How to Open Your Own Swimming Pool

If you’re eager to open your swimming pool, check out these tips for a DIY opening. Let’s look at how to open your own swimming pool in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Now that spring is here, and we’re in the middle of April, it’s time to open your pool. This year, more than ever, you may be itching to get it open because it’s been so unseasonably warm. Jumping in the pool sounds just great!

You know, though, that there’s some prep work to do before you can get in your pool. Opening your pool on your own isn’t too hard. Just follow these instructions and be sure to come see us for a water test!

Clean Up Debris

The first thing you want to do is take a look around your pool. Then, follow this checklist:

• Trim trees and bushes so you don’t get debris in the pool.
• Sweep up leaves in your backyard.
• Look around for damage and wear and tear to your pool area.
• Clean and repair deck furniture.
• Check your pool equipment. Clean and repair as needed.

Check Your Pool Chemicals

Next, you want to take stock of your pool chemicals. You want to make sure you have everything you need on hand. If not, come see us; we can help set you up. Here is a checklist of what you need on hand.

Inspect Your Swimming Pool

Now you want to take a long, hard look at your swimming pool. Here are some things to consider while doing so:

• Remove drain or winterizing plugs from the surface skimmers and wall returns.
• Replace your directional fittings.
• Inspect your filter and pump. Replace any worn or damaged parts.
• Look over your pool finish – is there any wear and tear?
• Look inside your pool for damage. Make repairs.
• Check your tile and remove calcium build-up or stains. We can help!
• Did you remove your underwater pool lights? Reattach them now.
• Do you have any cracks in your swimming pool? Call us if you have questions.

Turn on Your Pool Filter

Get your filter up and running. Run it for 12-24 hours to circulate the water.

Test Your Water

Once your filter has run, you can test your water. Don’t add any chemicals until you do so.

You can test your water on your own or bring us a sample. We can then tell you what you need to add.

It’s important to have us professionally test your water when you open your pool. We also recommend you have us do it once a month.

This way, we can properly analyze your pool water with our free Alex system. Then, we’ll tell you how to balance your pool and what you need to add to maintain your water’s pH level, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and chlorine levels.

You will also want to shock your pool. We can also recommend whether you need to add a stabilizer, phosphate remover, metal treatment product, or algaecide before it’s ready for warm weather.

Continue to run the filter for a few days, vacuuming out any debris that has settled. When the water is clear, and the chlorine levels have come down, your pool is ready for swimming! Enjoy your pool!

Final Thoughts on Opening Your Pool

You want to maintain your water’s chemistry throughout the pool season. Test your water weekly and bring us a sample at least monthly. If you’re having issues with cloudy water or algae, please bring us a sample then, too.

Maintaining your pool gives you crystal-clear water all season and prevents poor water conditions.

Finally, sanitize daily, shock routinely/weekly to remove contaminants, and add a small preventative dose of algaecide weekly to prevent algae outbreaks!

And you thought we were done! Nope, here is one more tip: check your filter and return lines for damage, cracks, or leaks. If you have a sand filter, add sand if needed. Have a cartridge filter? Check the cartridge and clean/replace it as needed.

If you ever have questions or problems, please contact us right away!

We proudly carry BioGuard and SpaGuard chemicals.