How to Open Your Above Ground Pool

Prepare to open your above ground pool effortlessly using the basic pool supplies listed below. Our straightforward instructions, courtesy of The Pool Factory's Above Ground Pool Experts, will guide you through the process with ease. From prepping your pool to treating the water, these simple steps can be used for both above ground and semi inground pools.

Spring Start-Up Kit

Chlorine Tablets

Pool Shock

Pool Algaecide

Chlorine Stabilizer

Alkalinity Increaser & Decreaser

PH Plus & PH Minus

Filter Media

Pool Test Kit

Filter Cartridge

Steps to Open your Swimming Pool

Step 1

Remove the Winter Pool Cover and Air Pillow:

• Use a pool cover pump to remove any water that may have accumulated on top of the winter cover. Pool cover pumps can be found here → Pool Cover Pumps
• Once the water is removed from the cover remove any debris that you find on the cover.
• Carefully remove the pool cover.

Step 2

Clean and store the Winter Pool Cover:

• Allow the Winter Cover to dry completely before folding or rolling it up for storage.

Step 3

Reconnect pool equipment:

• Lubricate O-Rings included with your equipment (filter, pump, and chlorinator). O-Ring Lubricant can be found here → Lube Tube O-Ring Lubricant-Sealant 1.oz
• Reconnect the pool pump, filter, and any other disconnected equipment.
• Inspect filter hoses and connections for any signs of damage and replace if necessary. Replacement filter hoses can be found here → Filter Hoses

Step 4

Remove the skimmer winterizing plate from the skimmer opening and remove the winter plug from the pool return opening.

• If you are removing the Skimmer Winterizing Plate (Plastic) you must reinstall the original screws that were inlcuded with your thru-wall skimmer. Replacement skimmer screws can be found here →  WideMouth Skimmer Replacement Screw Set
• If you are removing the Stainless Steel Skimer Winter Plate you will reinstall the same screws into the Skimmer Face Plate.
• If you are using the Aquador Winter Skimmer Plate, simply remove the plastic cover from the face plate.
• Reinstall threaded return eyeball fitting that was removed before installing plug.

Step 5

Check and adjust water level:

• Fill the pool to the proper water level if needed. The first screw down from the top of the skimmer is a good marker to see if you need to add any water. How to Determine the Proper Water Level in Your Pool

Step 6

Clean and vaccum the pool:

• Use a pool brush to clean the pool walls and floor. Pool Maintenance Kits can be found here → Pool Maintenance
• Vacuum the pool or use an Automatic Pool Cleaner to remove any remaining debris. Automatic Pool Cleaners can be found here → Automatic Pool Cleaners
• Remove leaves and debris from the skimmer basket.

Step 7

Begin running the filtration system:

• Turn on the filter system allowing the water to circulate.

Step 8

Test the pool water:

• Use a Test Kit to check the pool water chemistry, including pH, Alkalinity, Chlorine Stabilizer (Cyanuric Acid) and Free Chlorine levels. Test Kits can be found here → Test Kits

Step 9

Balance the water chemistry:

• Adjust pH and Alkalinity levels as needed. pH and Alkalinity balancers can be found here → Pool Chemicals
• Here are the optimal pH and Alkaline levels: pH - 7.2 to 7.6 |Total Alkalinity - 80 to 120 ppm

Step 10

Add Spring Start Up Kit:

• Add contents of the Spring Start Up Kit following manufacturer's instructions on the label (Includes 3 lbs of Maintain Pool Pro Multi Purpose Shock, 2 lbs Spring Start-Up Powder, 2 lbs Sequestering Agent)
• Allow the filter system to run for at least 24 hours to circulate and filter the pool water.

Spring Start Up Kit for Chlorinated, Pool Frog, or Saltwater Pools up to 25,000 Gallons

Add To Cart

Spring Start Up Kit for Chlorinated, Pool Frog, or Saltwater Pools up to 25,000 Gallons

Add To Cart

Step 11

Add Algaecide:

• Add pool Algaecide following the manufacturer's instructions on the label to remove and prevent algae growth. Algaecide can be found here → Algaecide

Step 12

Allow the chlorine level to decrease from shock:

• Use a test kit to make sure chlorine level is in the safe range. A good chlorine level is between 1.0 and 3.0 parts per million (ppm)
• Add Chlorine Stabilizer at a rate of 2 lbs per 6,000 gallons of pool water. Stabilizer can be found here → Chlorine Stabilizer

Step 13

Add 3" Chlorine Tablets:

• Add 3" Chlorine Tablets to a floating tablet dispenser or an automatic chlorinator. 3" Chlorine Tablets can be found here →  Chlorine Tablets
• Generally, you will need 2-3 tablets per week for every 10,000 gallons of pool water.
• Chlorine usage will vary based on pool size, weather, bathing load, etc.
• Continue to monitor the pool water chemistry regularly and make adjustments as needed.

About The Pool Factory

America’s Above Ground Pool Experts – is the best place to find everything you need to make owning a swimming pool or spa fun and easy, at the best prices today. With a combined 50+ years of experience The Pool Factory employs a highly trained staff of above ground and semi inground pool specialists. The Pool Factory can provide unique solutions for all pool supplies and swimming pool needs.