For some, the best way to beat the summer heat is to cool off by jumping into an inground pool. After the winter thaw has subsided, it’s time to open up your pool for the season. 

Recently, this process has become easier than ever before. It can be daunting to figure out how it all works if you’re uncovering one for the first time. Don’t worry; we’ve got your back! 

Below we’ll share with you the information you need when opening the inground pool this season. 

Materials and Tools You’ll Need to Open Inground Pool

Here are the primary supplies and tools that you’ll need to open your pool

Pool Cover Pump

This is a vital tool to have on hand if you’re opening your pool without hiring a professional. You can use this pump to remove excess water from the pool cover so that it’s lighter and easier to remove.

Pool Brush

A pool brush is a great tool to have on hand for when you’re cleaning your pool cover. This tool will help you remove the dirt and debris from the pool cover. 

Pool Net

This tool will help you fish out leaves, twigs, and other debris from the pool cover, so it’s easier to remove. 

Pool Cover Cleaner

A pool cover cleaner is necessary when you are opening up your pool. The water that seeps into the pool cover will accumulate dirt and debris, which can affect how it functions to heat, insulate, and shade the water’s surface.

If you don’t clean or brush these areas regularly, then algae or mold may begin to grow on the surfaces, which strains your inground pool’s hygiene and aesthetic qualities. It would help if you used a pool cover cleaner any time you open up your in-ground pool for the season.

Pool Shock

Pool shock is necessary when opening up your pool. It will help make sure the water has the right amount of chemicals to maintain its balance and stability. Pool shock also helps prevent algae or mold from forming on your in-ground pool, affecting hygiene and aesthetics.

Algaecide

Algaecide is necessary when opening the inground pool this season. Algae and mold can form and grow on top of the pool, which threatens hygiene and aesthetics. Algaecide eliminates algae and mildew to promote safe, clean water for those who swim in it.

This article will provide you with tips and information regarding how to choose a good algaecide for your pool. Do you want to learn about the three C’s of pool maintenance? Click here to find the basic guide to how to keep your pool clean and in good shape.

Chemical Testing Kit

The chemical testing kit is necessary while opening the inground pool. This is so that you can monitor your pool’s chemical levels for safety and prevent any damage to the pool. If the pool becomes too acidic, alkaline, or just plain dirty, it can cause damage to the pool and its surrounding area.

Check out this article. it will discuss the top 10 best pool chemical testing kits, as well as what type of kit you need for your own pool.

Step-By-Step Inground Pool Opening Procedure

Here is a step-by-step guide you need to follow when opening the inground pool for the first time.

Step 1: Clean Your Pool Cover

Clean your cover before opening the inground pool. A dirty pool cover can make it harder to remove, which will delay the process.  

Before you can open your inground pool, you must remove the winter cover. To avoid accidentally dumping anything into the pool, including bacteria that you cannot see, remove the water and debris on top using your pool cover pump and a leaf net.

Allow the cover to air dry, though you may use a fan to expedite the process, and then use your pool brush to remove any residual debris.

Step 2: Remove the Cover

Remove the pool’s cover with care, folding it over in parts until it is entirely off the pool. This is easier to perform with two persons since you can move both sides of the pool cover simultaneously when folding. This method of removing the cover reduces the likelihood of debris falling into the pool. 

Step 3: Clean the Pool Cover

An important step of opening the inground pool is to clean the pool cover with your brush and thoroughly remove any debris and dirt. This is to ensure that you won’t accidentally damage the pool cover. If there is any mold or algae on the cover, you can use your pool cover cleaner to remove it. Afterward, rinse your pool cover using your hose and then place it into a sunny area to dry. 

Once it has dried fully, stash it in a sealed container. In this case, I’ve seen several innovative solutions, such as mobile racks to store the pool cover. The seal is essential in preventing the possible growth of algae or bacteria that may have remained on the pool cover.

“Avoid storing your pool cover on the ground or on the floor of your shed or garage. That simply invites bugs, rats, and other pests to make their summer home in it.”

Matt Giovanisci, founder of Swim University®

Step 4: Refill Your Pool

If you haven’t emptied your pool, it will have lost some water during the winter. The water level will likely be a few inches lower if you use a thick pool cover instead of a thin one, but it is possible that it could be significantly lower. To fill your pool, you can simply use a garden hose 

Step 5: Disconnect All Winterizing Plugs & Other Equipment

The majority of pool owners install winter drain plugs, which you should remove next. You may need to replace skimmer baskets and remove anything else you’ve been using during the winter, such as inflatable cushions that keep pool covers in place.

Step 6: Reinstall Your Deck Equipment

Reassemble your accessories and reinstall them, including the following:

• Pool ladders

• Diving boards

• Step rails

Put some oil on all the bolts to keep them from rusting during the incoming hot summer months.

Step 7: Ready Your Filter and Pump

Before you turn on the filter, perform a pump test to see if there are any leaks. If it runs without any problems, then you can switch the pump on. However, if it starts leaking, you will have to replace some parts, such as O-rings.

Step 8: Turn On Your Pump and Filter System

You should replace your filter and pump drain plugs and other components, including your pressure gauge. Every filter should have one primary drain plug, and your pump may have one or two. 

If you’re operating with a multiport valve, be sure you replace the air bleeder, sight glass, and pressure gauge before using the valve.

IMPORTANT: Make sure the “Filter” setting on your multiport valve is selected.

Smart tip: Make sure your pump housing's lid O-ring is in good shape. Using your fingers, check for cracks in the rubber. If your O-ring is broken or dry, your filter will draw in air, which is bad. If this is the case, it's time to get a new one. If the O-ring appears to be in excellent condition, I recommend using a Teflon-based O-ring lubricant (such as Magic Lube) to ensure a tight seal and easy removal of the pump lid when necessary.

Then, check to see that all drain plugs are firmly in place and that any additional equipment has been properly installed (such as a booster pump, heater, or chlorine dispenser).

Step 9: Clean Up Your Pool

Remove any floating debris with a plastic leaf net attached to a telescopic pole (preferable with a rubber liner). You may use the leaf net to delicately scoop up big amounts of trash from the bottom of your pool if you see any. Make full efforts to clear the water of any debris.

Use a pool brush connected to a telescopic pole to clean the walls and floor of the pool. As a result, your filter will be able to remove the dirt more easily.

Pro tip: Ensure that your valves are set to draw water from the bottom drain. This will assist your pool's filtration in collecting dirt and debris from the floor.

Step 10: Shock Your Pool

Go to your local pool supply store and get an expert analysis of your water. Before adding any more pool chemicals, check to see whether pH and alkalinity are balanced appropriately.

Once you have already balanced the pool water’s chemistry, you may add the appropriate amount of sanitizer (i.e., chlorine, bromine, or Baquacil).

If you have a 20,000-gallon pool, I recommend shocking it twice with 2 pounds of liquid chlorine (or bags) of shock for every 10,000 gallons of water.

Step 11: One Last Check

Allow your pool to run for a minimum of 24 hours before vacuuming away any particles with your manual vacuum. Retest the water using a home testing kit or test strips. If everything checks up and the pool is clear or hazy blue, it’s time to jump in and enjoy yourself!

Pools are an investment in both space and money, so it’s important to take care of them. An in-ground pool is a great luxury for your home but also takes some upkeep. But don’t worry, opening the inground pool it’s not time-consuming or complicated!

If you follow this step-by-step procedure, you should be well on your way to enjoying your pool just as much as the day you first enjoyed it. Wishing you a happy swimming!