With the unseasonably warm weather this week, perhaps it time to start thinking about routine Spring maintenance. It never hurts to start early so those inevitable surprises cannot delay planned pool opening.
My initial checks include:
- inspect pool tiles, surroundings and gutters for signs of ice or freeze damage;
- check pump room for pipe leaks or leaky valves;
- open sand filters and check sand quality and level;
- open DE filters and check integrity of the grids;
- open cartridge filters and check cartridges for damage or wear;
- check/ run pool pump to ensure well-lubricated bearings and silent operation;
- check transformers and power supplies for water damage or corroded terminals;
- inspect fuse box and ensure operability of trip switches and earth leakage units;
- make preliminary inspection of pool lights and determine lamps that need replacing;
- ensure the pool water is still in pristine condition with no trace of algae.
Any major problems discovered now can be comfortably dealt with well in advance of the swimming season, when pool service is both hard to get and rushed.
Some items to check are or can be;
Filter Tank, Motor Condition, Fillter Media, B.W. Sight Glass, DE or Sand, B/W Valve, Filter Control, Fill Line, Valves/ Multi-Port/ T-Handle, All Valves, Volute/Impellar, Hair Lint Pot/ Housing, Air Release Valve, Chlorinator, Acid Pump, Erosion Feeder, Pool Lights, GFCI Breakers, Are There Leaks, Do All Skimmers Pull, Does the Vac Work, to name a few items.
Wow you just gave me a comprehensive list. Been looking for a complete checklist on pool management and you have just gave me instant answer. Thanks
This is a great list of start up items for residential and commercial applications.
I leave my pool open in the winter, but clean it thoroughly the Spring and still have algae issues. After two weeks of nice, clean, blue water, I suddenly see green stuff growing in my pool. What on earth do I do to get rid of this icky green stuff? HELP!
This is a good maintenance list, if you follow these tips you should have no problems, great post.
Can anyone please e-mail me with info of step by step on what chemicals should I used first when openning my pool for the first time ever . I have no idea what chemical comes first plead help , I just bougth a 5,000 gallon pool I fill it up with water now what chemicals should I poor in first , second , third , fourth and ect . I would appreciated it very much thank you and may god bless u all . Please e-maile with an answer if anyone could help me thank u againg . ( Ricardo-Paulino26@hotmail.com or at rpman69@yahoo.com ) .
Good start up tips.
The Golden Rule- get a liquid or “wet” test kit that covers alkalinity, PH, and Chlorine, then read the instructions. Test Strips are a waste of money.
Rule1- All sanitizers work about the same. Whether you have Chlorine, Bromine, Salt generated Chlorine, or Ozone system… the bottom line is that all pools require maintence to keep them clear and sanitary.
Rule 2- Manage your PH and Akalinity. In 100 degree heat, expect to add about 1 to 2 gallons a week of muratic acid to a 20,000 gallon pool.
Rule 3- Chlorine levels will only stabilize after you have balanced the PH and Akalinity.
Rule 4- Lowering PH and akalinity levels require muratic acid….to drop akalinity, pour the acid straight into the deep end over the filter returns. To drop PH, add acid to 3 gallons of pool water in a 5 gallon bucket then distribute it around the pool. Do not add more than 1/2 gallon per 8 hours in either case.
Rule 5- If your pool burns your eyes…there is not enough “free” chlorine…you need to add more.
Rule 6- If none of the above appeals to you then fill up a water bottle with your pool water and take it to a pool store like leslies or pool warehouse. Buy whatever they tell you that you need and follow the directions.
Rule 7- Once the PH, Alkalinity, and Chlorine levels *without shock treatment” are within range of the insert in your test kit… you are in good shape. BUT- you must test at least once a week during months of heavy use and heat to keep your pool sparkling clear and safe.
Rule 8- Have fun and dont be afraid to do whatever comes to mind once your pool has a balanced PH, Alkalinity, and available chlorine level.
thanks, you shared infomation about pool.
It is important to test your pool water not only when you open your pool, but throughout the course of the summer. The change of the seasons and sun strengths can make a need for more chemicals. Also using a pool cover at night will help keep the heat in.
Good job on the list to check
Aquaman why do you say test strips are a waste of money? Just curious
Remember that when opening a saltwater pool your salt level may read as low if the water temperature is low. The lower the water temperature the higher the slat level needs to be for the salt cell to function properly.
Frank
Don’t forget to have your pool filter cleaned (DE or Cartridge) if you didn’t do this before winter.
Being in the swimming pool business for the past 18 years I couldn’t agree more with your advice!! I’ve never been one to use test strips and I believe using the traditional methods like liquid testers are the most accurate. Good article, good advice!
Thank you for this check list. I want to start next week.
Can you talk about the types of winter covers? and the good and bad
I have a miami pool service company and thankfully we do not have to deal with closing and opening pools but I like this list because it reminds me to set a time on the year to clean up the DE filters.
To get rid of the white crust that forms on the pool tile you need to use an acid base product and some good old scrubbing. I use steel wool and it seems to work the best.
Pool Service Miami
Thanks for the checklist, I’ll definitely be starting soon! 🙂