Opening your pool in spring

• Use a pump to remove excess water from the cover and use a soft broom to remove as much leaf litter and other debris as you can.

• Carefully remove the cover and use the skimmer net to collect anything that falls in the water. Clean the cover with mild soap and water and allow it to dry before storing it.

• Remove the plugs from the return lines and replace them with the proper valves. Remove the cover from the skimmer and reinstall the basket.

Take a good look at the pool. Is the cover attached properly? Does anything look broken, crooked, or out of place? Is the water level abnormally low after winter? If so, you might have a leak. Check that the following parts are in good working order:

• Pump motor

• Pump cover and basket

• Hoses

• Valves

• Seals

• Collars

• Skimmer and return line

• Pressure gauge (change every year)

Change or repair anything that seems worn out, cracked, broken, or too loud (like your pool motor).

We recommend changing the sand inside your pool filter every 4 years—or sooner if you notice any algae or dust appearing shortly after you clean the liner. Check the filter manufacturer’s guide to find out what sand they recommend and how much to use. An 85% silica sand that is washed, graded, and treated is a good choice because it holds up to chemicals. Don’t use construction or beach sand.

The cartridge should be replaced every 1 to 3 years depending on how often you use the pool, if there is oil or sunscreen in it, and if there are trees overhead. Pro tip: It’s time to replace the cartridge if your pressure gauge reading is higher than what is recommended in the filter manual.

Install your steps, ladder, diving board (make sure it still meets the standards), and pool lights if you have them. Check each accessory to make sure it’s still in good condition.

• Connect the return line and skimmer hose to the filter and connect the backwash hose to the filter’s waste line.
• Replace all the plugs (drain and pump, sight glass on the filter).
• Check the pump cover gasket and replace it if it is dry or cracked.
• Install the pressure gauge (get a new one every year) and wrap the threads with Teflon tape to ensure a tight seal.
• Raise the water level above the skimmer (or higher, since you will likely backwash the pool during cleaning).
• Fill the pump or the small basket with water and run the filter. Put the filter handle in the Filter position and start the motor. If the pressure is higher than 15psi, do a backwash.
• Turn on the saltwater, chlorine, or water purification system.
• Reconnect the water heater or heat pump (follow manufacturer’s instructions).

You need to shock your pool to disinfect the water. Let the pool sit for 24 hours after the treatment, with the motor running.

To clean the pool, remove as many of the leaves from the surface and the bottom as you can using a skimmer net and vacuum (set the filter to Drain or Waste). Empty the basket frequently. Use an appropriate degreasing agent to clean the water ring on the liner and wash the sides of the pool. Once you’re finished, do a light backwash.

When the water is clear again, it’s time to test it. You can use a kit to do this yourself. Remember to replace the OTO and Phenol bottles every year and check the expiry date on the test strips. Add the products you need to balance the pool water and keep it from turning green. Make sure the:

• Alkalinity is between 80 and 120ppm (ideally check it every 6 weeks)

• pH level is between 7.2 and 7.8

• Hardness is between 200 and 300ppm

• Chlorine level is between 1.0 and 3.0ppm

You can also have a specialist test your pool water. They can recommend the right products to use.

Some pool service companies offer training on how to open and close a private pool.