{"id":7076,"date":"2016-03-25T11:00:33","date_gmt":"2016-03-25T15:00:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/?p=7076"},"modified":"2024-03-21T10:01:15","modified_gmt":"2024-03-21T14:01:15","slug":"swimming-pool-opening-made-easy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/swimming-pool-opening-made-easy\/","title":{"rendered":"Swimming Pool Opening Made Easy"},"content":{"rendered":"

Winter is nearly over, which means it’s time to start thinking about de-winterizing and opening the backyard swimming pool. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0This year, why not save yourself hundred of dollars and tackle the job yourself? \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Opening a pool for the summer season can be a simple process for any do-it-yourselfer, regardless of whether you have an in-ground of above-ground pool. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Here’s a swimming pool opening checklist with shortcuts and handy pool gadgets<\/a><\/strong> that will make the job easier and save you money.\"swimming<\/a><\/p>\n

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Step 1. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Remove standing water from the pool cover<\/strong><\/em><\/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<\/strong><\/a>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0will greatly speed up this process.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 If you have a mesh pool cover, skip this step.<\/p>\n

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Step 2. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Clean\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0off leaves, branches and debris<\/strong><\/em><\/h4>\n

Once the water is drained from the cover, clean off as much debris as you can using a brush or leaf net so this mess won\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2t fall into the pool when the cover is removed.<\/p>\n

Note:<\/em><\/strong>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Leave the pool cover on until\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0after\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0you have adjusted water level and chemistry.<\/em><\/p>\n

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

Step 3. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Add water to the pool<\/strong><\/em><\/h4>\n

Most pools lose water during the winter.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Using a garden hose, add enough water to bring the water level in the pool to its normal height.<\/p>\n

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Step 4. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Test the chemistry of your pool water<\/strong><\/em><\/h4>\n

Testing the chemistry of your pool water for pH, alkalinity, bromine and chlorine is an important step for a clean and safe swimming environment.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Do-it-yourself\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0pool and spa test kits<\/strong><\/a>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0that use\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0test strips<\/strong><\/a>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0make water testing easy and accurate.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Look for models with digital and automated color matching readouts for best results.<\/p>\n

Ideal levels should be:<\/em><\/strong>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 pH \u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u20ac\u0153 7.2 to 7.6; total alkalinity \u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u20ac\u0153 80 to 120 ppm \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0(parts per million); bromine \u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u20ac\u0153 2.0 to 6.0 ppm; chlorine \u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u20ac\u0153 1.0 to 3.0 ppm; and\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0calcium hardness from 150 to 250 ppm.<\/em><\/p>\n

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

Step\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>5<\/strong>. <\/i>Adjust and balance chemicals<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Based on the analysis you get back, you\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2ll need to add certain chemicals to adjust the water chemistry to ensure that it\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s safe and comfortable for swimming. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Chemicals can be purchased at swimming pool supply stores and many hardware or home and garden stores or online, including:<\/p>\n