Opening an Inground Pool
It’s that wonderful time of year! The sun has returned, temperatures are seasonal and it is time to open your inground swimming pool for summer once again. Before you can get swimming, there are a few things that will need to be done to ensure that your pump, filtration system and heater are running properly and the chemicals have your water, alkalinity and pH levels balanced. Doing this at the beginning of the season guarantees an uninterrupted summer of relaxation and fun for the whole family.
In this simple process you can have your inground opening procedures completed in just a couple of hours, and if your chemicals are added correctly, you can be ready to swim in just a couple days.
Step 1) Remove your Winter Pool Cover
The first thing that you will need to do is remove all dirt and debris from the top of your Winter cover. It is best to do so when the cover is dry, which makes it easier to sweep away most of whatever has accumulated on top of it over the Winter. Failing that, you may wish to hose off your cover thoroughly, and then allow it to dry before folding it away for the Summer. Store the cover in a dry, rodent free storage area. Drain and rinse off your water bags (if applicable) before storing them.
A properly winterized Inground swimming pool can be readied for summer use very quickly, as clean water requires very little in terms of chemicals. By removing the cover carefully, the water will remain crystal clean. It is important to clear away all dirt and debris from the surrounding deck area to ensure that it doesn’t end up in your nice clean water. Once the Winter cover is completely off, remove all plugs from all openings and replace return outlet fittings to prepare the system for water flow again then bring the water levels up to normal.
Step 2) Prepare your Equipment & Accessories
- Lights
Re-install any lights that were removed over the Winter into their respective niches, ensuring that they are correctly installed and operational. Replace bulbs that are damaged or burnt out. Aqua/lamp bulbs for inground swimming pools can be purchased through our Lights section.
- Ladder & Accessories
Towel away excess petroleum jelly or oils used to coat exposed metal fittings over the Winter, and reinstall your ladders and pool accessories, taking care that they are securely in place and in good working order.
- Pump, Filter & Equipment
Reinstall or re-assemble any pump, filter or other equipment, which was disassembled for the Winter.
- Power Up
“Power up” everything to be certain that all motors, fittings and systems are in good working order. Consult your manual or a professional to address any technical or electrical issues you may experience with your equipment.
Be sure to have your pool heater checked early in the Spring and have any issues taken care of immediately with the help of an professional. Restore all circuit breakers, switches, time clock trippers, et to normal operations.
- Prime the Pump
Run a hose into the skimmer basket, allowing it to fill as the water levels of the pool are raised. Once the pool is filled and the levels in the basket are raised, place the lid back on, start your pump and begin to circulate your water. Be sure that your water levels are high enough to avoid burning out your pump If the pump does not automatically prime within a minutes time, stop the pump and repeat the process.
- Prepare Your Sand or Cartridge Filter
If your inground pool became dirty through the winter season, the filter should be backwashed frequently throughout this process. You may also wish to replace or clean the sand in your filter at this time. Cleaning the sand can done by using sand cleaning chemicals and flushing them through the system. You may also want to clean or replace your cartridge filter if you don’t have a sand filter.
Step 3) Add Your Opening Chemicals
After making sure that your equipment is properly set up, tested and is running properly, the next thing you will want to do is add your opening chemicals. A complete Pool Opening Kit can be found on our website and purchased affordably. After adjusting the pH and alkaline levels, you will want to run your pump constantly for a couple of days until the desired levels are achieved. If your pool water is turning green, you may wish to purchase an algaecide treatment. Do not use any chemicals that have passed the expiration date, or attempt to dissolve powder chemicals. Follow all instructions carefully and use the necessary safety wear when handling the chemicals for your pool.
Step 4) Cleaning the Pool
Brush the sides of your pool until clean, and run your vacuum system to catch any dirt which may have settled at the bottom of the pool.
If you feel it's time for a new Inground pool cleaner you'll find that it has never been easier or more delightful with so many automatic suction and robotic vacuum cleaners available on the market. Visit our Inground Pool Cleaners page for more details on the fantastic cleaners we have available, like the Hayward TigerShark QC or the Polaris P93, both of which are very popular and make cleaning your Inground Pool easier then ever before.
Once the chemicals have settled and the Alkaline and pH balances are correct, you are ready to swim! If you want to add to the fun or spoil your kids, then you can find a wide assortment of toys, games and floats in our Toys section.