{"id":1888,"date":"2013-02-11T16:08:53","date_gmt":"2013-02-11T22:08:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.BackyardCityPools.com\/Swimming-Pool-Blog\/?p=1888"},"modified":"2014-11-13T17:54:10","modified_gmt":"2014-11-13T23:54:10","slug":"opening-your-in-ground-swimming-pool","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.backyardcitypools.com\/Swimming-Pool-Blog\/opening-your-in-ground-swimming-pool\/","title":{"rendered":"Opening Your In Ground Swimming Pool"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Opening your In Ground Swimming Pool<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Easy Guidelines for Opening Your In Ground Swimming Pool<\/strong><\/p>\n

Plan early for next summer by preparing now for opening your in ground swimming pool.\u00a0 Take inventory of your supplies, and replenish your stock of pool chemicals<\/a>.\u00a0 Now is also a good time to check your pool equipment for wear or damage and replace or upgrade as needed.\u00a0 When it comes time to open your pool again next season, you’ll be ready to go.<\/p>\n

Make your pool opening even easier by following the easy steps below.\u00a0 You’ll be swimming in no time.<\/p>\n

1. The first step in opening your in ground swimming\u00a0pool is to remove any leaves or debris that have settled on the cover over the winter season.\u00a0 Also, remove any standing water from the cover using a cover pump.\u00a0 Then, remove the water tubes and the cover itself.<\/p>\n

Note:<\/b> if your cover has a hole in it, and you use your cover pump<\/a> to remove standing water, you may actually end up pumping water out of the pool.\u00a0 This can lead to a drained pool, so be sure to watch for this.<\/p>\n

2. After removing the cover and water tubes, be sure to clean them, let them air dry, and store them away until the end of the swimming season.\u00a0 Proper care of your cover and water tubes will ensure that they stay in good shape for many years.<\/p>\n

3. Re-insert drain plugs you may have removed from your pump and filter.\u00a0 Then, add water to the pool, bringing the level up to its normal operating level.<\/p>\n

4. Remove freeze plugs, skimmer guards, or air pillows.<\/p>\n

5. Next, start your filter system — make sure to prime the pump before starting the motor.\u00a0 Purge all the air from the plumbing and equipment. Warning:<\/b> Air will be compressed during this procedure. Be sure to release any built up pressure before opening your filter, pump, or chemical feeder. Make sure that the valve is turned to the backwash position (for sand filters).\u00a0 Doing so will ensure that any old water left in your filter will not go into your pool.<\/p>\n

6. Check for leaks.<\/p>\n

7.\u00a0 Assess the cleanliness of the pool itself.\u00a0 If you used a solid cover over the winter season and secured it well, the water should be as clear as it was when you closed the pool last year.\u00a0 If not, remove any large debris using your leaf net, leaf rake, or leaf eater.<\/p>\n

8. Vacuum any dirt, sand, algae, or other small debris that cannot be removed with the leaf rake or net.<\/p>\n

9.\u00a0 After cleaning the pool, check the water chemistry:<\/p>\n