Opening your pool in the spring

With warmer days comes preparing for the summer season, and summer means swimming! Whether your pool is inground, semi-inground or above-ground, and operates with chlorine or salt, here are a few tips from our specialists to help you open it safely, easily and efficiently.

Shop pool opening essentials

When to open your pool?

Pool season should begin around mid-April, before the pool water temperature reaches 21 °C. This prevents the development of algae or bacteria. Before proceeding, make sure all the snow and ice in the pool has melted.

What do you need to open your pool?

A pool opening kit for your type of pool
A garden hose
A submersible pump
A pool leaf skimmer and a broom
A cleaner for your winter cover and another for the pool liner
A pool brush
Some joint tape (Teflon)
A pool vacuum
Testing tabs or a test kit

Whether your pool is above-ground, inground or semi-inground, opening preparations are similar. Cleaning the pool water and treating it will slightly differ from one case to another, so carefully read the owner’s guide and thoroughly follow the steps listed below.

The key steps

1. Take off the pool cover. If it has accumulated water over the past few months, remove it with a wet/dry vacuum or pump. Use a broom to remove any leaves or residue. When removing the cover, use the leaf skimmer to collect any debris that might fall into the water. Once the cover is off, clean and dry it before storing it for the season.

2. Thoroughly inspect the pool. Check that the liner is well secured, that the water level isn’t unusually low (which could reveal a leak) and that all parts are in good condition. Tighten any loose fittings, collars or connectors. Replace or repair anything that looks damaged. Make sure products have not expired before using them.

3. Remove all skimmer covers. Remove the water return plug and reinstall the water return in the pool. If it includes a light, install it, plug in the connectors and link them to the electrical box, making sure that the circuit breaker is closed. Put the skimmer and door in place. After checking that they are in good condition, install the steps, ladder and diving board.

Pool opening - Leaf skimmer for surface debris

4. Place back the pump and its accessories and connect it to the electrical system, with the breaker off. Also reconnect the bottom drain. Before refitting the pressure gauge, don't forget to apply Teflon tape around the connector to prevent potential water leaks. If you didn't do it last fall, take the opportunity to clean your filtering agent (sand). Clean the inside edges of the pool with a detergent designed for this purpose.

5. Fill the pool up to three quarters of the skimmer using a garden hose. Fill the pump with water and start the filter. Do a backwash to remove any large debris from the bottom of the pool. Switch on the salt system, chlorinator or purifier. If you have a water heater or heat pump, plug them in.

6. Now is the time to use your opening kit. Slowly pour the degreaser around the inside of the pool. Activate the filter and pump, then leave for 1 hour with the engine running. Use the other products in the kit, following the instructions carefully, and leave them to work for 24 hours, taking care to leave the pump running in filtration mode. Finish off with a backwash. You can then use your pool vacuum to complete the cleaning, with the filter in "filtration" mode to avoid losing too much water.

7. Carry out a water analysis using test strips or a test kit when your water seems clear enough. It's important to keep alkalinity between 80 and 120 ppm, PH between 7.2 and 7.8, hardness between 200 and 300 ppm and chlorine between 1.0 and 3.0 ppm. You can check these parameters every six weeks or so.

And after?

Now that your pool is ready to be used, make sure all equipment is safe. Keep in mind that thorough water maintenance throughout the season will increase the lifespan of your pool. In the meantime, enjoy!

A few additional tips

Make sure you choose the right opening kit for your system. In-ground pools in particular require more products.
Remember to photograph the configuration of all connections at the end of the summer to simplify the next opening.
The pressure gauge should be changed every year, filters every three to five years, cartridge filters after a maximum of three years, and all should be cleaned every year.
Make sure you replace the products you use to keep your water clear every year.
Keep the water level at three quarters of the skimmer throughout the summer.

Questions?

Let an expert in store help you find the right products to open your pool. Find a store near you.