Spring is finally here and the sun is starting to heat things up. It won’t be long and you’ll be back enjoying the sun and splashing around in the pool again. It’s time to get things tip-top so when that sun is out in full force, your pool is ready to use. It's important to open your above ground pool properly after a long winter, let's take a look at how.

Before Turning Your Pool On

The first thing you must do is get the water and debris off your winter pool cover. Often, removing the cover is a two person job but once it is off, one person can usually manage the rest. Clean the cover well and allow it to dry. Then sprinkle it with talcum powder or a commercial anti-fungal treatment to prevent mold and mildew. Carefully fold it up and store it in a cool, dry place until the end of the season. No matter how carefully you take off the cover, things will end up in the water. Use a net or skimmer sock to fish out and leaves or other debris from the water. Water lines filled with anti-freeze must be cleared and the anti-freeze disposed of safely. Take out all the winterizing plugs from your filter, heater, and pool pump, and anything else that may have a drain plug, and replace them with their normal drain plug. Check the skimmer, all the fittings and hoses and each of the pool components for any damage. Some water filters need cartridges, so make sure that they are replaced for the start of the new season. Reattach all of the hoses, fitting and components, including ladders or boards, if your pool has them. Make sure the filter, pump, and heater are all reconnected. Now, raise the water level back up to a normal level, which should be at least midway up the skimmer opening, or halfway up the tile. Check that there are no leaks in hoses or fittings.

Turning Your Pool On

You are now ready to start turning the equipment back on. Start by priming the pump and then turn on the circulation and filtration system. If your filter has an air relief valve, make sure to open it and bleed the air from the system. Water that has been sitting in a pool over the winter must be treated with a metal treatment. Copper and iron can build up and cause stains or discolouration if this is not done. Allow the metal treatment to circulate through the water for at least 2 hours. Test the water with a water testing kit. You will want to adjust the water by adding chemicals until it reaches a pH between 7.4 to 7.and alkalinity of 80 to 120 ppm. If the alkalinity is too high, carefully add muriatic acid to lower the levels. Make sure you allow the chemicals to circulate for at least two hours before adding more. “Shock” the pool with a large dose of chlorine to bring the level between 2.0 and 4.0 ppm. Always add chemicals away from pool fixtures and the skimmer. Use a pool vacuum to get the silt off the bottom. Brush and clean all areas, paying particular attention to those around steps or ladders. Run the filtration and circulation system overnight. Test the water again the next day, and adjust the water if necessary. Your pool is now ready to use for another fun-filled season. Between vacuuming and keeping the water balanced throughout the summer and you will soon realize that very little maintenance is needed to keep your pool in perfect shape for the entire swim season. When it comes to getting ready for a fun-filled swimming season, visit Discountpoolsupply.com for all of your pool care needs, we offer free shipping across Canada for hundreds of pool and spa products.