What is our secret to opening a pool after winter?

En Ok Pool Reform, in this section within the Pool Maintenance Blog we explain to you How to open a pool after winter.

Of course, you have at your disposal the page prior to this process: how to winterize the pool.

Pool opening

Learn how to open the pool correctly

All pool owners should learn how to properly open their pool. The sooner you know these steps, the sooner you can host your first pool party this season.

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Tools and equipment you will need to open the pool

Utensils needed when opening the pool

Tools for opening the pool

On the one hand, when opening the pool you will need the following utensils:

1. Pool cover pump
2. Soft bristle broom or pool brush
3. Pool leaf net
4. Pool cover cleaner
5. Soft bristle broom or pool brush
6. Manual or automatic vacuum cleaner to clean the pool
7. Pool cover pump
8. Bag or container to store the cover
9. silicone gasket lubricant
10. plumbing tape
11. Garden hose
12. Rubber gloves
13. Safety glasses

Required products related to water treatment

Products to treat pool water when it is opened

To get started, you will need the following tools:

1. Chemical substance testing kit to check water values: ph, hardness, alkalinity, level of chlorine or disinfectant used to treat water, etc.
2. Products to regulate pool water (pH lowering, pH increasing, lowering or increasing water hardness, chemicals that increase/decrease alkalinity, etc.).
3. Maintenance chlorine granules or tablets (or in place of used disinfectant).
4. Shock treatment
5. algaecide
6. And, possibly spot treatment.

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Safety when opening a pool after winter

Safety first when opening the pool

Safety: the first factor to consider when opening a pool

Below, we list some of the most important steps regarding the safety factor for opening the pool.

• Firstly, spray the pool cover well with a hose to rinse away any spilled chemicals.
• In second place, verify that the chemical levels contained in the pool water are correct, noting the disinfectant levels (chlorine, bromine, etc.).
• At the same time, it is of vital importance Be sure to test all safety measures around your pool area, such as door locks and door alarms.
• On the other hand, as is logical, one must store the winter cover in a priceless place, That is, where incidents cannot occur with the most vulnerable in the family (animals or children).
• Furthermore, for storage purposes, the winter cover must protect yourself from sunlight to guarantee its functions for the next closure of the pool.
• Finally, another tip regarding safety is to Store chemicals as follows: safely out of the reach of children and pets, in a cool, dry place in their original packaging, making sure containers are tightly closed..

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How to open the pool in spring?

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1st part opening pool: Remove, clean and store the pool cover

Remove and clean the pool cover

Remove existing deposits on top of the winter cover

During the winter, leaves, rainwater, and debris tend to build up and weigh down the pool cover, making it impossible to remove on your own.

How to remove debris from the top of the blanket

• Therefore, to remove debris from the winter cover you can use any type of pool cover pump.
• Or instead, you can also use a simple leaf net to collect debris.
• Another way to do this is with a leaf blower.

Remove water, leaves and larger debris from the winter cover

• First, spray the cover with a hose so that all possible dirt is removed, being very careful that no debris falls into the pool.
• Next, we will use the pool brush to sweep away the leaves and debris that remain on the top
• Then, use the pool cover pump to remove any standing water from the cover.

Remove, clean and dry the winter cover

Rinse and dry the cover to prepare it for storage.

• At this point, Start slowly removing the cover, folding it in halves.
• Once you have removed the cover, spread it on a soft surface away from the poollike grass.
• Significantly During the opening of the pool it is also a good time to inspect the cover and check its condition.; Consequently, if it is damaged, we can skip the cleaning and storage process and consider buying a new one for the next winter season.
• Then, once the appropriate cover checks have been carried out, we proceed to clean it; In the case of using a cleaner, we simply connect the bottle to the water hose.
• Likewise, it is very important to avoid using abrasive or sharp tools or harsh chemical cleaners, which could destroy your pool cover.
• Emphasize that it is essential Rinse the used cleaning product very well.
• Now it's the turn of leave the winter mana completely dry, since if it is still wet mold or fungus could grow. For this purpose you can do it in the following ways: outdoors or more quickly with the help of some towels or using a leaf blower.

Save the winter cover.

• Note that As soon as we are convinced that the winter blanket is dry, it should be stored, as it could spoil or even damage the existing grass.
• Immediately, we fold the cover up repeatedly from seam to seam until it is small and easy to store.
• To keep the cover protected during storage, we must Place it in a pool cover bag or tightly closed plastic container with a lid.; Since if the cover is not in a sealed container, mice or other small animals could settle in it.

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Part 2 of opening the pool in spring: Reactivating the Water Circulation System

Remove winter plugs and install skimmer baskets

Remove the plugs and ice compensator

• When you closed your in-ground pool for the winter, you blew out the pipes and installed winter plugs to prevent water from coming back in and freezing, now you'll make sure Remove all winter drain plugs.
• Then reinstall all skimmer baskets.
• You need Install and screw the spherical accessories of the return jets that direct the water towards the pool.
• Regardless of the wintering process, you will see that There are some bubbles as the pool water flows back into the pipes, these will also need to be removed.

If you have used antifreeze before removing the plugs you have to run the pump to drain the water line if you used antifreeze.

• If you put antifreeze in the water line to protect it during the winter, drain it before removing the winter plugs.
• Make sure the pump control valve is set to waste.
• Activate the pump, letting it run for at least 1 minute. Most of the antifreeze will drain away, leaving enough room for pool water.

In the case of using antifreeze in the waterline and when the pool is opened the pump does not turn on

• If the pump does not turn on, check your wiring.
• Head to the nearby circuit breaker that controls the pump's power supply and make sure it is turned on.
• Pool antifreeze is not harmful, so you don't have to worry if something leaks into the pool, plus running the pump for a few cycles later will also pump out the antifreeze.

Install ladders and other accessories

Reinstall ladders and other pool components

• Certainly, some people leave their pool accessories in the same place all year round, but we recommend preserving them throughout the winter to avoid exposing them to weather factors.

Lubricate and grease metal components of pool accessories

• Logically, take the opportunity to inspect the bolts and other metal components for rust.
• Bolts and subsequent accessories are prone to rust, so to prevent rust, it is advisable to treat them with an oil-based lubricant such as WD-40 or Vaseline before installing them.
• You should also lubricate the nuts and screws that exist on this equipment so that they do not rust with use.
• If they contain rust, replace them before reinstalling the accessories.
• Another suggestion we make is to grease the hinges of your accessories.

How to place pool accessories

• Ladders, diving boards, railings are attached to the pool via a series of bolts, so you'll place them where they normally go, turning them clockwise until they lock into place.

To open the pool in spring you must fill your pool

Refill the pool to replace the missing water.

• Even a well-covered pool loses some water through evaporation.
• While the cover offers some protection against evaporation, its main purpose is to keep things out of the pool, not actually keep water in it.

Before running the pump, return the water to its normal level.

How to return the normal water level to the pool

• Use a hose to spray water directly into the pool until it turns back on. Fill with water approximately 3/4 of the way up the skimmer window on the side wall.
• If possible, It is advisable to use a hose filter to prevent metals and other contaminants from entering your pool.
• In particular, note that you should always fill the pool before turning on the pool purifier or treating the water chemistry (the fresh water we add alters the values).

Inspect the pump and other equipment for damage.

How to connect pool filtration equipment

Set up and run your filter and pump Your pool heater and chlorinator, if you have them, also have drain plugs.

1. The first step is to connect all the existing equipment in the pool.
2. The second procedure is to plug the pump tubing into the filter housing, using plumber's tape to prevent leaks.
3. Next, open the valves on the return side to ensure that the water entering the pump has somewhere to go.
4. If you have a multiport valve, turn the handle all the way and replace the air bleeder, sight glass, and pressure gauge.
5. Flip your circuit breaker, then turn on your pump. Once water flows, the pump is primed.
6. Take a look at your filter.
7. Wash or replace it, if necessary.
8. Change your multiport valve to filter.
9. The skimmer connects to the pool pump, which connects to the filter.
10. The filter connects to the heater, chlorinator, and any additional equipment you may have.
11. If you do not have any additional equipment to connect to the filter, route the filter hose to the return inlet valve on the pump.

Connecting the filtration system when opening an above ground pool

• If you have an above-ground pool, use flexible plumbing lines to connect the skimmer to the pump and other equipment.

Open the return valves on the pool pump system.

• Make sure the circuit breaker connected to the pool pump is on.
• Then run the pump for at least 3 minutes while observing the system for problems.
• Reinstall the drain plugs and use pool gasket lubricant on the O-rings to protect them. Power on and make sure your system appears to be working properly.
• Reinstall the drain plugs into your pump and filter using thread sealing tape.
• Turn the pump valves counterclockwise to open them.
• If your pump has a filter valve, place it in the filter position as indicated on the device label.
• Next, check the water line for any air bleed valves that also need to be opened.
• If your system has purge valves, you will see them protruding from the top of the pipe.
• Turn the caps counterclockwise to let air out of the pipe.
• These valves will spray air and water after activating the pump.

Lubricate and inspect for leaks in the pool filtration system.

• Lubricate the O-rings with pool gasket lubricant to protect them. Use the same lubricant on the pump housing O-ring. If you see cracks in that O-ring, replace it immediately to prevent it from sucking air into your pump.
• Inspect the pipes for leaks and look for air bleed valves to release air and water from the line.
• Check that there are no loose accessories.
• Make sure all wires are properly grounded and the pump is drawing water.
• Each piece of equipment will have black rubber O-rings on the pipes and drain plugs.
• After removing the old rings, simply slide the new ones into place over the valves or connecting pipes.
• Spread a pool joint lubricant over them to keep them safe.

What to do if when you start the pool filtration system the pump does not work very well

• If the pump doesn't seem to be working very well, turn it off and open the filter basket. Spray the filter with fresh water from a garden hose. You may need to prime the filter this way several times for it to work.

When you open the pool, do a backwash

• If you have a sand or glass filter it is a good idea to go ahead and backwash your filter.

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Part 3 of opening the pool in spring: Condition the pool water

Another step to open a pool: Lower metal levels

Control mineral levels in the pool

• It may seem counterintuitive, but while your pool water remained stagnant during the winter, metal levels may have increased.

How to avoid and eliminate minerals in the pool

• Also, to fill the pool you can use a hose filter to help keep minerals out of your pool.
• Still, to prevent staining and buildup caused by any metal in your pool water, add a metal sequestrant.

To open the pool you must do a water chemistry test

How to check pool chemistry

• To perform pool chemistry verification, there are many varieties of water chemistry test kits (including alkalinity, pH, calcium hardness, and chlorine levels).
• Alternatively, you have the option of heading to your local pool store and having the water sample tested there.

Check and correct water values ​​correctly

Adjust these levels with the appropriate methods.

Ideal values ​​in disinfecting pool water

• pH: 7,2-7,6. (related posts: how to increase pool pH y how to lower pH pool).
• Total chlorine value: 1,5ppm.
• Free chlorine value: 1,0-2,0ppm
• Residual or combined chlorine: 0-0,2ppm
• Ideal pool ORP value (pool redox): 650mv -750mv.
• Cyanuric acid: 0-75ppm
• Pool water hardness: 150-250ppm
• Alkalinity of pool water 125-150ppm
• Pool turbidity (-1.0),
• Pool phosphates (-100 ppb)

Clean and vacuum the pool before opening it

Vacuum the bottom of the pool

Once you have balanced and chlorinated your pool, you should let the process continue overnight. The final step is to vacuum the pool to remove any dirt that has accumulated on the bottom.

If you covered the pool properly in the fall, there won't be much to vacuum. However, there is bound to be some mess to clean, and it's always best to make sure your pool is as clean as possible.

How to brush and vacuum the pool

1. First, clean up any debris that may be floating with a pool net.
2. Once you've removed as much of the debris as possible, take out your brush and scrub the surface of the pool.
3. Then, you should vacuum the bottom of the pool. You have two different ways to clean the bottom of the pool: manually vacuum or aspirate through a automatic robot.

To open the pools it is necessary to carry out a shock treatment

Shock the pool with a chlorine shock product.

Once the water is properly stabilized, you must perform quality chlorination treatment to kill algae spores, bacteria, etc. that accumulated in the winter and make the water sparkling.

How to perform shock chlorination when opening the pool

• First of all, we recommend that you wait to carry out the chlorination treatment until the sun begins to go down so that it is more effective.
• You have to add enough shock to raise the chlorine level to 3,0 ppm or higher.
• That usually translates to an entire bag of granules or an entire bottle of liquid. But this depends on the size of the product, pool measurements, etc.
• Next, we leave you an entry specialized in: pool shock treatment.

Add algaecide to open pools for the summer season

• At this point, you should apply an algaecide while following the product manufacturer's instructions.
• We provide you with a link to a blog dedicated to: algaecide application.

Filter the pool for 24 hours when opening the pools in spring

Filter and analyze water

• Finally, leave your filtration system running for at least 24 hours to mix the impact and filter out any remaining debris, dead algae spores, and any other debris.
• And, finally, test the pool values ​​again and balance them (and repeat this by doing cycles of filtering, testing and adding product until the water is in perfect condition).

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Video tutorial how to open a pool for the summer season

How to open a pool for the season

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Problems what you should know to open the pool in spring

Face unexpected problems

Occasionally, when opening the pool in spring you may need to do unexpected maintenance, whether small or important, but with the correct procedure, you will soon have the pool ready to enjoy.

Leak problems that may exist before opening your pool in spring

Since it is very common that when opening the pool there is a problem of water loss due to leaks, if you click, you can consult our specialized blog: on the causes of water leaks, how to prevent them and what to do if that happens.

Filter related water leaks

If you notice the filter tank leaking, try tightening the fittings.

• If this doesn't work, examine it carefully, you may be able to clearly see the holes in your filter and if so, the situation can probably be resolved by replacing the filter.

Cracks in the sand or DE filter.

• If you find DE or sand in the pool or near the filters, there could be a damaged part in one of the filters. Take them apart and check for cracks.

Dirty filters.

• If your sand or diatomaceous earth filters do not seem to have the proper pressure (check the pressure gauge to see if this is happening) and are not filtering water properly, they probably need to be cleaned.
• Backwash them and add DE or sand as needed.
• If this does not solve the problem, the filters may need to be acid washed or repaired by a professional.

Immediately, you can be redirected to the specific page of: problems with pool filters.

Waterline problems when opening a pool after winter

How to Clean the Waterline When Opening a Pool After Winter

• In the process of opening the pool for the summer it is almost an imminent factor to find the dirty water line (full of deposits)

Suggested entry: Useful guide to know how to clean the pool

Cleaning a pool: all kinds of tips and warnings along with a guide for both set-up and routine maintenance.