| -- End Ad Box ---> | | | | will reverse and start to drain. |
| Soon spring will be here and so will the annual chore of | | | | Once you have the water cleared, use a leaf rake to |
| opening your swimming pool. Planning ahead can make | | | | remove as many leaves and twigs as possible. Next, |
| the job much easier. There’s nothing worse | | | | remove your cover weights or springs. At this time a |
| than realizing your short one bag of shock when | | | | few people positioned around the pool will help to keep |
| you’re in the middle of prepping the pool. So | | | | the cover out of the water. Try to fold your cover like |
| let’s first make a list of chemicals that you might | | | | a blanket keeping the crud in the middle then remove |
| need. | | | | the cover. You need to scrub the cover thoroughly |
| There will be different needs depending on the type of | | | | and properly dry for summer storage. |
| pool you own, so this list is general. Refer to your pool | | | | Now it’s time to attach all the pump hoses. |
| and pump instructions for additional information. | | | | Remember to lube plugs, fittings, valves and o-rings |
| Liquid or powdered Shock | | | | with petroleum jelly. Also be sure to remove any |
| Chlorine powder or tablets | | | | freeze plugs that were used to cover the hose |
| BrominepH increase or pH decrease | | | | openings. You will most likely need to add water to the |
| Sanitizing cartridge for cartridge filters | | | | pool. It should be filled to the skimmer half way point. |
| A test kit or bottle of test strips to test pH and chlorine | | | | At this point you should start re-circulating the water |
| levels | | | | and check for any leaks around the pump and hoses. |
| Before you run off to your local pool supply store for | | | | Once your pool is leak and drip free, skim off as much |
| chemicals, now would be the time to check all of your | | | | floating debris as you can with your skimmer net. |
| hoses, clamps, skimmer baskets, gaskets and o-rings. If | | | | Open all your valves to flood the hoses and prime the |
| any of the parts look like they need replacing, take | | | | pool pump. Most manufacturers recommend |
| them with you to the pool supply store. It’s a lot | | | | constantly recirculating the pool water for at least |
| easier to match replacement parts if you have the old | | | | three days. Any crud and debris on the sides and |
| part with you. | | | | bottom of the pool will need to be scrubbed off. Use |
| Now that you have the easy part finished, it’s | | | | the broom attachment of your pool vacuum for this. |
| time to get to work. The first thing required is to get | | | | After all debris has been removed and the pool has |
| the cover off. Enlist some help for this, as you want to | | | | been scrubbed, check your filter for cleaning. Some |
| avoid getting any top water into the pool water. If you | | | | pumps have removable filters; others are back-flushed, |
| have an above ground pool, siphon the water off with | | | | so clean as directed. Once the filter is cleaned, you |
| a hose. If you have an in-ground pool you will need to | | | | can now super shock the water as per your |
| use a sump pump to remove the top water. | | | | manufacturer’s instructions. If you start with |
| To get a good siphon started, hook up the hose to the | | | | green water, you will need a lot more shock. It may |
| spigot and put the other end of the hose into the top | | | | take a few days of recirculation to clear the water. |
| water. Turn the hose on for a minute or so to fill it. | | | | Once the water has cleared, test your water or take |
| Next crimp the hose a foot or two away from the | | | | a sample to your pool supply store and have it |
| faucet, and with your other hand, disconnect the hose | | | | analyzed. Adjust the water as required and keep |
| from the spigot. Position the hose at a downspout | | | | recirculating. All that is left to do now is to wait for the |
| drain to discharge then let go of the crimp. The water | | | | water to warm up so you can start enjoying your pool. |