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Frequently Asked Questions About Swimming Pools
One of the most common questions we receive each year is,
"How do I open and close my swimming pool?"
The following checklist is a step-by-step run down on how to perform both of these tasks.
And as always, if you have any questions please feel free to call.
OPENING - ABOVEGROUND POOL
- Use leaf rake to remove all leaves and debris from cover.
- Remove water from top of cover using a submersible pump or a siphon method.
- Remove cover, clean well, & store.
- Remove plugs from the return jets.
- Replace eyeball fittings into returns to insure correct water circulation.
- Replace skimmer basket into position.
- Reconnect any lines that have been disconnected for winterizing.
- Start to refill pool.
- Once water is half way up skimmer, put filter into WASTE position (Pump will prime easier).
- Start pump and run until primed.
- Shut pump off, put filter into BACKWASH position, start pump. Allow 5 minutes for circulation.
- Shut pump off once again, and put valve dial to FILTER position for normal operation. Turn pump back on.
- Add opening chemicals; let water circulate for 24 hours.
- Bring in water sample to be tested.
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OPENING - INGROUND POOL
Cover Removal
- Insert garden hose under cover and start to re-fill pool.
- Use a leaf rake to remove all leaves and debris from the cover.
- Remove water from top of cover using a submersible pump or a siphon method.
- Remove most of the water and leaves from the cover. The more you remove, the easier it will be for you to pull the cover back.
- Two people, one on either side, pull the cover from the deep end to the shallow end-for easier access to remove last bit of water and leaves.
- Use a pail to bail out the remaining water-pull the cover off.
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Cover Clean Up
- Lay cover out on a flat surface for cleaning (i.e. Driveway or lawn).
- If it is a hot day, be careful you don't burn your grass.
- Use the product "Stow-Away" to scrub the cover clean. This product will protect the cover from mildew
and bacteria formation. It will also allow you to store your cover away damp.
- Roll cover up ready for storage.
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Water Bags
- Empty water from bags; do not empty into pool.
- Check for holes or broken seams, make a note of how many bags need replacement.
- Use the product "Stow-Away" to scrub up the water bags.
- Roll the water bags up for storage. Do not fold as this leads to punctures and tears.
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Installation of Deck Equipment (Ladder Installation)
- Make sure ladder bumpers are installed correctly or liner damage will occur (Replace bumpers if necessary).
- Insert ladder into anchor sockets in the deck. Make sure ladder is level and secure.
- Tighten wedges-don't over tighten, just make them snug.
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Pool Start-up
- Start by removing all plugs from the return jets.
- Replace eyeball fittings into returns to ensure correct water circulation.
- Remove plugs and winterizing equipment from skimmer, replace skimmer basket and weir where applicable.
- Next, move to filter pad.
- Replace all drainage plugs that have been removed from equipment.
- Reconnect pressure switch in heater if applicable.
- Make sure all suction lines are once again full of water.
- Fill pump with water and seal lid. Start system up.
- Start filter in Waste position-pump will prime easier.
- Run for 5 minutes, shut pump off and then change to Backwash position for 5 minutes.
- Shut pump off, put dial valve in filter position for normal operation.
- Start-up pool and let water circulate for 24 hours.
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CLOSING - ABOVEGROUND POOL
- Add you winterizing chemicals to the pool water.
- Lower your pool water 1" to 2" below your return jets.
- Take return jet eyeball out.
- Take skimmer basket out and store.
- Disconnect hoses from your skimmer to pump.
- Disconnect hose from your pump to filter.
- Disconnect hose from your filter to return jet.
- Remove drain cap from the bottom of your filter. Keep off all winter.
- Store your pump indoors. Your sand filter is OK to remain outside.
- Place winter cover on pool. Pull rope by hand and lock in place with winch.
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CLOSING - INGROUND POOL
Materials Required
- Wet/Dry vacuum
- Submersible pump
- Approximately 10' of foam rope
- 3 winterizing plugs
- 1 skimmer GIZZMO
- Approximately 10-13 waterbags
- Eyelet remover
- Closing chemicals
- Non-toxic anti-freeze and funnel
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- Add closing chemicals to pool water and let circulate for a few hours.
- Lay water bags around the pool, end to end.
- Using a garden hose, fill waterbags ½ full.
- Using a submersible pump, take water level down just below the return jets.
- Shut the pool pump off, turn off hydro and disconnect fuse.
- Remove two drain plugs from pump and basket housing located at front and side of pump.
- Remove lid and lint basket for storage. Remember to remove ladder and diving board!!!
- Remove pressure gauge from filter head.
- Remove drain plug or cap from bottom of filter.
- If You Have A Heater:
- Turn off gas
- Turn in pepcocks and leave turned in all winter.
- Open pressure release valve and leave open all winter.
- Remove pressure switch (inside heater).
- If not covered, remove chimneystack.
- Remove eyelets from returns.
- Remove skimmer basket and vac cap out of skimmer.
- Using 4' length of foam rope folded in half, insert into main drain line.
- Put one winterizing plug in main drain hole.
- Using wet/dry vac, vacuum all water out of the skimmer line.
- Using 4' of foam rope, folded in half, insert into a suction line.
- Insert GIZZMO into suction line hole.
- Vacuum out return lines by holding vac up to hole until no more water comes out.
- Using 1' of foam rope, folded in half, put in return line.
- Put winterizing plugs in each hole, screw until tight.
- Pull winter cover over pool, leaving cover lying on top and loose.
- Lay water bags end for end around perimeter of pool on cover.
- Add 1 gallon of non-toxic anti-freeze - half in return lines, half in skimmer.
- Return Lines: Add through top of multiport valve using funnel.
- Skimmer Lines: Add through pump using funnel.
- Take all parts that have been removed and store indoors.
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