When the warmer season is coming, it’s time for pool owners to reopen their beloved swimming pools. You can enjoy your swimming pool again after it’s been covered during the winter.
You might think that you can jump right in right after you open the pool cover. But wait, the water has been left in the pool for the whole season, unused and unmaintained (for some cases).
There is a process that you have to do before you can swim around the pool when the sunshine has back. Well, it’s called the pool opening which basically means getting your pool ready so it’s qualified to enjoy safely.
For sure, you can always call some help to open your pool but it may cost you a lot. So, doing the job all by yourself (with a bit of help from the kids) sounds like a much wiser idea to save your budget. With the right supplies, you can open your swimming pool in no time and let everyone to dive right in.
Once you get used to opening your swimming pool all by yourself, you can just repeat the steps when the pool season comes every single year. So, practicing this kind of job really benefits you a lot.
(You may also like: 8 Steps on How to Drain a Pool Easily and Quickly All By Yourself)
Check out the How to Open an Above Ground Pool Tutorial below that will guide you to finish the job.
How to Open an Above Ground Pool Tutorial
Well, prepare some elbow grease to finish this job since it takes a lot of energy and time. But, for sure, it’s much better than having to spend your money just to prepare your pool. Besides, it’s such a good bonding time with your beloved swimming pool.
Prepare these supplies:
- Pool cover pump (or sump pump)
- Pool cover cleaner
- Scrub brush
- Garden hose
- Skimmer
- Start-up pool chemicals kit
- Pool water tester strips or kit
- Pool shock
You will need all of those supplies for the right pool opening. They are easily available at the local pool store or online.
Clean Up the Cover
Of course, the very first thing that you have to do is cleaning up the cover. The water and debris that falls onto the cover should be removed before you open it.
- To remove the water, use a pool cover pump or a sump pump.
- To remove the debris, use a skimmer, but be careful not to scratch the cover.
- Make sure that you clean up the debris as much as you can, so nothing falls into the pool water when you open the cover.
Open the Cover
Here’s where you need the helping hands of your friends. Opening the pool cover alone is much trickier than having some company around.
- Carefully open the cover, always lift it instead of dragging it.
- If you can’t completely remove all the debris in the first step, try your best to keep them on the cover.
- Remove the air pillow as well if you use one.
Wash the Cover
After you have safely removed the cover, it’s time to wash it.
- Lay the cover on the large area, make sure there are no objects that can tear the cover like sharp rocks and twigs.
- Use the cover cleaner to wash the cover, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Gently scrub the cover with the brush.
- Let it dry completely.
- Store the cover in a safe container.
Remove the Plugs
Since the winter has come to an end, you have to remove the winterizing plugs that you use.
- Make sure you remove all the plugs, not only around the pool but also on its equipment.
- Put back the skimmer baskets and returns into the return line.
Add Some Water
You have to add some water to the pool until it reaches the proper level and the mark of the opening of the skimmer.
- Use the garden hose to fill the pool as usual.
- If necessary, you can also attach a hose filter which will ensure that the water is free from impurities.
(Recommended to read: Here’s 4 Steps on How to Clean a Green Pool with Bleach Effectively)
Turn On the Equipment
To enjoy your swimming pool again, of course, you have to turn on the equipment back. You can wear some safety gear like eye goggles and work gloves for more safety concerns.
- Set up all the systems of your above ground pool.
- Turn on the pump and filtration system.
- If you use some additions like chlorinator and heater you can also switch them on.
Clean Up the Pool
To ensure that your pool is clean enough, you may need to deep clean it.
- Brush the walls, floor, and other parts of the pool.
- Vacuum the pool thoroughly.
- Skim all the debris that floats around the pool.
Add the Chemicals
Now, let’s open up the start-up chemicals kit because it’s time to treat your pool water.
- Test the after first by using the tester strips or kit. The pool water tester kit is always a more recommended option for the pool opening since it gives more accurate results.
- Add the chemicals until you get the ideal range.
- When the chemicals are at good levels, you can shock the pool in the late afternoon or evening to avoid sunlight.
Run the Pump
When you are sure that the pool is clean enough and all the chemicals are in the ideal range, run the pump. You have to run the pool pump for at least 24 hours before you can really use the pool.
(Check this out: 4 Quick and Cheap Ways on How to Heat a Pool | Fun DIY Projects)
So that is the tutorial on How to Open an Above Ground Pool that you can follow when you are about to open your swimming pool this summer. It’s not a really complicated job that you can do it with your kids in a very fun way.
Well, let’s get back to swim around your pool again!
