If you have a pool, you know how exciting it is to open it for the summer. But you also know how daunting it can be to deal with a green, murky water that looks like a swamp. Don't worry, opening your pool is not as hard as it seems, and you can do it yourself, whether you're in Abbotsford, Surrey, Coquitlam or Vancouver. In this blog post, I will show you how to open your pool in a few simple steps, and how to keep it clear and sparkling all season long.
Step 2: Fill the pool to the right level and prime the pump
Now that you have removed the cover and the plugs, you need to fill the pool to the right level, which is usually about halfway up the skimmer opening. You can use your garden hose to add water if needed, or use a small utility pump to lower the water level if it is too high. The water level is important for the proper circulation and filtration of the pool.
Next, you need to prime the pump, which means filling it with water to remove any air bubbles that may prevent it from working. To do this, you need to remove the cover of the pump and fill the skimmer basket with water. Then, you can replace the lid and tighten it up. Make sure that all your timers and switches are in the off position before you turn the power back on. You may hear some weird noises at first, but don't panic, as long as the water is moving, things are going well.
Step 3: Brush the pool and shock it with liquid chlorine
This is the most important step to get rid of the green algae that makes your pool look like a swamp. Before you add any chemicals, you need to brush the entire bottom and sides of the pool with a nylon bristle brush. This will loosen up the algae and debris and make it easier for the chlorine to kill it. Don't skip this step, as it will make a huge difference in how fast your pool clears up.
After you have brushed the pool, you need to shock it with liquid chlorine. This is a powerful disinfectant that will destroy the algae and bacteria in the water. You can buy liquid chlorine at any pool store or online, and it is much cheaper and more effective than algaecides or other treatments. You need to follow the directions on the bottle for your pool size, but for an average 18,000 gallon pool, you will need about two gallons of liquid chlorine. Pour it around the edges of the pool, and make sure to leave your pump and filter running continuously for at least the first few days.
Step 4: Test the water and adjust the chemistry
After you have shocked the pool, you will notice a big improvement in the water clarity and color. However, you still need to test the water and adjust the chemistry to make sure it is safe and comfortable to swim in. You don't need to go to a pool store to get your water tested, as they will try to sell you a bunch of products that you don't need. You can test the water yourself in just 15 seconds with these Hach test strips. These are awesome because they measure everything you need to know about your pool water, such as pH, alkalinity, hardness, cyanuric acid, and more. You just dip one of the strips in the pool for a second, and then match the colors to the bottle to see the results.
Once you have tested the water, you will know if you need to add anything to balance it. The most common things you may need to adjust are the pH, which should be between 7.2 and 7.6, and the chlorine, which should be between 1 and 3 ppm. You can use pH up or down products to raise or lower the pH, and chlorine tablets or granules to maintain the chlorine level. You may also need to add some stabilizer or conditioner to protect the chlorine from the sun, or some algaecide to prevent algae growth. However, you should always use the minimum amount of chemicals possible, and only add them when necessary. Remember, less is more when it comes to pool water.
Step 5: Enjoy your pool!
Congratulations, you have successfully opened your pool and made it clear and sparkling. Now you can enjoy it with your family and friends, and have fun in the sun. However, don't forget to maintain your pool throughout the season, by testing the water regularly, brushing the pool weekly, and cleaning the filter monthly. By doing these simple tasks, you will keep your pool in great shape, and avoid any problems or headaches. Opening your pool is not that hard, and you can do it yourself without spending a fortune. I hope this blog post helped you learn how to open your pool for beginners, and how to keep it clear and sparkling all season long. If you liked this post, please give me a thumbs up and subscribe to my blog for more pool tips and tricks. Happy swimming!