{"id":8886,"date":"2017-04-07T11:00:59","date_gmt":"2017-04-07T15:00:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/?p=8886"},"modified":"2024-01-17T09:01:41","modified_gmt":"2024-01-17T14:01:41","slug":"spring-pool-opening-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/spring-pool-opening-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Spring Pool Opening Guide — Don’t Pay or Wait"},"content":{"rendered":"

Springtime pool opening can definitely be a DIY job. Not only will you save yourself hundreds of dollars by opening your pool yourself, your swimming season can begin earlier because you won’t be waiting on a busy pool service company to fit you in. You can open your pool as soon as you’re sure that the temperatures will stay above freezing. Many homeowners use Memorial Day weekend as the kickoff to their swimming season. Pool opening<\/strong><\/a> takes about two weeks from start to finish. Here’s a do-it-yourself guide on how to open your pool yourself.\"pool<\/a><\/p>\n

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Pool Opening in Ten Easy Steps<\/h2>\n

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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> will greatly speed up this process.\u00c2\u00a0 If you have a mesh pool cover, skip this step.<\/p>\n

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

Once the water is drained from the cover, clean off as much debris as you can using a brush, leaf net or blower. Your job will be a lot easier if you can keep this mess from falling into the pool when the cover is removed.<\/p>\n

Note: <\/em><\/strong>Leave the pool cover on until after you have adjusted water level and chemistry.<\/em><\/p>\n

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

Most pools lose water during the winter.\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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4) Test the chemistry of your pool water<\/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.\u00c2\u00a0 Do-it-yourself pool and spa test kits<\/strong><\/a> that use\u00c2\u00a0test strips<\/strong><\/a> make water testing easy and accurate.\u00c2\u00a0 Look for models with digital and automated color matching readouts for best results.<\/p>\n

Ideal levels should be:<\/em><\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0 pH 7.2 to 7.6; total alkalinity 80 to 120 ppm (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

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

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