Pool Opening Tips

Pool Opening Tips

Starting up a new pool, or opening an existing one can be easy. Consult Barbi-Lin Pools for any additional information concerning your particular pool.

Remove the winter cover after eliminating all debris and water from the cover’s surface. Large amounts of water may be siphoned off, but be careful not to drain the pool. Tears or small pinholes resulting from normal wear and tear may allow the water in the pool to be siphoned off with the excess water on top of the cover. Clean and protect the cover; spread the cover on a flat surface and clean it using E-Z Clor Winter Cover Cleaner and then allow it to dry completely. Store the cover in a dry, cool place.

For above-ground pools, attach connector hoses to skimmer, pump and filter and then remove winter plugs. Remove the winter plugs and Gizzmo from the returns and eyeballs of in-ground pools.

Check the filter media. Most manufacturers recommend filter media change every 2 to 3 seasons. Barbi-Lin Pools stocks filter sand and Zeobrite Filter Media. For information on how to change your filter media ask Barbi-Lin Pools.

Replace the skimmer basket, pump strainer basket and return "eyeballs". Check the o-ring or gasket around the pump strainer lid. The gasket should be pliable and free from splits or cracks. Lubrication with a silicone or Teflon lubricant such as Magic Lube or Hayward’s Jacks Lube will extend the life of o-rings and gaskets and maintain a superior seal. DO NOT lubricate rubber seals with Vaseline. Petroleum Jelly will degrade rubber gaskets and cause them to stretch and deteriorate. Replace the drain plugs on the pump and filter. Make sure the gaskets are on the plugs and in good condition. Fill the pump strainer basket with water and secure the lid.

Fill the pool. Add water up to the pool level recommended by the manufacturer (usually halfway up the skimmer). Remove leaves and large debris from the pool bottom with a leaf-cleaning device, such as a leaf rake or leaf vac. If there is a lot of fine debris on the pool bottom, overfill the pool to allow for vacuuming to waste. This will keep debris from entering the sand filter and possibly causing problems later on.

Inspect all equipment including pump, filter, heater, diving board, and chlorinator for proper installation and operation. Set your filter valve on the "filter" position. Turn on the breaker to the pump at your breaker box.

Should you need to remove excessive debris from the pool bottom, vacuum to waste before adding chemicals.

For chlorine treated pools add Super Shock-It, E-Z Clor Algaecide or Algaecide Plus to the pool as recommended. Place the recommended number of E-Z Clor Big Tabs in the skimmer basket or chlorinator. Pools using Clear Comfort or other non-chlorine sanitizers should add those chemicals in amounts recommended by the manufacturer. Instruction sheets with recommended dosages, etc. are available from Barbi-Lin Pools.

Run the filter system for at least twenty-four hours. During this time, brush the walls and vacuum the pool bottom. Use a quality vinyl cleaner such as E-Z Clor Wash ‘N’ Wipe or Cling & Clean to clean the top of the liner above the water line and any other exposed surfaces. Never use an abrasive cleaner (Soft Scrub, Ajax, etc.) as these abrasives will damage the liner surface.

Replace your pool’s safety rope, ladder and handrails. Inspect the ladder treads for any breaks or loose bolts. Make sure that the rubber ladder bumpers are inserted before placing the ladder into the pool. Failure to do this can damage your liner!

Take a water sample to Barbi-Lin Pools. After analyzing the sample, Barbi-Lin will provide complete instructions on how to stabilize and balance your pool’s water. Barbi-Lin Pools uses professional water testing equipment to determine which chemicals are needed to get your pool water off to the right start. Proper pool maintenance includes frequent poolside testing of the pool water using a test kit or AquaChek Test Strips.

Starting your pool off right and then continuing with a regular weekly regimen will make owning your pool easier and more enjoyable. Ask Barbi-Lin Pools for a "Pool Care – Made Easy" sheet for your size pool. These handy sheets outline a complete maintenance schedule for your pool, taking away all the guesswork!

These opening tips are provided for your convenience. However, if you do not fully understand, or you are unsure of how to properly open your pool, you should consult a professional. Follow all directions as indicated on individual product packaging. Barbi-Lin Pools, Inc. can have an independent service technician contact you regarding pool opening service, if you choose. The information provided herein is for education only. Barbi-Lin Pools, Inc. cannot be held responsible for problems arising from treatments or advice provided. Use constitutes agreement to these terms.