How to Open Up Your Swimming Pool for the New Season

Ensuring your swimming pool is ready for the new season is reasonably straight forward and by following these easy Online Pool Chemicals (OPC) guidelines should make life even more straightforward so that you enjoy those long summer days in your outdoor swimming pool.

Commissioning the water at the start of the season

1. Remove any debris and water from the winter cover before removal (this will ensure debris does not fall into the swimming pool on removal), then clean, dry and store the cover ready for its’ next use.
2. Remove any debris from the water with a leaf net, be careful removing any larger objects which may have entered the water during the winter period.
3. Open any valves beneath the water line which may have been closed or de-commissioned.
4. Check there are no obstructions to the drains, inlets and outlets and to the skimmer baskets (pump and pool).
5. Check the water level, it may be necessary either, to top up the water level so that water can be drawn through the skimmers or drain some water if level is too high particularly after very wet weather.
6. Prime the circulation pump, turn it on and check that the filters, skimmers and drains are working correctly. You may find the water discoloured at this stage but do not be concerned as this will clear in time.
7. It is advisable to run the filtration system for 24hrs so that you can check for leaks and that the water has been properly circulated prior to application of chemicals.
8. After 24 hours and when the water level is correct undertake a backwash on the filter.
9. Check the pH and adjust to 7.2 – 7.4; use OPC pH Plus to increase the pH reading or OPC pH Minus to lower the pH reading.
10. Once the correct pH reading has been achieved add OPC Chlorine Shock Granules, we recommend an initial shock dose of 5 – 7 ppm (Parts per Million) of Free Chlorine and maintain this reading for 12 hours with circulation / filtration on. If the Free Chlorine reading drops an additional dose of OPC Chlorine Shock Granules will be required.
11. After 24 hours and whilst the water is still circulating add Summerguard - Copper Algaecide or for concentrated alternative use Klearpool Long Life Copper Algaecide
     dosing near the pool inlet so that thorough circulation is achieved.
12. If, after a further 24 hours the water is cloudy we recommend an application of OPC Pool Sparkle so that water clarity is restored.
13. Don’t forget to cover the swimming pool when not in use.