Pool Opening and Closing

Opening Your Pool

REMOVING THE POOL COVER: Before removing the pool cover remove as much debris off the cover as possible, using the leaf net.  If there is water on the cover, pump off before removing to prevent this dirty water from getting into the pool.  Remove the water bags and the cover, using stow-away to treat cover before storing to prevent mildew and odor.  (DO NOT STORE COVER IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT)

CLEAN UP: remove leaves and other debris from skimmer, deck, and pool water surface.

RECONNECT ALL EQUIPMENT: Reconnect hoses, replace drain plugs in the filter & pump.  Remove water plugs from returns and gizmo from the skimmer.  Replace pump strainer basket and skimmer baskets.

RAISE POOL WATER LEVEL: Raise pool water level to the middle of the skimmer.

PREPARE EQUIPMENT: Fill pump strainer with water.  Check lines for leaks.  Check pump & filter o-rings for worn out places.  Set filter valve to waste for about 5 minutes to allow the antifreeze to flush out the lines.  Replace ladder, diving board and other equipment.

CLEANING: Brush, vacuum and clean pool. Clean tile & water line with surface cleaner.  Chemically clean the filter if it was not cleaned prior to winterizing.

WATER BALANCE: Allow pool to circulate for 24-48 hours.  After circulating, get a water sample from well below the surface and bring it to be tested.

MISCELLANEOUS: Now is the time to install your solar cover to increase the water temperature.

BEGIN YOUR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE: shock pool once every week.  Add algaecide the following morning.  Always shock the pool after sun goes down to prevent dissipation of chlorine to sunlight.

Winterization of Pool

Clearing up any problems:  Before closing your pool, clear up any existing problems with the pool, such as algae growth, cloudy water, combine chlorine, etc…

Cleaning the pool:  Skim debris off the top of pool water with leaf net.  Brush side walls and floor.  Always brush toward the main drain.  Allow debris to settle and vacuum with filter set on waste, allowing any debris to bypass the filter.  Backwash and rinse filter.  Clean water line and coping with surface cleaner. Balance the water chemistry:  Balancing the water will help to insure a clean well maintained pool when opening in the spring.  Remove any metals present prior to closing to prevent staining.  Bring a water sample to our store for a detailed analysis. Preparing Equipment:  Remove ladder and diving board.  Cover slide with plastic, but do not remove.  Pump the water down 6″ below the skimmer to allow water to be removed from the pipes.  Remove the plugs from the filter and leave them out for the winter.  Remove drain plugs from the pump and store in strainer basket on pump.  Water should be blown from preferably 60 P.S.I. of air and then add non-toxic antifreeze o pipes.  Never use automobile antifreeze!  Place winter plugs into the returns and a gizmo in the skimmer to help prevent freeze damage. Covering the pool:  Covering the pool helps maintain clear water and undamaged pool surfaces.  The cover prevents debris from entering the pool and laying on the pool surface.  Debris can stain and alter chemical balance, leading to corrosion or build up on pool walls and floors.  After properly closing and covering your pool, it will be ready to swim in come spring.  This will also prove less expensive than trying to clean the pool in the spring.

Helpful suggestions for pool closing

Never allow more than 2-3 inches of water to remain on the cover.  This will help prevent the wind from blowing the cover off or into the pool.  However, letting to much water stand on the cover can allow it to be pulled into the pool, allowing debris and dirty water to enter the pool. Keep excessive leaves and debris off the cover by removing with a leaf net.  This will help eliminate them from entering the pool when you remove the cover in the spring. You may want to place an inner tube in the center of the pool before you put the cover on.  This will help to keep water from collecting in this area.