Water is committed to providing high-quality water for all of our customers. To learn more about the water quality reports in your area, click here.