Spring is here, meaning it’s time to spring into your above ground pool. However, before you break out the floaties, it’s important to properly open your above ground pool for spring swimming. Opening your pool correctly can mean the difference between a pool that’s cloudy or cannonball-ready. Our team at Discount Pools Direct is dedicated to helping our customers care for their pool and get the most out of their personal oasis. Let’s dive into a few simple steps to open your above ground pool for spring!
Before removing your pool cover, you’ll want to clean its surface. This will save you time by preventing debris from entering your pool. Use your skimmer to remove leaves or gunk from its surface. Then, simply drain out standing water using your submersible pool cover pump or sump pump.Â
Now that your cover’s surface is squeaky clean, it’s time to remove it. Get a friend to help you avoid injury. After safely removing your cover, spread it across an open space like a driveway or patio. Make sure the area is clear of sharp objects to prevent damage.Â
Gently scrub your cover with water, cover cleaner, and a scrub brush. Though we recommend using proper pool cleaning tools. Ensure your pool cover is completely dry before storing it to prevent moisture and mold damage.Â
Finally, store your pool cover in a deck box or durable plastic tub. Choosing a secure container ensures your pool cover is safe from pests and critters.Â
Winter plugs and skimming baskets prevent your pool from seasonal freezing and debris collection. Now that the temperatures are up, you can remove and store these. Inspect your jets for plugs, and remove your skimmer plate if used.Â
You’ll likely hear bubbling as you remove the plugs. This sound means they were sealed correctly, and water is flowing through your pool!
Depending on how you winterize, your pool may need extra water. Ensure your water reaches the halfway point of your skimmer’s surface. We recommend using a hose filter to help purify the hose water.
Now is the time to wake your pool pump up from hibernation. Set up your pool pump, including all necessary plugs and gauges. Now attach your hose and ensure a proper connection in this order:
Lastly, switch your filter system from Winterize to Filter.
If your pump is running fine, move on to the next step. If the pump’s running dry, that means is prime time!
To prime your pump, simply shut it off, open its lid, and add water. You’ll know it’s working if you see bubbles flowing into your pool. Â
Once your pump is working, it’s almost time to add your chemicals. However, before doing that, clean your pool properly with your skimmer, pool brush, or vacuum. Fewer contaminants in the water mean less chemical work later on!
Now, you want to add your starting chemicals. It’s important to use the right chemicals to keep the algae away and your water sparkling. Make sure you pH test your pool before adding any chemicals. This helps you maintain the proper pH, alkalinity, and calcium balance.Â
Check out the pool chemicals tutorial video for extra help!
Now, it’s time to shock your pool. Shock is a form of concentrated chlorine that prevents bacteria and raises your pool’s chlorine levels. A good rule of thumb is to add one pound of shock for every 10,000 gallons of water.
Tip: Add shock at night to keep the sunlight from diluting your chemicals.Â
Now that your chemicals are in, run your pump for 24 hours. Be sure to skim or vacuum out any debris floating around. Finally, retest your pool. If the results are clear, break out the sunscreen and dive in!
In the market for a new above ground pool this spring? Start shopping our inventory of saltwater and chlorine above ground pools online at any time. We also offer excellent finance options that make above ground pool shopping easy! Feel free to contact our expert team at Discount Pools Direct with all of your pool care questions. Happy swimming!Â
DISCLAIMERS/SOURCES:
https://www.swimuniversity.com/open-above-ground-pool/
https://www.armandhammer.com/en/articles/how-to-open-your-inground-above-ground-pool-after-winter
*The Promotional Initial Payment (plus any applicable taxes and fees) is due at lease signing. Your lease-purchase payment amount, frequency and total number of payments required for ownership, and total cost will be determined after you select your product(s). You will not acquire ownership of the product(s) if the total amount necessary to acquire ownership is not paid. The Promotional Initial Payment does not reduce the cost of the lease-purchase agreement. This promotion is available only to select customers based on lease repayment risk criteria. The Promotional Initial Payment is only available when shopping at Discount Pools Direct through the Katapult mobile app and at Discount PoolsDirect website from 4/11 until 4/27. Pricing is subject to change and availability.
