Above Ground Pool Opening

Above ground pool opening and start-up is worth every minute of time and dollar spent and the end result is a clean and properly functioning pool that can be enjoyed all season long with no costly repairs or downtime for your pool. If you take the necessary steps now to ensure that the water is clean, balanced and the equipment is running smoothly you will save yourself headaches in the long run and enjoy a season of fun in the sun in your clean pool. 

The required steps to getting your pool set up for the summer costs very little but requires a little bit of work and elbow grease. We recommend purchasing a pool opening kit with the required chemicals to get the water corrected that may have fallen out of balance over the winter. If you are starting fresh it's important to get water chemistry right to ensure clean water and a safe pool for anyone who will enjoy the pool this season.  

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Above Ground Pool Opening Step by Step

If it's the first time opening your above ground pool it's important to work through the following steps and get familiar with them before carrying them out. Most above ground pools are relatively simple to open or maintain and can be accomplished by any do it yourself pool owner that's willing to put the time and effort in. The pool opening steps below should help you through this process and you can always call your local pool professional if you are overwhelmed by the following above ground pool opening steps.

You can take a water sample to your local pool supplier who will analyze the water chemistry and make recommendations based on your pool size, chemistry and usage. 

1. Pool Cover Removal and Cleaning
2. Pool Wall Cleaning and Inspection
3. Fill Pool with Water
4. Pool Cleaning
5. Balance the Water Chemistry
6. Hardware Installation

1. Pool Cover Removal and Cleaning

If you installed a good quality cover and the proper chemicals during the previous years pool winterizing this step should be simple. It will vary depending on the type of cover you used but it's important that the cover is clear of any debris or water before you attempt to remove it. If you try to remove the cover before cleaning it you can end up with debris or dirty water in your pool that will make it a lot harder to get your water clean and balanced. 

2. Pool Wall Cleaning and Inspection

At this step of above ground pool opening you should have a relatively clean pool to work with. The water should be clean for the most part and little or no debris in the pool. You should give the liner walls and flooring a clean if required and if you have an above ground pool vacuum now is a good time to use it to remove both small and large debris that may have ended up in the pool over the winter. 

Make sure the skimmer and basket are clear of debris and not obstructed by anything. Remove any devices used to prevent freezing damage including gizzmos or expansion plugs. It's also a good time to do a general inspection of all the plumbing and pool equipment looking for any cracks, leaks or signs of excessive wear and tear. If you live in an area with freezing temperatures it’s important to check for damage due to extreme weather conditions.

3. Fill Pool with Water

Attach all plumbing, check all valves and fill the pool with water to the desired level. If the electricity was shut off or disconnected, turn the power on to the pool system. Start the system and allow for purging of air as the water begins to cycle through the plumbing. Check for leaks along the plumbing line paying close attention to valves or hardware connections. Lastly, make sure the pool pump, filter, heater and salt system are functioning properly.

4. Pool Cleaning

It’s a good idea to give your pool a thorough cleaning once the system is running smoothly. It's possible that debris has ended up on the pool floor or stains have developed along water lines over the winter months. We recommend using a pool wall cleaner and brush to scrub stubborn stains on the pool walls above the water line. A portable vacuum cleaner is ideal for cleaning dirt that's settled underwater. 

5. Balance the Water Chemistry

It’s important to allow the freshly added water to mix with the existing pool water before testing the water chemistry with a pool test kit. This can take about 4 to 8 hours with the pump circulating water but it will depend on the size of your pool. This is the time to get the chemistry dialled in which may include adding salt if you have a salt system, muriatic acid or a pool shock. An above ground pool opening kit has everything you need to get your pool started.

6. Hardware Installation

The final step to above ground pool opening will make your pool a lot more functional with essential hardware like an above ground pool ladder. You may even want to add some fun with the addition of cool accessories like a slide or toys. If you removed and stored all hardware during winterization it should be in great condition and ready to use for the coming season. It’s always a good idea to inspect for damage or excessive wear and tear and replace anything that is worn beyond repair or the safety is compromised.

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