Above Ground Pool Opening

For many people, it's not spring until they can remove the pool cover and get the pool up and running again. After months of looking at a covered pool, the sight of clean, clear water is a definite emotional lift.

Steps For Pool Opening

If your pool has been properly closed and if it is opened on a timely basis, it should be fairly easy to open. In years past, many people wouldn't open their pools until after Memorial Day. The problem with this time frame is that by Memorial Day we have normally already had quite a bit of warm, if not, hot weather. By mid to late May, winterizing chemicals have lost most of their effectiveness. As the water temperature increases, so does the prospect of algae. Besides potential water problems, opening the pool this late takes away from the swimming season. It isn't uncommon to be able to swim in the early to middle part of May. For this reason, many pool owners have begun to open their pools in April. The steps below will walk you through the proper opening procedure.

Please note, these directions are intended mainly for above ground pools.

1. Use either a cover pump or a siphon to remove as much water as possible from the cover. At over 8 pounds per gallon, the water's weight can add up quickly. Note: as a cover gets older, water will sometimes be able to pass through the cover easily.
2. While the cover is draining, start filling the pool to the required level, which is about half way up the skimmer.
3. After the cover has been drained, carefully remove it from the pool. This step is normally a job for a couple of people. It is important that no edge of the cover be allowed to drop into the pool, so keep a close eye on all edges of the cover. If an edge does drop, most of the dirt will flow right into the pool.
4. Reinstall the filtration system. If the sand is more than two years old, now would be a good time to change it. Use only white silicia sand. Eastgate Pools & Spas carries this sand in 50 pound bags. Your owner's manual will list the proper amount of sand for your filter.
5. Adjust the pool's water chemistry. It is best to bring a water sample into the store for your Eastgate Professionals to test. We provide this service FREE and encourage you to take advantage of this service. We will let you know what chemicals you need to balance your water. (Please bring about 8 ounces of water. Sample water should be removed from 18" or deeper.)
6. Vacuum any debris from your pool and begin regular maintenance.
7. Hose down and scrub the cover. After the cover has completely dried on both sides, fold it up and store it away. It is best to store the cover in a location where ants and small animals cannot get to it. We recommend you place your cover insdie a heavy plastic bag, then seal it up. This reduces the possibility of damage.

Eastgate Pools & Spas and the pool and equipment manufacturers of your swimming pool and its components assume no liability for improperly opened pools.

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