Opening your pool in the Spring

Spring Pool Preparation Guide by Pool Design Build: Opening Your Pool for the Season

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Opening Your Pool - The Pool Design Build Way
3. Removing the Winter Cover
4. Adjusting Water Level and Reconnecting Pipework
5. Priming the Pump and Circulating Water
6. Backwashing the Filter
7. Testing and Adjusting pH Levels
8. Visible Bottom vs. Green Pool Dilemma
9. Clearing a Pool with Visible Bottom
10. Cleaning Leaves and Debris
11. Using Automatic Pool Cleaner or Vacuum
12. Setting Multiport Valve to 'Filter' and Adding Shock Chlorine
13. Rescuing a Green Pool
14. Initial Shock Dose
15. Quick Way: Granular Floc
16. Slow Way: Letting the Filter Work
17. Additional Tips for a Crystal-Clear Pool
18. Adding Clarifiers
19. Regular Backwashing and Maintenance
20. Monitoring pH and Chlorine Levels
21. Installing Solar Cover and Heating
22. Conclusion

Introduction

As the warmer days approach, it's time to revive your pool for a season of refreshing swims. Pool opening methods may vary, but at Pool Design Build, we follow a meticulous approach that ensures your pool is ready for enjoyment. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps, sharing professional advice and insights to make your spring pool preparation seamless.

Opening Your Pool - The Pool Design Build Way

Removing the Winter Cover

The first step is unveiling your pool by carefully removing the winter cover. Allow it to dry fully before stowing it away. If the water level has decreased, top it up to half the skimmer level. Reinsert skimmer baskets, reconnect disconnected pipework, and apply a bit of vaseline on rubber O rings for smooth operation.

Priming the Pump and Circulating Water

Set the multiport valve to 're-circulate,' prime the swimming pool pump, and initiate water circulation. If you have a heater bypass, let the water bypass it initially. Backwash the filter for approximately 5 minutes to ensure optimal performance.

Testing and Adjusting pH Levels

Dust off your test kit and check the water pH level. Aim for a range between 7.0 and 7.6. Adjust using Soda Ash or Dry Acid to achieve the desired level, typically around 7.2.

Visible Bottom vs. Green Pool Dilemma

Clearing a Pool with a Visible Bottom

While waiting for the pH adjustment, start removing leaves from the pool bottom using a deep leaf net. For extensive cleaning, employ an automatic pool cleaner or attach a vacuum head to a telescopic pole. Set the multiport valve to 'filter' and add shock chlorine once the bottom is relatively clean. Additionally, introduce a clarifier to counteract cloudiness caused by shock chlorine.

Rescuing a Green Pool

If your pool is green, indicating algae growth, you have two options: dump and refill or persevere with cleaning.

Quick Way: Granular Floc

For a faster solution, use granular floc following the specified dosage. Circulate for half a day, then switch off the pump. After a couple of days, the water will clear, leaving a layer of white dust on the pool bottom. Vacuum the 'snow' using the waste setting on the multiport valve.

Slow Way: Letting the Filter Work

Alternatively, let your pool filter do the work. Set the multiport valve to 'filter,' add clarifiers or floc tabs, and backwash every two days. This method may take up to two weeks, gradually clearing the water.

Additional Tips for a Crystal-Clear Pool

Adding Clarifiers

Introduce liquid clarifiers or floc tabs, and regularly backwash the filter to enhance water clarity.

Regular Backwashing and Maintenance

Monitor the pool filter and backwash when necessary. Check pH and chlorine levels after a day, especially if there was significant algae growth.

Installing Solar Cover and Heating

Once chlorine levels stabilize, install a solar cover, take off the heater bypass, and start heating the water, preparing your pool for a delightful swimming season.

Conclusion

By following the Pool Design Build method, your pool will emerge from winter hibernation ready for a season of enjoyment. Whether your pool has a visible bottom or requires rescue from a green hue, our guide provides a comprehensive approach to ensure a crystal-clear, inviting swimming experience. Dive into the new season with confidence, knowing your pool is primed and prepared for relaxation and fun.

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