How To Open Your Above Ground Pool

Every spring brings that time: time to open your above ground pool for the swimming season of summer. It has been a cold, long winter, and it feels like so long since your pool was open and the water was gleaming. This easy guide will get your above ground pool open and running in practically no time.

1. Begin by siphoning off any water that may be laying atop the pool’s cover. if you plan to use an electric suck pump, it is a good idea to put a plastic frisbee or similar item between the pump and the cover.

2. Carefully remove any fallen items and other debris from the top of the cover.

3. Disconnect and take off the cover cable from the ratchet.

4. Take off any cover clips and water tubes.

5. Take Off the cover slowly. Be careful not to let any debris that is on top of the cover fall into the pool as you slip off the cover.

6. Remove the pillow by untying its string. Deflate the pillow.

7. Take out any leaves and sticks or other objects from the pool with a skimmer or a leaf net.

8. Expect the water level to be low. This occurs due to ice, evaporation, and water displacement.

9. The water level may be low. Add more. It is important that the level of the water be at half-skimmer. This will be the water level to maintain throughout the pool season.

10. Check your skimmer, pump, and filter to make sure that they are in correct working condition.

11. Install the pump onto its base. Fasten it with two pump mounting screws.

12. Attach your pump’s ground wire.

13. Put the filter onto the base.

14. Check to be sure that all rubber o-rings are lubricated and not worn out.

15. Tightly attach the connector between the filter and the pump.

16. Securely connect the filter hose from the skimmer to the pump.

17. If you plan to use a chlorinator, attach the return hose from the chlorinator to the filter. Then, connect the return hose to the outlet.

18. Make sure that all hose clamps are securely attached.

19. Be certain that the lid cover on the pump is secured tightly.

20. Use the removal tool to take off the winter plug from the return fitting. Then take off the aquadoor, or ice-plate, from the skimmer.

21. Be certain that every screw on the skimmer is tightened.

22. Attach the eyeball return piece. Be sure that the fitting parts are all assembled before you install them. Once they are installed, be sure to point the fitting downward.

23. Install the skimmer weir and skimmer basket.

24. If your pool if in or against a deck, insert the ladder into the flanges on the deck’s surface. If your pool does not have a deck, install an A-frame ladder. If you plan to use drop-in stairs, first put sandbags into the stair unit, then put the stairs into the water until they are fully submerged. Insert the handrail into the flange of the deck or stairs.

25. Check to be certain that each electrical connection is grounded.

26. Power on the filter system.

27. If you use a DE filter, insert the required amount of DE. You will ‘bump’ your filter multiple times during the initial 24 hours of operation.

28. If you use a cartridge filter, be sure that the cartridge is installed.

29. If you use a sand filter, be certain to install the drain plug into the tank. Be sure to properly fill your filter with filter sand. You should replace the filter sand at least every two years.

30. Backwash the filter.

31. Power off the pump.

32. Move the the handle of the valve to the position marked ‘filter’ and turn the pump on.

33. Don’t vacuum your pool for at least 24 hours.

That’s it. Now your pool is ready to swim in. Enjoy the water and have fun.

You can find out more about above ground pools and above ground pool vacuums by visiting Bob Washington’s website, where you can find out which above ground pool vacuum is best for you.