How do I open my swimming pool for the season?

Published on
November 23, 2020 at 3:45:00 AM PST November 23, 2020 at 3:45:00 AM PSTrd, November 23, 2020 at 3:45:00 AM PST

Swimming Pool Opening Checklist

Here is a quick checklist on the proper steps to open your swimming pool. Please feel free to contact us directly at 732-955-8288, with any questions or concerns that you may have.

We are here to help. Bring us a sample of your pool water at any time for a free water analysis to ensure you start of on the right foot.

  1. Check your filter to ensure it is ready for the season. If needed you can always bring yours into any of our four super stores for a quick, thorough inspection & tune up. (Please ensure the filter is dry & clean of all debris prior to bringing it in.)  
  2. Remove all access water & debris (leaves, sticks, etc..) from the top of your pool cover.
  3. Remove cover and air pillow from pool.
  4. Lay your pool cover out and clean with fresh water. Let it dry prior to folding it up for the summer season.
  5. Remove all debris that may be floating in your pool or laying on the bottom of the pool with your hand skimmer or leaf rake. This includes any leaves that may have fell in while taking the cover off. Ensuring all debris are out of the pool will save you many headaches down the road.
  6. Attach your filter system to the pool. (Please see point 7 if you own a Sand filter prior to taking this step)
  7. Prior to attaching your sand filter you will need to replace the sand prior to reattaching your system to the pool. Most pools that open clear & suddenly turn green is due to old sand being used & not replaced from last season. 
  • When adding new sand always be sure to backwash your filter first. This will prevent dust-like particles from entering the pool.
  1. Remember to remove all plugs, plates and/or gizmos from the wall skimmer(s). Prior to starting your filter for the season.
  2. Depending on the shape of the water it is always best to clean the dirt ring around the vinyl pool liner with the use of tile and vinyl cleaner. Also using an algae brush made specifically for a vinyl liner to brush any particles that may have attached to your pool wall during the winter season & floor of the pool. 
  3. Once you removed all debris from the pool & brushed the walls of your above ground pool. Turn on your filter & let it run for a minimum of 4-6 hours (depending on the size of your pool).
  4. Check the pH level & adjust if needed to the range of 7.2 to 7.6
  5. If you had any problems with minerals last season, brown or green discolored water, be sure to use a mineral remover.
  6. Add one pound or 1 gallon of Chlorine Shock per 10,000 gallons of pool water. This will help establish a chlorine residual. (Do not use quick acting shock for pool openings)
  7. For pools without Algae, add 2 ounces copper algaecide per 5,000 gallons of pool water as this will retard the growth of algae. Every two weeks add one ounce per 5,000 gallons as a maintenance dose.
  8. For pools with Algae problems, add 16-24 ounces of 30% non-foaming algaecide per 10,000 gallons of pool water.
  9. Run filter for 4 -12 hours. Add removal chemical.
  10. Run filter 12-24 hours until water clears, then backwash the filter.
  11. Wait 24 hours and then add 1 pound of chlorine stabilizer per 7,000 gallons of pool water. This will reduce chlorine usage during the season. For new water use 2 pounds per 7,000 gallons of water. (We recommend prior to adding this to your pool that you take your pool water to be tested at our store to ensure there is no residual from last season.)
  12. Do not backwash for at least 48 hours after adding conditioner.
  13. During the process bring in a sample (1 pint) of your pool water to At Home Recreation for a free analysis.