Opening a Pool
May 26, 2015 How To 12 comments gpessant15
It’s that time of year again for people to begin to open their pools. When opening a pool, there is a process. First, you must remove the cover. Let’s say were talking about inground pools. Usually inground pools are built with a concrete slab surrounding them. The cover to the pool is held on by anchors that are custom built into the concrete. The anchors can be screwed up and down. When removing the cover, the anchors get screwed down level with the concrete. Next thing to do is to fold up the cover, this is just like folding up a tarp. Once that is done, the railings and ladder needs to go in. These also can slide into their holes already cut into the concrete. They should go in pretty easy. Now to tighten them. This works like a wedge, screwing a screw that tightens the poles. Once the railings are in, the escutcheon plates go over the screws for a much neater look. When installing the ladder, it is the same tightening process, but rubber bumpers are needed so the liner doesn’t rip.
Once the steps are in, it’s time to set up the filter and skimmer. The skimmer will have, what they call, a gizzmo. This is the plug that allows no air to get into the lines leading to the filter. Once that is removed, water will begin to flow through the pipes. If the pool was winterized than this is an easy process. Everything should already be cleaned and should be as simple as putting more water in the filter and flicking the switch on. Sometimes it’s that easy and sometimes things tend to go wrong due to natural, environmental issues. When pools are first opened, they are usually green. Some are different than others and the chemical levels are off. These levels are Alkalinity, PH and Chlorine. There is a mix between chemistry and math while doing this. To get the levels back up to normal, the right amount of Alkalinity rise should be added. Next, add PH rise to get these levels up. Then, add the right amount of chlorine. Finally, add an algaecide remover to help the process. The pool pump will circulate the water and clean it. The pool is now ready to enjoy.
12 Comments
This is a very informative post. It is incredibly helpful for anyone trying to open a pool and is very in depth. It reflects upon many aspects of opening a pool that many people wouldn’t usually think about. Just to clarify, what is the specific recommended amount of chlorine to add when shocking the pool?
Great post! Sounds like you know what you’re doing! I knew about chemicals being in pools, but I didn’t know what kind of chemicals were used other than chlorine. What does “PH” stand for?
Very informative! I didn’t realize how much there was to do to open a pool after winter. Sounds like you have done this before! I also didn’t know there were other chemicals other than chlorine. About how much of each chemical is used in a standard inground pool?
Thanks for all the great information! I have a pool myself, and I always let my parents do all the set up work, with this knowledge I could help! Where could I find the chemicals needed?
This post was very informative. I really appreciate the amount of detail you included. You gave us a step by step guide on how to open an inground swimming pool. I have always heard people complain about how much work a pool is, but my family has never owned one so I have never seen it first hand. This article helped me peek into what it is like to own a pool. About how long does the whole process take? Is it something that can be done in an hour or an all day event? Thanks for sharing!
This was a well written post. It is very informative and helpful to anybody that may want to learn how to install a pool. It is crazy how much there is to do when installing a pool. Do you think it would be easier to install pools in states with better weather?
Very well written post. It will help anyone who reads it. What chemicals are best? how do you know?best place to buy them?
This post is very informative and relatable. My family owns an above ground pool, and the process is about the same. We winterize it in September every year when it starts to get cold, so then opening it back up in late May is always a breeze. However, when adding chlorine and PH and Alkalinity tablets, we usually wait a day or so to let the chemicals circulate. This way, our skin won’t burn when we jump in the pool. High amounts of concentrated chlorine and PH can be harmful to humans, so waiting at least 24 hours to enjoy the pool is a good idea! The process of adding chemicals to the pool must also occur a few times while it is open, to prevent bacteria growth in the water.
This post is very informative not only to people reopening their pool, but to those wondering what it is like to have a pool. It could be a make-or-break decision on whether someone wants to build/put up a pool in their yard. The post has me wondering how much it would be to do all of this, that could be a great adding point!
Just to verify, does the way you fold up the cover affect whether or not it will get holes or damage done to it throughout the summer?
This post is very informative! I never would have guessed that there is so much to consider when putting in a pool! This post could be very helpful for anybody that may be thinking about installing a pool.
Hayley there are many pool places around! There are a few on Sabattus Street. Give them each a call, bring a sample of your water, and get an estimate on the cost of the chemicals!