POOL OPENING INSTRUCTIONS

1. REMOVE COVER: The first thing to do is to remove the water from the top of the cover. This can be done in several ways:

a. Fill the skimmer and skimmer line with water. Fill the vacuum hose with water and place one end in the skimmer and attach the other to your vacuum head and then place it upside down in the water on top of the cover. You are now ready to start the pump. (See section on pump.) Start up the pump with the line to the skimmer fully open and the main drain closed. Put the filter multiport in the 'drain' or 'waste' position. The water will come out the backwash line. The pump will take a few minutes to prime. This is the same process you use to vacuum the pool. Be careful not to suck up large debris that may clog the lines.

b. Using the above method you can also pump the water back under the cover. To do this you must remove the plugs from the return lines before starting the pump, and put the filter multiport in the 'filter' position. This method is useful in areas where water is expensive or scarce. Be aware that you will need a little more chemicals since rainwater is acidic, very soft and rather dirty. You may want to shock the water on top of the cover before you start.

c. If there is a ravine or depression near your pool, or you have an aboveground pool, you can siphon the water off the cover. Fill your vacuum hose with water. With the help of a friend, throw one end into the water on the cover and the other end into the ravine at the same time

d. You could also rent or buy a pump to use for this purpose, such as a submersible pump, gasoline pump, etc.

When the water is ALL gone and you have scooped out ALL the leaves etc., you are ready to remove the cover. The best way is for two people, one on each side of the pool, to start gathering up the cover. Work from the deep end to the shallow end: if any dirt happens to fall into the pool, it will be in the shallow end. Empty the water bags. Any that have holes in them should be repaired or discarded now, while you still remember which are which. Wash the cover and bags with 'COVER CARE' to clean and preserve them. Roll them up and put them in a safe place for the summer. Ants have been known to destroy covers left under decks etc. Note: Store vinyl covers, especially lockin ones in a garbage pail filled with water and 4l Algon to prevent shrinkage. Plastic covers may be stored dry.

2. ACCESSORIES: Clean the ladders with TLC or TILEX to remove the vaseline from winterizing and any rust. Clean and grease the anchor bolts and then install the ladders. Make sure that the ladder bumpers are in place and in good condition.

Clean the slide and reconnect its water line. If it has lost its shine, ARMORALL or Fibreglass Wax may be used to restore it. While the water level in the pool is down is a good time to clean the liner. Use TLC, TILEX, or VINYL PLUS and a brush or a sponge. Do NOT use household cleansers or scouring pads since this can damage the liner.

3. FILL THE POOL with water to half way up the skimmer.

4. PUMP & FILTER: If your filter sand has not been cleaned in the last year, it is suggested that you use FASTFLO the day before you start the equipment.

First replace the plugs in the pump and the cap or plug on the bottom of the filter, removing the old teflon tape and applying new teflon tape to ensure a good seal. Replace the pressure gauge and the sight glass on the filter being VERY careful not to overtighten the gauge as you can crack the filter valve. If you have a heater, also replace the plugs and/or close the valves on the heater. In a gas heater, reattach the pressure switch to the siphon loop inside the heater. Check and tighten all clamps and check the gate valves; if the gate valves turn too loosely, tighten the packing nut under the handle. Remove the gizzmo/plugs from the skimmer. Remove the plugs from the return lines and reinstall the eyeballs. They should be aimed down and in a direction that will move the water all the way around the pool. Fill the pump with water and turn it on. It may take up to 5 minutes to prime.

5. CHEMICALS: Your pool water should be clear and clean when you remove the cover. The bottom of the pool may be covered with fine sediment that has settled over the winter. Vacuum the pool on 'waste' or 'drain' before swimming.

When the pool is full, let the water circulate for 24 hours and then bring a water sample to the store for testing, to ensure that the hardness, total alkalinity and stabilizer are at the proper levels. Water analysis takes about 5 minutes, is a FREE service, and can prevent future headaches. Please take advantage of it. Free water sample bottles are also available at the store for your convenience.
The pool should then be given a heavy shock, and regular chlorination started. While the water is still cold, you will find you do not need as much chlorine as you normally would. If this seems a little much for you, we offer a complete pool opening service. Phone us for an appointment but please give us lots of notice. May is our busiest month. Our store also carries chemicals, accessories, pool toys and lounges, and a large stock of parts. ADVICE is always FREE. Just drop in or phone. We wish you a safe and enjoyable swimming season and plenty of sunshine.