OPENING YOUR POOL AT THE
BEGINNING OF THE SEASON

Here are the 6 main steps involved in spring pool opening:

1) FILL THE POOL TO THE DESIRED LEVEL.
2) CHECK PUMP, FILTER, AND CIRCULATING SYSTEM.
3) ADJUST THE pH LEVEL.
4) ADJUST THE "TOTAL ALKALINITY"
5) SUPERCHLORINATE.
6) STABILIZE.

1) FILLING THE POOL.
Your pool should be filled up to the middle of the skimmer. It's important to keep the water at a level where surface debris can be trapped. Since water evaporates and gets dragged or splashed out by swimmers, you'll have to add water periodically.

2) CHECK PUMP, FILTER AND CIRCULATING SYSTEM.
These mechanical components must be in working order. They must be cleaned and maintained and, if removed for winter storage, must be properly re-installed.

3) ADJUST THE pH LEVEL.
Once the pool is filled with water and you're satisfied that the hardware is is working properly, test the water's pH level. Chemical adjustments should be made with the circulating system operating.
NOTE:
You'll probably need new reagents for your test kit, since the one you bought last season may not be reliable after being stored all winter. If your pH level needs adjusting, apply either pH PLUS or pH MINUS according to the label directions. The ideal comfort level ranges from 7.2 - 7.8.

4) ADJUST TOTAL ALKALINITY.
You'll need a total alkalinity kit for this, but check with us first or your local dealer since we can tell you whether or not there is an alkalinity problem in your area. Correcting total alkalinity is easy, and we stock the appropriate products to help you do this. Just remember to test weekly and maintain total alkalinity at 100 - 130 ppm.

5) SUPERCHLORINATE. As your pool must be superchlorinated weekly it must also be superchlorinated when the pool is opened. To superchlorinate, you simply add 1 litre of liquid chlorine per 10,000 litres of water. If you are using dry chlorine add 10 ounces per 10,000 litres of water.

6) STABILIZE. If you are using stabilizing chlorine on a daily basis you will only have to add stabilizer to your pool water when you refill your swimming pool. If you are using unstabilized chlorine you will have to add stabilizer on a continuous basis. The best way to check your water for stabilizer is to have your chemical dealer check it.