How To Open Your Above Ground Pool
Every spring brings that time: time to open your above ground pool for the swimming season of summer. It has been a cold, hard winter, and it feels like so long ago that your pool was open and the water was glistening. This easy guide will get your above ground pool open and going in no time at all.
1. Start by siphoning off any water that may be collected atop your cover of the pool. if you plan to use an electric suck pump, it is best to put a plastic frisbee or similar item between the pump and the cover.
2. Carefully remove any twigs and other debris from the top of the cover.
3. Disconnect and take off the cover cable from the ratchet.
4. Take off any cover clips and water tubes.
5. Take Off the cover slowly. Be careful not to let any debris that is on top of the cover fall into the pool as you slip off the cover.
6. Take off the pillow by detaching its string. Deflate the pillow.
7. Take out any leaves and sticks or other debris 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 imperative that the water level 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 proper working condition.
11. Install the pump onto its base. Fasten it with two pump mounting screws.
12. Attach 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, attach the return hose from the filter to the chlorinator. Then, connect the return hose to the outlet.
18. Make sure that all hose clamps are securely attached.
19. Be certain that the lid cover on the pump is secured tightly.
20. Use the removal tool to remove the winter plug from the return fitting. Then take off the aquadoor, or ice-plate, from the skimmer.
21. Be sure that all the screws on the skimmer are secure.
22. Attach the eyeball return fitting. Be certain that the fitting parts are all assembled before installing. Once they are installed, remember to point the fitting at a downward angle.
23. Attach the skimmer weir and skimmer basket.
24. If your pool if in or against a deck, insert the ladder into the flanges on the deck’s surface. If your pool does not have a deck, install an A-frame ladder. If you plan to use drop-in stairs, first put sandbags into the stair unit, then put the stairs into the water until they are fully submerged. Insert 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 have 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. Turn 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.
Now you are done. You may now swim in the pool. Have fun and enjoy the water.
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