Opening your pool takes an average of 4 to 8 hours spread across 1 to 2 weekends. Do not rush it: the water treatment takes time. Start early enough to be swimming in a perfect pool by early May.
Step 1: Remove and clean the cover
Remove standing water from the cover with a submersible pump or wet vacuum before opening it, so dirt does not fall into the pool. Clean the cover with cover cleaner, rinse, allow to dry, and store in a cool, dry place.
Step 2: Inspect filter and equipment
Check the sand filter for clumping. Inspect all hoses and fittings for cracks or loose connections — frost can crack pipes. Perform a thorough first backwash of at least 5 minutes.
Step 3: Start the pump
Start the pump carefully for the first time after winter. Let it run 30 seconds, then stop and check all connections for leaks. Bleed air via the filter bleed valve.
Step 4: Top up the water level
Fill to halfway up the skimmer opening. After filling, retest the water — the fill water chemistry differs from the pool water.
Step 5: Test and balance the water
| Parameter | Target |
|---|---|
| pH | 7.2 to 7.6 |
| Free chlorine | 1.0 to 3.0 mg/l |
| Alkalinity | 80 to 120 mg/l |
| Calcium hardness | 200 to 400 mg/l |
Correction order: alkalinity first, then pH, then shock treatment.
Step 6: Shock treatment
A shock treatment is always needed when opening. Add liquid chlorine or calcium hypochlorite in the evening to reach 10 mg/l free chlorine. Run the pump overnight and the following day. Backwash the filter the next morning.
After 24 hours add preventive algicide for extra protection in the first weeks of the season.
The pool is ready to swim when
- pH is between 7.2 and 7.6
- Free chlorine is between 1.0 and 3.0 mg/l
- The water is clear and blue
