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Pool Owner Tips

Opening your pool signals the start of warm weather and relaxed attitudes. Whether you're emerging from a long snowy winter or a quick brush with cooler temps, opening your pool can be a simple process.

1. Remove leaves and debris from pool cover.
2. Take off the cover, clean it, and store it.
3. Hook up pool pumps and filters and reconnect all hoses and electrical connections.
4. Remove leaves and debris from skimmers, filters, pumps and drains.
5. Take out leaves and debris from the pool.
6. Fill pool water up to proper level.
7. Turn on the filter pump and make sure all skimmers, bottom drains, and filters are functioning properly.
8. Vacuum up any remaining debris in the pool.
9. After pool filter has been running 3-4 hours, test the water. Retest water to see if any adjustments have to be made.
10. Once adjustments have been made, shock the pool following label directions.
11. Jump in!

Whether you live in the sunbelt or the snowbelt, closing your pool correctly is an important and easy process that will elongate the life of your pool.

Cold Climates

Adjust pH to 7.2-7.8 to prevent stains, scaling and algae growth. Shock the pool using label directions.

Run the filter for 24-48 hours.

Remove floating debris and vacuum thoroughly.

Add an algaecide to prevent algae from forming before water freezes.

Follow your pool manufacturer's directions for lowering your water level. Only a few pools need to be completely drained during the winter. Many pools fare cold temperatures better when partially filled with water as a buffer. A drained pool can also crack or pop out of the ground because of pressure from ground water.

Shut off filter pump and drain pump, filter heater and all other equipment. Store to prevent freezing. Follow manufacturer's directions for lubrication and proper covering(s).

Turn off all power to the support equipment and remove fuses or turn the circuit breakers to off.

If you have a slide or diving board, take it off and store it.
Cover pool securely and fill water bags halfway (the edge of the cover should be sealed so that wind does not get under it). A quality pool cover resists water, weather and pool chemicals and keeps out leaves and airborne dust.

Mild Climates

Your weather permits a longer swimming season. However, if there will be many weeks when your pool is not in use, continue routine maintenance on a reduced schedule.

Begin by reducing filter running time in half. Keep pH between 7.2-7.8 and free available chlorine between 1.0 and 3.0 parts per million (use tester). Follow pool equipment manufacturer's instructions for proper care of equipment during this time.
If you do not cover your pool, clean your skimmer every week, maintain filter according to manufacturer's instructions and vacuum as needed.

Covering your pool will keep out leaves and dirt and reduces the number of needed chlorinations. Before covering, shock treat according to manufacturer's directions.

Thoroughly cleaning your pool weekly during the swimming season ensures safe swimming and a long pool life.

Skim Off Leaves and Debris Use a long-handled leaf skimmer to gather up leaves, insects, and any other debris floating on the surface of the pool. Try to remove debris before it sinks to the bottom of your pool where it becomes difficult to remove and may create stains.

Brush
Use a brush to remove dirt that has collected on the sides and bottom of your pool. Brush sediment toward the main drain so it can be easily vacuumed.

Vacuum
Submerge your vacuum head and hose, before hooking up the vacuum to the filter.
Clean Skimmer(s)

You should also clean out your skimmer(s) weekly or more often if necessary.
Removing debris allows the skimmer to operate at maximum efficiency.
Check Water Circulation

Your pool's circulation system includes the skimmer, pump, pump strainer, drains, and filter. The system helps chemicals work effectively and ensures that water is properly filtered. Run your pump long enough each day to make sure the water is properly filtered and keep each item clean and in good condition.

Check Filter
The three most popular types of filters - sand, cartridge, and vertical grid DE screen out debris and particles from you pool water. You should clean and maintain your filter according to the manufacturer's directions. Filter owner's manuals can be found online for easy reference.

Shock
Test your pool water frequently (daily or weekly depending on use) and add chemicals if necessary, following manufacturers' directions. A regular shock treatment cleanses the water of algae, bacteria, dirt, swimmer waste and any other organic matter that may have entered the pool. It prevents bacteria and algae growth, cloudy water, chlorine odor and eye irritation. Follow manufacturer's directions for shock treatments.

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