It’s time to get your inground pool ready for the swimming season as the warmer months draw near. You can maximize your backyard enjoyment, prevent expensive repairs, and guarantee water safety by learning how to open a swimming pool correctly. To get your inground pool clear, clean, and ready for summertime enjoyment, follow this detailed guide.
Before diving into the process, make sure you have all the tools and chemicals you’ll need. Common pool maintenance supplies include a cover pump and a skimmer net for removing debris. A pool brush and vacuum help keep surfaces clean. Chemical supplies like pool shock, algaecide, and water balancers are essential for proper water treatment. It’s also important to have a test kit or test strips, filter cleaner, and chlorine or bromine tablets.
Remove the Pool Cover & Clean the Pool Area
Start by removing debris and standing water from the cover with a pump and skimmer. Once it’s clear, carefully remove the cover to avoid dumping dirt into the pool. Lay the cover flat, scrub it clean with a mild detergent, rinse well, and let it dry completely before storing it.
Sweep and rinse off the pool deck to prevent dirt from entering the water. Check for any signs of cracks, loose tiles, or other damage around the pool’s edge. Taking care of minor repairs now can help prevent larger issues later.
Don’t forget safety gear such as gloves, goggles, and silicone lubricant for O-rings to keep equipment running smoothly. Having everything on hand ahead of time will save you time and stress as you move through the steps. Need a new cover for next year? We offer pool covers in Lansdale.
Reinstall Pool Equipment & Refill the Pool
Remove winterizing plugs from return jets, skimmers, and lines. Reattach ladders, handrails, diving boards, and any lighting fixtures. Check all gaskets and O-rings, lubricating them as needed to create proper seals. Reconnect the pump, filter, and heater if they were disconnected for winter.
Top off your pool water to reach the proper level—typically halfway up the skimmer opening. This is essential for the circulation system to function properly. Use a hose filter if your tap water contains metals or high mineral content.
Balance the Water
Use a trustworthy pool water test kit to check the water after it has circulated. As necessary, change the sanitizer, alkalinity, and pH levels. At this point, adding algaecide and pool shock will help eradicate bacteria and stop algae blooms. After a few hours, check the levels again and give yourself some time between chemical additions.
Clean the Pool Water & Start the Filtration System
To get rid of algae or buildup, brush the pool’s floor and walls after skimming the surface. Fill the pump basket with water to prime the pump and open all the valves. Activate the system and listen for any strange noises or leaks. To aid in water purification, let the filter run continuously for 24 to 48 hours. Wait a day or two and then give the pool a good vacuuming. Vacuuming to waste could help remove debris without clogging the filter if the water is particularly dirty.
Now that you know how to open an inground pool, you can rest easy knowing that your pool is balanced, clean, and ready for swimmers. Opening your pool doesn’t have to be a daunting task if you prepare properly. Spruce up the area around your pool with patio furniture in Langhorne. Let’s start having fun this summer!