We recommend that you have your pool opened professionally to ensure that the opening is done properly. If you choose to open your pool yourself, please read and follow these steps carefully. Failure to follow these steps properly may void all warranties on your pool.
- Remove any debris from the winter cover by using a large pool leaf rake.
- Standard Winter Cover:
- When removing the water from the top of a standard winter cover it is imperative that you equalize the pressure from the water table. For instance, if you use a garden hose to siphon the water off the cover then you must use a garden hose to refill the pool by placing the hose under the winter cover simultaneously. THIS MUST BE DONE TO EQUALIZE THE PRESSURE!
- When the cover is free of water, empty the water bags, wash them off, roll them up and store for the summer.
- Remove the winter cover from the pool, clean and condition it then fold end to end for storage.
- Winter Mesh Cover:
- Using the installation tool, place the notched end of the bar over any anchor. Twist the bar until the notch catches the spring and continue to twist the bar with some force until the spring slides up the bar. Remove the spring from the bar and move on to the next anchor. Loosen enough springs until the cover sags into the pool. Now, you can manually remove any remaining springs from their remaining anchors.
- After the springs are all removed, work your way around the pool, lubricating the anchors and threading the inserts back into the anchors. It is recommended that the anchors be lubricated annually. Be careful not to over-tighten the inserts.
- Once all the inserts have been threaded back into the anchors, you may remove the cover from the pool. It is recommended to thread all the inserts down before cover removal; otherwise the cover may get caught on an insert and tear.
- The cover should be laid out on the lawn for a short period of time to allow it to dry. The mesh will dry very quickly. Please note: if the cover remains on the lawn for a long period of time, it may cause the grass to burn.
- After the cover dries, fold and place in the storage bag provided. It is recommended that the cover be stored in a location that rodents will not get to. We recommend hanging it
from the garage or shed rafters.
- Remove all winter plugs and the blowout extension from the return lines and the skimmer. Install the skimmer basket, eyeball directors and weir doors.
- Connect the pump and filter. Our pools are provided with quick connect unions for easy hook-up.
Lubricate all O-rings on the unions with a silicone-based lubricant. Do not use petroleum jelly! - Make sure all the drain plugs are replaced on the pump and the pump basket is in place. Lubricate the seal on the clear pump basket cover. Reinstall the drain plug and the pressure gauge on the sand filters. Fill the pump housing with water, place the clear lid on securely and plug in the pump. NOTE: Sand filters should be started on backwash to flush the sand for the season. D.E. filters must be pre-coated with D.E. after the pump has been running full prime for three minutes.
PLEASE NOTE: It is not unusual for your pump and filter system to struggle to catch “prime” on your
start-up. Should this occur, follow these steps:- Turn the power to the filter system off and remove the pump lid.
- With a large bucket, fill the pump basket with water and secure the lid on the pump quickly.
- Install the diving board, ladders and handrails.
- Vacuum the pool thoroughly.
- Add the opening chemicals included in a good opening kit. Wait 72 hours after the addition of the chemicals then test and adjust the alkalinity, pH, calcium hardness, and stabilizer levels. Please bring in a water sample to the store for a professional water analysis.
NOTE: You will need new reagents or test strips each season! - NATURES2, DUOCLEAR, & FUSION SOFT SALT SYSTEMS: Your Natures2 Mineral Cartridge has to be replaced every season. Mineral Cartridge should be installed after you have balanced your pool water.
- SALT SYSTEMS: Calcium build-up – It is not unusual to have a calcium build-up on the top of your electrode. It is recommended that it be cleaned every spring with either a salt cell cleaner that can be purchased in either retail store or a solution of 1 part Muriatic Acid to 4 parts water. Use a toothbrush to gently scrub away any visible build-up. If you have any questions, please call one of our retail locations for assistance.
- DUOCLEAR, FUSION SOFT & TRUCLEAR SALT SYSTEMS: The salt levels in your pool might have dissipated over the winter. It is recommended that you bring in a water sample to one of our retail locations to have your salt levels checked. Without adding the proper amount of salt to your water, the salt system will not be able to produce sufficient amounts of chlorine for proper sanitization.
PLEASE NOTE: The “add salt” light on your salt system will stay on until your water reaches a minimum
temperature of 70° – even if your salt levels are optimal.
