Every spring brings that time: time to open your above ground pool for the swimming season of summer. It has been a cold, long winter, and it feels like so long since your pool was open and the water was gleaming. This easy guide will get your above ground pool open and running in practically no time.
1. Start by siphoning off all water that might be collected atop your pool’s cover. if you will be using an electric siphon pump, it is a good idea to place a plastic frisbee or similar item between the pump and the cover.
2. Carefully remove any fallen items and other debris from the top of the cover.
3. Disconnect and take off the cover cable from the ratchet.
4. Disconnect any cover clips and water tubes.
5. Remove the cover slowly. Be careful not to let any debris that is atop the cover slip into the pool as you pull the cover off.
6. Take off the pillow by untying its string. Deflate the pillow.
7. Take out any leaves and sticks or other objects from the pool with a skimmer or a leaf net.
8. Expect the water level to be low. This occurs due to ice, evaporation, and water displacement.
9. The water level may be low. Add more. It is important that the level of the water be at half-skimmer. This will be the water level to maintain throughout the pool season.
10. Check your skimmer, pump, and filter to make sure that they are in correct working condition.
11. Install your pump onto its base. Secure it with two pump mounting screws.
12. Connect the ground wire to the pump.
13. Put the filter onto the base.
14. Check to be sure that all rubber o-rings are well-lubricated and not worn out.
15. Tightly attach the connector between the filter and the pump.
16. Securely connect the filter hose from the skimmer to the pump.
17. If you will be using a chlorinator, connect the return hose from the filter to the chlorinator. Then, connect the return hose to the outlet.
18. Be sure that all hose clamps are tight.
19. Be sure that the lid cover on the pump is secured tightly.
20. Take off the winter plug from the return fitting using the removal tool. Then take off the aquadoor, or ice-plate, from the skimmer.
21. Be certain that every screw on the skimmer is tightened.
22. Attach the eyeball return piece. Be sure that the fitting parts are all assembled before you install them. Once they are installed, be sure to point the fitting downward.
23. Attach the skimmer basket and skimmer weir.
24. If your pool if in or against a deck, insert your ladder into the flanges on the deck’s surface. Otherwise, insert the A-frame ladder. If you plan to use drop-in stairs, first put bags of sand into the stair unit, then put the stairs into the water until they are fully submerged. Attach the handrail into the flange of the deck or stairs.
25. Make sure that each electrical connection is grounded.
26. Power on the filter system.
27. If you use a DE filter, insert the necessary amount of DE. Expect to ‘bump’ your filter several times during the first 24 hours of usage.
28. If you use a cartridge filter, make sure to install the filter cartridge.
29. If you use a sand filter, be certain to install the drain plug into the tank. Be sure to properly fill your filter with filter sand. You should replace the filter sand at least every two years.
30. Backwash the filter.
31. Power the pump off.
32. Move the the handle of the valve to the position marked ‘filter’ and turn the pump on.
33. Don’t vacuum your pool for at least 24 hours.
That is all. You may now swim in your pool. Have fun and enjoy the water.
You can find out more about above ground pools and above ground pool vacuums by visiting Bob Washington’s website, where you can find out which above ground pool vacuum would be best for your needs.