If you’re reading this, it’s almost time for pool season. And you’ve come to the right place if you’re looking to open your pool for the summer, get a head start, or just learn more about the process.
If you’re here, you’re a do-it-yourselfer. You want to start swimming on your own. This is a positive thing.
Self-opening a swimming pool saves money, strengthens pool maintenance skills, and allows you to get in the water quicker. For the most part, it just takes a day, so you should be swimming by this time tomorrow.
And it’s much simpler if you use a Pool Opening Checklist as a guide. Fortunately, that is exactly what this article is about. We’ll walk you through the steps for opening your swimming pool in this article. Let’s get this party started.
Leaves, dirt, and water should all be removed from your pool cover.
Over the winter, your pool cover most likely accumulated a good array of leaves and branches. And now it’s up to you to get rid of it.
Take the time to scrub off your pool cover properly to prevent debris from getting into the pool:
1. Begin by using a submersible pump to remove all of the water puddles.
2. Next, blow away loose leaves with a broom or leaf blower.
3. Finally, clean up any remaining debris.
Remove the cover from the shower.
It’s time to uncover your pool now that the pool cover has been removed. If you haven’t hired a pool service company you’ll need the assistance of a friend for this move. Begin unhooking the anchors from one end of the lake. After that, take one corner of the cover while your buddy grabs the other.
Raise the pool cover gently, pulling and folding it towards the pool’s opposite end. To avoid debris from spilling into the water, go slowly. Don’t worry if any of it falls into the sea. It’ll be out of your pool before you know it.
Clean and store the pool cover.
After you’ve removed the cover, give it a fast hose down. Now is the time to use your cover cleaning solution if you have one. If that doesn’t work, a diluted bleach solution would.
Here’s what you can do:
Fill a big plastic tub with cleaning solution until it’s halfway full. Soak the cover for a few hours in the cleaning solution. Remove the cover and give it a good rinsing. Empty and dry the plastic container safely. Dry the cover by hanging it up. Fold your pool cover and store it in a dry, plastic container with a lid until it has fully dried. This keeps mold at bay and rodents from wreaking havoc.
Clean and inspect the deck.
Take a few minutes to get the deck back in order before heading to the pool. Unless you’ve been maintaining it on a regular basis since closing your pool, it’s likely in need of some attention.
Skimmer plugs and winter guards should be removed.
Check each return fitting for winter plugs as you walk around the pool. Remove any and all winter plugs you come across.
If you used a winter guard, walk over to your skimmer and install it. Otherwise, remove the compensator by opening the skimmer lid (plastic bottle).
Replace the pool’s accessories.
You know all those cool extras that make your pool more fun and convenient to use? Are you a fan of the slide, ladder, and diving board? It’s time to reinstall them, then.
Just a few bolts are needed to secure rails, ladders, and diving boards. Remember to lubricate the bolts to keep the metal from rusting in the summer sun.
Other swimming pool additions, such as fountains, waterfalls, LEDs, and firepits, can also be reinstalled now.
