The Proper Way to Open a Swimming Pool

Once you get the hang of it, opening an in-ground or above ground swimming pool is quite easy.

Depending on your swimming pool, the opening process might be slightly different. But here, we go over the main three steps that swimming pools require for a basic pool opening.

Step 1: Take Off Pool Cover

There are a variety of different cover options for swimming pools, but the most common covers are solid safety covers, mesh safety covers and water bag/tarp covers. Regardless of the cover you use, this is the first step to opening your pool.

If you have a solid safety cover or a water bag/tarp cover, you want to make sure there’s no water on top of the pool cover before you remove it. If there is water on top of these covers, you’ll want to drain it all off using a submersible pump.

If you have a mesh safety cover, you don’t have to worry about water sitting on top of the cover. This is one of the major benefits to having a mesh cover.

Once the cover is off of the pool, you should fold it up as tightly as possible, preparing it for storage. But, before you move the cover into a cover bag – or into storage – let the pool cover dry out for a day or two to prevent mold from growing.

Step 2: Take Out Winter Plugs

The next step is to remove the rubber or threaded plugs you’ll find inside of the inlets and outlets of the swimming pool – also known as the return lines and skimmer lines. Store these plugs in a safe place, because you’ll need them when it comes time to close the pool at the end of the season.

Once the plugs are removed, you can move onto the next step.

Step 3: Turn On Your Pool Pump and Filter System

Before you prime your pump, you want to make sure the pool water is at the appropriate level for filtration. The water level should be halfway up the skimmers in the swimming pool. If you’re not sure what the skimmer is, it’s the rectangle or square that’s located at the top of the pool wall. There’s usually two of them, unless your pool is over 45,000 gallons.

Once you are sure there is enough water in the pool, it’s time to move onto the pump and filter.

First, check to make sure all the valves are in the right position. Next, insert the drain plugs into the pump, filter, and heater. Once all the plugs are in, take the pump lid off and fill the pump housing with water for several minutes. Then, put the lid back on the pump and turn the pump on.

If any air releases on top of the filter, open it until water is coming out and then close it again. Water should start to return to the swimming pool and you should see water filled in the pump housing.

Check for any leaks by the system or air in the system. Once you see the system is operating correctly – without any leaks or air in the system – you are ready to go.

Congratulations, you did it! Your pool is now opened and ready to be cleaned before use.

If you have any questions about your pool or would like to request a service, don’t hesitate to contact us! Pool Service and Management proudly serves the Tri-State Area. We are a residential and commercial pool company headquartered out of Montclair, in Essex County, New Jersey.

Call: 609-954-4327

Email: poolservicecompanymanagement@gmail.com