Be Prepared

Before you get started, make sure you have everything you need to open your pool. You don’t want to be running to the pool shop every time you forget something. Create a checklist and lay everything out. Here is what you’ll need:

• Spring Opening Kit or Chemicals To Open With (Burn Out, Sun Shield, Maybe an Algae Preventative)
• Telescopic Pole
• Skimmer Net
• Vacuum Brush
• Vacuum Hose
• Pool Brush
• Test Kit or Test Strips

Get Your Filter and Pump Running and Keep It Running

Once you open your pool, you could be in for a surprise. It may be dark green, light green, cloudy, or crystal clear. I really hope everyone opens up to a crystal clear pool, but it’s not always the case.

Make sure that once you get the cover off your pool that you focus on getting your filter system up and running. Then, make sure it keeps it running until your pool is clear. After that, you can start running your filter system between 10 and 12 hours a day.

Test Your Water Right Away

You should have test strips or a test kit already on deck and ready to use if you followed my checklist.

Take a sample of your pool water by using a cup, holding it upside down, and putting it in the water elbow deep. Then, turn the cup upright to take the sample. Make sure you take a sample away from your return line.

Use your test kit or test strips to check your pH and chlorine levels. For a more accurate reading (which I highly recommend when you first open your pool), take a sample to your local pool shop do a computerized analysis:

Total and Free Chlorine (or the type of sanitizer you use)
pH and Alkalinity
Chlorine Stabilizer
Calcium Hardness

And metals, espesial if you have used ground water during the water restrictions.