Seasonal Swimming Pool Opening Instructions
Posted: Monday, May 26, 2008
by Daniel Osko
Bubbas Pools
By following the provided instructions, you will be able to professionally open your pool for the swimming season.
Required Tools
a) Standard Screw Driver
b) Phillips Screw Driver
c) Ratchet Set
e) Plumber Pliers
f) Sump Pump
g) Extension Cord
h) Garden Hose
i) Five Gallon Bucket
j) Leaf Rake or Leaf Net
k) Push Broom
l) Pool Vac & Accessories
Basic Required Chemicals
a) Pool Shock
b) Algaecide
c) Chlorinating Tablets
Required Accessories
a) Filter System
b) Pool Ladder or steps
c) Chlorine Float Dispenser or Automatic Chlorinator
Step One - Winter Cover and Pillow/Float Removal
Remove any debris from pool cover by use of a leaf rake or leaf net attachment.
Remove any excess water from winter cover via Sump Pump. (make sure your not draining the pool)
Remove winter cover, clean with water and push broom, let dry and then fold for storage.
Remove any pool pillows or floats from water, wash off, deflate, let dry and fold for storage.
Step Two - Filtration System Hookup
If your filter is not disassembled, disassemble it now.
Empty old sand, or DE powder or filter cartridge.
Clean entire system of all debris with a hose or power washer.
Carefully inspect all internal parts for cracks. If a part is cracked, replace it.
Check all seals and O-rings for dry rot and/or distortions. Replace if needed.
Inspect all hoses, fittings, lids and gauges. Replace as needed.
Replace sand or filter cartridge. (DE powder will be replaced later)
Reassemble filter system. Use Vasoline or O-ring lubricant on all gaskets and lids!
Use 2 wraps of Teflon tape on all fittings as required.
Hook up filtration system to your pool structure.
Step Three - Water Level and Chemical Additions
Remove any large debris from water with a skimmer attachment. (leafs, sticks, toys, etc..,)
Fill pool with water until the water level is 1 to 1-1/2" below the top of your thru-the-wall skimmer.
Add the appropriate amount of shock treatment to the pool water, as prescribed on the packaging.
(I suggest using a 5 gallon pail to mix shock, a little at a time, and disperse about the pools water).
Add the appropriate amount of Algaecide to the pool water, as prescribed on the packaging.
Add chlorine to your floating dispenser or Automatic Chlorinator.
If you use DE powder, use a 1lb coffee can and distribute powder to skimmer with filter on.
Run your filter for the appropriate time to circulate all water at least once.
(see your pool or liner documentation for your pools water holding capacity)
(see your filter documentation for flow rate, gpm and calculate time needed to circulate water once)
Step Four - Vacuuming
Make certain the shock treatment has taken effect and all debris is laying on the pools bottom.
Hook up your vacuum system.
Slowly vacuum the pools bottom in forward motions, slowly lift vacuum and bring back towards you.
Back wash your filter system on the waste setting as needed.
Continue this process until the entire bottom is cleaned.
Fill again to appropriate water level, if necessary.
To remove stains on your liners side wall, use a mild detergent or pool cleaner and a soft sponge.
Step Five - Ladder and/or Step Installation
Thoroughly clean all steps and ladders with a mild detergent and water.
Place a carpet or rubber mat under all steps or ladders.
(This will help protect the liner from premature wearing or tearing).
Install ladder or steps via manufacturers specifications.
Step Six - Pool Tips
Store covers and pillows in a dry area away from sunlight.
Use an Automatic Chlorinator in conjunction with an electrical timer on your filter system.
(this will deliver the correct dosage of chlorine to your pools water daily, and save you money!)
Never swim with the filter system running, water and electricity simply don't mix.
Do not overdose your pool with chemicals, it will greatly effect your liners lifespan.
Never dive in a pool, unless it is an inground with the correct depth.
Never leave a child unattended.
Never leave access available to your pool if your not there.
Never completely drain your pool or your liner will probably shrink and need to be replaced.
Hey, You're Finished! Congratulations, you just saved money while doing a professional job!
Best Regards,
Daniel Osko
Bubbas Pools and More!
Web Site: www.bubbaspools.comEmail: Questions@BubbasPools.com
Best Regards,
Daniel Osko
Bubbas Pools and More!
Web Site: www.bubbaspools.comEmail: Questions@BubbasPools.com
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)Very helpful. Thanks for sharing.Always here to help!Best Regards,Dan OskoBubbas Bazaar Pools and More!
I found your site last year and was very excited, I have a very large above ground pool and it was here when we bought the house., It has a drain in the center and of course on on the side of pool. I read a question and answer, where you explained how it was not necessary and would like to review the answer. My brother n law helpes me and he doesn't understand why we shouldn't run both at the same time I am having a hard time explaining it to him I think he would understand it better if he could see it for himself. Hope you can help me . My pool is 21 by 42.Hi Brenda,The use of a single bottom drain is DANGEROUS. Especially to small children. These drains can be lethal via their suction. It is now NSPA law that a new pool or any pool requiring a liner replacement must either eliminate the single center drain or add an additional center drain to eliminate this danger. Many states also have passed this law.It is my opinion that using a single drain is foolish and adding an additional drain is cost prohibitive. Therefore, elimination is the most pratical method.Hope this helps,Dan OskoBubbas Pools and More!Dan, just want to say thanks for all the great help you give to everyone. I have put your site on my desk top and can get here when ever I have a question now. I can tell you it is awesome to have someone like you that is really in the know about pools. Thanks for the helpBrendaYour most welcome Brenda.., and Thank You!Dan OskoBubbas Pools and More!"Always here to help"
Hi Bubba, I am in the process of replacing my 30' above ground overlap, following your instructions. However, my boyfriend and I got into a huge fight because he says there is no way we can get the liner in without getting in the pool. He says we'll either collapse the sides or cut the liner. I'm concerned about making divots in the sand because I'm convinced that the excessive deep sink holes the pool had is what cused the liner to split. Is it really possible to put such a large liner in without getting inside pool walls? If so, do you have any tips for doing so? Thank-you, KarenHi,Apparently your boyfriend didn't read the instructions, You do not get in the pool to install the liner. You unfold it from the outside of the pool and spread it out and then start attaching it to the wall. Check out my website for more info and pictures.Hope this helps,Dan OskoBubbas Pools
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