The arrival of summer requires proper preparation for your swimming pool before the season starts. Pool owners must learn correct pool-opening procedures when their pools remain unused during winter. An appropriate method for opening a pool after winter follows specific steps that lead to safe, clean water suitable for swimming. The following guide shows you all the steps required to revive your pool following its winter hibernation.
When to Restart Your Pool After Winter?
Proper timing defines the successful reopening of your pool establishment. The ideal time to begin the opening process is when outside temperatures consistently exceed 65°F (18°C). A delayed pool opening creates favorable conditions for algae and bacteria to develop, thus increasing the difficulty of cleaning operations. The delay in restarting your pool might lead to the water turning green, which will require stronger chemicals and more cleaning procedures.
How to Open a Swimming Pool After Winter?
A step-by-step guide exists to efficiently open your swimming pool during the summer, resulting in clean water that meets safety standards.
1. Inventory Pool Chemicals and Clean Debris
Check your pool chemicals and acquire all necessary components to control water balance before beginning your work. Essential chemicals include:
- Sanitizing agents, such as chlorine and bromine, and salt solutions for saltwater pools eliminate microorganisms while ensuring water clarity.
- pH Balancers offer a variety of products that combine increments and decrements to sustain water acidity at 7.2–7.6 values.
- Using Alkalinity Adjusters enables control of water pH stability to stop changes that create unbalanced conditions.
- The addition of calcium hardness increases and stops pool surfaces and equipment from developing corrosion or scaling.
- Algaecide acts as a preventive and lethal substance against algae development.
- Pool Shock serves as an agent that destroys water pollutants while making the liquid clear again.
- Cyanuric Acid (CYA or stabilizer) protects chlorine from decay by sunlight exposure.
2. Check for Wear, Tear, and Damage
Check the pool framework together with deck areas and the surrounding zone for signs of harm that occurred over winter. Cold weather leads to wall and liner cracks, followed by tile loosening up, which results in plumbing leakages. The condition of coping and railings alongside ladders should be inspected for the appearance of rust and signs of wear.
Identify cracked areas and leaking components early on, as these must be fixed before the costs rise. Minor problems can be addressed using sealing materials, whereas serious complications require professional help. Addressing pool security and functionality now will simplify maintenance needs during the pool season.
3. Remove, Clean, and Store Pool Cover
Clear the pool cover from its position while protecting the pool water from entering by removing displaced contents such as dirt and standing water. Spread the cover flat, then remove debris with a garden hose and use mild soap to clean it.
Clear off all residue from the surface before the cover becomes dry. Afterwards, you should fold the cover properly to store it. The cover will endure through multiple seasons when drying is done correctly because mold and mildew growth becomes prevented.
4. Inspect and Clean the Pool Interior
Check the entire area of the pool walls and floor for algae, stains, or debris accumulation. When using a brush, apply sufficient force to eliminate buildup, and pay special attention to tile lines and steps. An automatic pool vacuum device removes dirt particles resting at the bottom.
Discolorations that resist standard cleaning need a pool-acceptable formula that matches your pool surface. The presence of algae calls for an algaecide application, which will stop further algae growth when operators turn on the filtration system.
5. Fill the Pool Water and Skim the Surface
To lower pool water throughout winter, you need to top it off with your garden hose until the skimmer opening is visible. Do not put excessive water into the pool, as this reduces its chemical strength and makes it harder to maintain proper balance.
Throughout pool filling, you should use a skimmer net to collect drifting leaves and pollen from the surface. When surface materials stay clear, organic substances cannot fall below and leave behind discolorations.
6. Reconnect Equipment and Remove Winter Plugs
The time has arrived to reconnect all equipment dispersed in winter, including the pump and filter system, heater, and any necessary saltwater generator-dependent hardware.
- The pump and filter system operation requires secure installation of all hoses and plumbing lines.
- Thoroughly check the heater (if present) for damage before activating its operation.
- The universal saltwater generator (for salt pools) needs restoration, including cell inspection, to check for accumulated deposits.
Winterizing plugs should be removed from the skimmer and return lines so that system water can move without obstruction.
7. Reattach Deck Equipment and Test Pool Pump
After reinstallation, check that all climbing devices, including ladders, diving boards, and handrails, have secure bolt and fastener attachments. You should also check for corrosion and rust and repair damaged equipment.
Check the pool pump and filter system for signs of leakage and blocking. Briefly operate the pump to confirm water flow and suction before solving any detected problems.
8. Prime Pump, Test Filtration System, and Turn On
The first step is to put water in the pump basket, as empty air chambers could harm the motor. Then, properly apply the pump lid and turn on the power to verify smooth circulation and suction.
Let the filtration system operate for a few minutes, then inspect for any leaks. To eliminate accumulated waste, you must backwash sand or DE filters.
9. Test and Balance Pool Chemistry
The pool water test kit enables users to determine these readings:
- The water solution requires pH adjustment between 7.2 and 7.6 levels using either pH up or down solutions.
- A total alkalinity measurement between 80 and 120 ppm helps to prevent sudden changes in pH value.
- Pool chlorine Levels (1 – 3 ppm) – Ensures proper sanitation.
- The recommended calcium hardness range exists between 200 and 400 ppm to stop scaling and block pipe corrosion.
- Cyanuric Acid (30 – 50 ppm) – Protects chlorine from sunlight degradation.
The filtration system needs several hours of circulation after chemical adjustments to conduct the retesting process properly.
10. Shock Pool and Run the Filter
Proper pool shock treatment removes three harmful substances that build up during winter: bacteria, algae, and increased pool contamination. Based on your pool type, look for a suitable shock treatment solution, then read and follow the product instructions. Most shock treatments need to be applied to the water in the evening to prevent sunlight degradation. The solution must also be spread evenly throughout the water.
Allow the filtration system to operate continuously for 24 hours after shock addition to ensure proper chemical circulation and water purification. Swimmers should check chlorine levels in the water because high chlorine levels can irritate swimming pool skin. The pool’s unsatisfactory clarity requires either further filtration equipment or a clarifier unit for proper operation.
Dive Into The New Season With Custom Pool Pros
The knowledge of opening the pool after winter allows you to start enjoying transparent swimming water. Customers requiring expertise in pool maintenance and equipment installation and repairs will find assistance at Custom Pool Pros. Your pool will be prepared perfectly for the swimming season, thanks to our decades of experience in pool design and construction.
We provide professional pool-building and renovation services that will help you start the swimming season with confidence.
