Opening the pool

The pool opening process, when completed according to best practices, should allow you to produce clear water on the very first try (especially if the pool closing was done properly as well). The entire process required to deliver a fully functional pool, including the reaction times of chemical additives, should take between two and three days.

The best time to open a pool is towards the end of April, when the daytime temperature (but not the pool’s!) slowly closes in on 20 °C (68 °F). This timing will provide you with the best chance of avoiding the appearance of algae and the evaporation of winterising chemical products. It will also afford you the time needed to properly adjust the water properties - or to restore water properties in the event that it has turned green in spite of your best efforts – before the swimming season.
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1. Preparing the Pool Equipment and Area
2. Clean the Pool and the Equipment
3. Water Treatment
4. Finishing the Start-Up Process
The following is a sequential checklist for carefree pool start-up. Please note that these instructions are generic and that some of the steps may differ depending on the type of pool (above ground or in-ground) as well as the type and brand of pool equipment used.

1. Preparing the Pool Equipment and Area

1.1 

Start by removing the accumulated debris and water from the pool cover or net. If there is an excessive amount of water, use a submersible pump or siphon the water using a garden hose (this technique applies to above ground pools only as it relies on gravity). Remove the cover or net while making sure to minimize the amount of debris that gets into the pool water. For greater chances of success, ask for the assistance of one or two people to complete this task. Put the pool cover or net aside for now.

1.2 

If applicable, remove the air pillow (the device that supports the cover or net) and put it aside as well.

1.3 

Remove the remaining debris in the water using a leaf skimmer.

1.4 

Remove the Styrofoam protective pieces (skimmer, bottom drain, etc) as well as the winterising chemical products distributor (if applicable).

1.5 

Reinstall the pump, make sure that the drainage plug is properly fastened and that the ground wire is connected, if applicable.

1.6 

Prepare the filter by reinstalling the drainage plug and the small glass bottle and, if the sand is more than three or four seasons old, by replacing the sand (you may replace the sand with more sand or you might want to consider using filtration glass beads, which costs slightly more but lasts 8 to 10 years instead of just 3 to 5). If your pool uses a cartridge filter system, clean the cartridge or buy a new one.

1.7 

Check the pressure gauge: if it is not indicating “0”, change it. Regardless, it is recommended that the gauge be changed on a yearly basis. To ensure that the unit remains watertight, wrap some Teflon plumbing tape around the threading before installing the gauge. If required, Teflon tape should also be used on the plugs installed at steps 1.5 and 1.6.

1.8 

Hook up the skimmer hose to the front of the pump. Then, connect the hose linking the top of the pump to the filter, and, finally, hook up the hose between the filter and the return jets. Hook up the waste hose to the filter and uncoil it all the way to the street or drainage area. Fasten the adjustable collars to hold the hoses firmly in place.

1.9 

Fill the pump with water.

1.10 

Thoroughly inspect the pool for holes in the liner or cracks in the concrete as well as for any broken equipment (Ex.: baskets, three-way valves, skimmers). Repair or replace all defective parts as required.

1.11 

Reconnect the water heater.
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