There’s a certain process on how to open an above ground pool and how to clean it after cold weather. Here’s a quick guide on how to go about with this.
Here’s the thing – during the winter times, you’re not going to use your above ground pool, obviously. So, you’re most likely going to cover it with one of those pool covers so that debris or leaves don’t get into it.
When the winter season ends though, you can’t just use the pool again. There’s quite a lot of preparation needed. That said, you are required to master the skill on how to open an above ground pool and how to clean above ground pool after winter.
Here are the steps to do that:
How To Open An Above Ground Pool And Clean It Up After Winter
1. Take Out The Cover
The first step of how to open your above ground pool for the first time after winter is to simply take out the pool cover (we do hope you placed a cover on top of your above ground pool before the winter season started).
It sounds pretty simple, right?
Not really!
In fact, removing the pool cover is a tricky part. During the winter season, all of the debris will build up on top of the pool cover. Hence, you have to take out the pool cover very slowly. You might even want to ask a friend to help you lift it away from the pool so that the debris doesn’t go into the pool.
2. Take Out The Pool Plugs
One of the best practices of leaving your pool dormant for the winter is to put pool plugs as well as ice compensators. Now that the winter season is over, it’s time for you to take these things out. Make sure that you take out all of the plugs on the pool openings.
You must especially be attentive to your pool skimmer if you used an ice compensator. Take it out before you use your pool.
3. Fill The Pool With Water
The next thing that you have to do is fill the pool with water. You may have left some water in the pool but if you didn’t fill it up to halfway to the pool. You may also want to make sure that your hose has a filter so that the water that’s going into the pool is totally clean.
4. Reinstall The Equipment
Now that your pool is almost back in action, put back the ladders, diving board, and other equipment that the pool needs. You may also want to reinstall the skimmer, the filter, and the pump.
Make sure you connect them all together properly in the same way they were all connected before you closed your pool down for the winter. It’s pretty much a no-brainer but do make sure that you don’t skip this step.
5. Test The Pump And Filter
Once everything is installed, then test everything to see if it works. You need to ensure that there are no leaks and that the pump is pulling water properly. If not, turn it off again and check your filter manual for configuration. If you find that there are leaks, there is a possibility that there are worn out parts. In this case, you may need to replace those parts.
6. Take Out Extra Pool Debris
Even though you have already got everything running, there may still be some debris, algae, or other dirt that may have been left behind. After all, you’ve left the pool dormant for months so it’s only expected that something may grow.
So how exactly do you do that?
Well, you have to buy some chemicals needed for pool start up. This is known as the pool shocking. Moreover, make sure to balance the chlorine, pH, and alkalinity levels of your pool. You also need to make sure that the cyanuric acids and calcium hardness are also balanced.
When you’re done with that, then you’re ready to swim! You have just finished learning how to open an above ground pool for the season!
Conclusion
If you have left your pool dormant for the entire winter season, don’t just use it!
Make sure you follow the proper steps on how to open an above ground pool. If you have followed all the steps in this guide, then you’re good to go! Jump in and enjoy a relaxing summer dip.
