Open your pool for Spring

1. Remove the leaves and debris from the pool cover with a leaf net and/or skimmer net.  Pump off any excess rain water with a submersible pump.   If an above ground pool, the excess water may be siphoned off instead.
2. Remove cover.  Try to minimize the amount of water and/or debris that gets into the pool water.  Some dirty water will always manage to get in - don't worry about it.  You will be adding shock to the water and filtering it soon, so a little dirty water will not hurt anyone !
3. Lay out pool cover and sweep or brush off any remaining debris.  If you do not store your cover indoors, and you keep it outside or in a shed, then you do not have to worry about getting the cover particularly spotlessly clean.   If you do keep it in the garage or basement, you may want to clean it to a greater extent.  Properly fan-fold cover and store away.
4. Empty the water out of any water tubes you may have.   On above ground pools, deflate the air pillow.  Clean off items and fold properly and store away.
5. Unplug all piping, both in the pool and at the filter system area.
6. Re-attach any deck equipment you have such as ladders, rails, diving boards, etc.  Make sure to reconnect any grounding wires or straps that may have been attached to the metal parts last year.
7. Lubricate all bolts on the dive board, ladders and/or rails.  This will prevent them from rusting over the summer.  Remember, you are probably the one who will be closing the pool, so you want the bolts to come off easy at closing time !
8. Re-install the skimmer baskets and any return jet eyeball fittings.  If an above ground pool, you may have to re-attach the actual skimmer and return fittings onto the pool (depending on how the pool was closed).  If an above ground pool, also hookup any hoses from the skimmer and return jets to the pump and filter.
9. Hook up pump, filter and any other additional equipment you might have (booster pumps, spa equipment, waterfall circulation pumps, heaters, etc.).
10. Turn on the power to the pool system.  You may have to turn on the circuit breaker from the house.  Start and check system.   Check for leaks or drips.  Make sure any grounding straps or wires are properly connected to the pump and any other components that need them. Make sure pump primes properly.  Check for proper flow.  Backwash the filter thoroughly.   Add new DE if you have a DE filter.  If you cannot repair the problem yourself, contact our professional staff for assistance.
11. Shock the pool with any chlorine shock product.   This is available in liquid or granular form.  You want to add enough to raise the chlorine level of the pool to at least 3.0 ppm (darker yellow color in most liquid test kits).  If you use granular shock, do not throw it directly into the pool !   You could bleach and stain the liner.  It is best to mix the granular shock chlorine in a bucket and then add that mixture into the skimmer while the system is running.
12. If your pool is a "green swamp" when you open it, contact our staff for further information.
13. If your pool water is relatively clear, accurately test your water for chlorine, PH and Alkalinity levels.  If available, also test for Stabilizer (cyanuric acid).  Adjust these chemicals to the proper levels.  Add a high quality algaecide to the water. 
14. Let pool run for at least 24 hours. Vacuum any debris out of the bottom.  Retest water.  Do not go into pool until water is crystal clear and chlorine level is under 2.0 ppm (medium yellow color on most test kits).