How to Open a Pool

• If your pool was covered for the winter, drain the water from the cover and brush off any debris. You may need to use a leaf blower to remove heavier debris buildup.
• Carefully remove the cover from the pool, and clean your cover thoroughly.
• Allow the cover to dry completely before storing in a cool, dry place. This will help prevent mold and avoid damage.

• Use a water hose to add water to your pool as needed.
• The water levels should reach the middle of your in-pool skimmer opening. The skimmer keeps your pool clean and free of leaves and debris.

• Attach a pool pole to your leaf rake or pool skimmer, and remove as much debris as possible from the water’s surface.
• Brush the walls of your pool and vacuum the pool floor thoroughly to remove any remaining waste.
• Allow your pool water to circulate for at least 24 hours.

Test your water using an at-home pool test kit, and balance your pool according to the results.

• Start with balancing alkalinity, then pH, then total hardness.

Ideal levels for each are as follows:

Total Alkalinity: 80 to 150 ppm

• If total alkalinity is low, add an alkalinity increaser.

pH: 7.2 to 7.6

• If pH is low, add a pH increaser.
• If pH is high, add a pH reducer.

Total Hardness: 175-270 ppm

• If total hardness is low, add a hardness increaser.

• Once alkalinity, pH and hardness are all within the proper range, balance chlorine levels by sanitizing the water with quality chlorine tablets or granules.
• Once the water is balanced, use a pool shock to remove lingering contaminants.

• Protect your pool from algae by applying a dose of preventative algaecide according to label directions for pool opening.
• Allow product to work overnight with the pump running.

• Before entering your pool, re-test the chlorine levels to ensure it is in the safe range of 1 to 4ppm.
• If the levels are well-balanced, your pool is officially open and ready for swimming.