{"id":10044,"date":"2018-05-30T15:02:27","date_gmt":"2018-05-30T19:02:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/?p=10044"},"modified":"2024-03-21T09:59:17","modified_gmt":"2024-03-21T13:59:17","slug":"how-to-open-your-swimming-pool-in-10-easy-steps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/how-to-open-your-swimming-pool-in-10-easy-steps\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Open Your Swimming Pool in 10 Easy Steps"},"content":{"rendered":"

Memorial Day is considered the kickoff to the summer swimming season, which means that now is\"\"<\/a> the perfect time to get your backyard pool ready<\/a><\/strong>. Opening a swimming pool for the summer season can be a simple process for any do-it-yourselfer, regardless of whether you have an in-ground or above-ground pool. Not only will you save yourself hundreds of dollars<\/strong>, but you won’t have to wait for a pool service company to fit you into their schedule. Once you are sure temperatures will stay above freezing, just follow these 10 easy steps and you’ll be relaxing poolside with friends and family in about two weeks!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Little<\/a><\/p>\n

Step 1: Drain water from the pool cover<\/strong><\/h4>\n

If you have a solid pool cover, the first thing you need to do is to remove any standing water. A submersible pool cover pump<\/a><\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0will greatly speed up this process. Skip this step if you have a mesh pool cover.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Step 2: Remove leaves and debris<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Invest the time in cleaning as much debris as you can from the cover using a brush, leaf net or blower. The last thing you want is to have any accumulated dirt, leaves or branches fall into your pool when you remove the cover. Be sure to leave the pool cover in place until after you have adjusted the water level and chemistry.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Step 3: Raise the water level<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Since pools typically lose water during the winter, use your garden hose to bring the water level in the pool to its normal height.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Step 4: Test the water chemistry
\n<\/strong><\/h4>\n

\"AquaChek<\/a>Testing the chemistry of your pool water for pH, alkalinity, bromine and chlorine is an important step for a clean and safe swimming environment. Do-it-yourself pool and spa test kits<\/strong><\/a> that use\u00c2\u00a0test strips<\/strong><\/a>\u00c2\u00a0make water testing easy and accurate. Look for models with digital and automated color matching readouts for best results.<\/p>\n

Ideal levels should be:<\/em><\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0 pH\u00c2\u00a0 7.2 to 7.6; total alkalinity 80 to 120 ppm\u00c2\u00a0 (parts per million); bromine 2.0 to 6.0 ppm; chlorine 1.0 to 3.0 ppm; and calcium hardness from 150 to 250 ppm.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Step 5: Adjust and balance chemicals<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Based on the analysis you get back, you’ll need to add certain chemicals to ensure that the water safe and comfortable for swimming. Pool chemicals can be purchased at swimming pool supply stores, many hardware or home and garden stores or online. These include:<\/p>\n