Introduction
I live in upstate New York and have a rectangular in-ground vinyl lined pool. I use chlorine tablets and have a Diatomaceous Earth filter. I also have a natural gas fired heater in the pool. I can usually swim from mid-May through the end of September. My pool is older so it still has a bottom drain. The newer pools have a return line in the bottom drain.
Opening
I usually start opening the pool in early May. My criteria for opening is the second day of the spring to rise above 80F. I have a loop lock cover and fold the cover from one end to the other. This prevents any debris on top of the cover from falling into the pool. The filter plugs and other small parts are kept in the strainer basket.
(All pools are different, discuss these instructions with your pool service professional for your pool.)
Removing the cover
This can be removed with just one person. The important Start at one end of the pool and remove the springs from the end and one on each side. Fold the cover over so that the seam is at the second side anchors. Remove the spring from one side and fold one half way over. Unhook the spring on the opposite side and fold the rest of the way over. Continue down each side in the same manner. When you get to the last side anchor make sure the cover is completely out of the pool before disconnecting. The anchors are usually tightened with an Allen Wrench. Caution before you tighten them, remove and vacuum out the hole and anchor otherwise grit can cause the anchors to jam. Tighten the anchors so that are flush with the concrete.
Starting the Pool Pump
- Note: (Each system may be slightly different and it is best to check with your pool service)
1. If there is large debris (leaves branches, dead animals), remove those prior to starting of pump.
2. Install pool ladders and stairs
3. Reinstall the plugs for the pump and filter. Reinstall the pressure gage on top of the filter.
4. Fill pool so that water level is a half way up the skimmer.
5. Remove plugs from the following locations
• Return lines in pool
• Skimmer
• Inlet to strainer basket at suction of pump
• Open skimmer line valve
• If you have a bottom drain make sure that is closed as well.
6. Open the cover to the strainer basket on the filter. Remove any debris in the strainer. If the strainer basket was removed, reinstall Overfill pool suction strainer with water. This will fill the line to the skimmer.
7. Close the cover to pump suction basket.
8. Open filter bypass (this is also the recirculation valve position on a 5-way valve)
9. Install skimmer basket
10. Turn on pool pump, wait about a minute for water to come out of the return lines to the pool.
a. If the water does not start or the pool pump is making unusual noise, turn off the pump and check with pool service professional
11. Turn off pump
12. Close filter bypass and open filter valve (this is also the filter valve position on a 5-way valve)
13. Turn on pump
14. Install water jet fittings on return lines.
15. Add filter aid in skimmer according to manufacturer’s instructions.
16. Let pool run for 4-8 hours.
17. Grab a small sample of water and bring it to pool service to get water tested.
18. Add chemicals and additives as directed by pool supply.
19. Once chemicals are added and pool has been running, you can turn the heater on the pool.
20. If you are opening it in the spring, the use of a solar cover is recommended especially at night.
Heating & Solar Covers
I have a gas water heater and can usually raise the water temperature at 1 F per hour, so raising it from 55 degrees F to 80F takes about 25 hours. I have a rated 200,000 BTU/hr. heater so @ 20,000 gallons this would require 4,170,000 BTU (20,000 lb./ gal X 8.34 lb./gal * 25 F * 1BTU/hr./F). At 200,000 BTU/hr.) and take 21 hours if there was no loss of heat.
Incidentally, I have a 180,000 BTU/hr. hot water boiler to heat my house, so my pool heater is larger.
I have found there are critical times to use a solar cover. If the humidity is low and the clouds are clear at night. If you don’t use a solar cover on these nights, then there will be evaporative cooling and the water level will drop and the pool will become significantly colder. How much colder depends on the temperature, wind speed, humidity and aeration of the water surface.
In Part 2 – I will discuss chemistry of pool care and pool cleaning