DIY Pool Opening Instructions

One thing to keep in mind when it is time to open your swimming pool for the summer is that cutting corners will only give you more work later. The pool was covered for the winter, but now water, dirt, and debris have settled on the winter pool cover and on the deck. In addition, the pool equipment has weathered and some of the parts may need to be repaired or replaced. Taking a methodical and thorough approach to opening your pool will ensure a clean, safe swimming environment throughout the summer for you, your family and friends.

Edge of an outdoor pool

Planning and Preparation

Set aside the weekend to complete the process. This includes work time as well as down time while the water circulates the pool chemicals.

In order to successfully open a swimming pool, we must first complete a few pool maintenance tasks. These simple steps can help you save time, money, and headaches later on. The sooner you begin this process, the better it will be for maintaining a clean, healthy, and enjoyable pool all summer long.

Clean and Fill

First comes the physical part of pool for the summer - cleaning away the months’ worth of debris and removing and storing the pool cover.

Clean the deck first by sweeping or blowing away all the leaves, soil, etc. You want to clean the deck first, so when you pull the pool cover off the pool you'll have a clean space on which to lay it.
Clean off the pool cover using the pool brush attached to a telescoping handle, or to the vacuum pole. Pull all water and debris to one side of the pool, carefully removing it so it doesn't fall in the pool. Be sure to brush any algae from the pool walls.
Pull the pool cover off, clean it again as needed, and lay it out on the deck to dry. Then fold it up neatly and set it aside for storage.
Using the leaf skimmer, remove any debris in the pool.
Clean out the pool skimmers and main drain. Check the water level and begin filling if it is low. It should be to the middle of the skimmer opening - don't damage your pump by turning it on with a low water level.

Check Pool Equipment and Shock the System

Ensure that your pool and equipment are protected from corrosion and scaling by conducting equipment pre-checks and balancing the pool water. Use a water test kit to ensure your pool has the proper pH levels and total alkalinity. This is a must-have for pool owners who want a pool that is free of harmful organisms and algae. This kit works for inground pools and above-ground pools.

Check pool filter, pump and heater for winter damage and replace all drain plugs. You may need to loosen up and/or tighten the deck anchors and various plugs and valves on the pumps and filters. If you have a sand filter, you may need to add sand. With a cartridge filter, clean or replace the cartridge as needed.
Replace last year's Teflon tape around plugs and on the pressure gauge and drain plug or cap. Double check the pressure gauge and replace it now if it isn't working properly.
Start the filtration system.
Open up the Doheny's Master Start-Up Kit (up to 30,000 gal) that includes all needed chemicals for a pool shock to bring the chlorine level to where it needs to be. The chemical kit contains the following: 1 L Natural Chemistry Pool Magic Spring and Fall with PHOSfree, 1 1 L Natural Chemistry Metal Free, 4 1 lb Doheny’s Super Shock Plus, 2 1 qt Doheny’s Spring Algaecide, 1 1 qt Doheny’s Water Clarifier, and Free 10 pack of Test Strips.

After the chlorine shock, if the water still has some cloudiness you may need to add a stabilizer or water clarifier to balance the water.

Master Start-Up Kit-Up Usage

Add a full bottle (1 L) of Natural Chemistry Metal Free. Let the water circulate for two hours.
Add four full bags (4 lb) of Doheny's Super Shock Plus. Let the water circulate for two hours.
Add two full bottles (64 fl oz) of Doheny's Spring Algaecide. Let the water circulate for two hours.
Add a full bottle (32 fl oz) of Doheny's Water Clarifier. Let the water circulate for two hours.
Add a full bottle (1 L) of Natural Chemistry Pool Magic Spring & Fall + PHOSfree. Let the water circulate for two hours.
Give the all clear to swim once your chlorine levels are around 5 ppm or after 24 hours.

Get Pool Cleaning Equipment Ready

Now that all the hard work is done, it's time to inspect the pool cleaning equipment you will use throughout the season. These are the basic pool tools one should have in their repertoire.