DIY Pool Opening Instructions
Opening An Inground Pool
Poly Cover (Tarp) Removal
Start by siphoning the water off the cover with a garden hose or cover pump. Refill the pool water simultaneously by pumping the water from the cover into the pool or by refilling it with your faucet/garden hose. This is necessary as the weight from the water on the cover has forced water out of the overflow fitting. When the water is off the cover, the water level should be at operating level (¾ of the way up the skimmer faceplate).
Remove all leaves and debris from the cover using your leaf net or leaf rake.
Empty the water from the water tubes and roll them up to store.
Remove the cover; wash down and dry as best you can (do not let the cover dry on the lawn as it will burn the grass).
Fan fold the cover and store it with the water tubes.
Safety Cover Removal
Remove the springs from the anchors with your installation/removal tool.
Take the cover off the pool; fan fold and store in the mesh bag (hanging the bag will help the cover dry faster and potentially keep critters from getting to the cover).
Remove all of the brass inserts in the deck.
Hose or vacuum out the anchor holes and lightly spray the inserts with WD-40 or a silicone spray.
Reinsert the anchors, turning them down entirely with the hex head tool.
Pool & Filter Start-Up Instructions
Remove all winterizing plugs from the returns.
Remove gizmos from the skimmers.
Replace directional eyeballs, skimmer baskets, ladders, and handrails. Make sure ladder bumpers are on tightly.
Replace the plugs in the pump housing and tighten all unions (don’t forget your salt generator and heat pump, if applicable).
Install the pressure gauge, sight glass, and filter drain plug.
If the filter cartridges/grids were removed in the fall, reinstall them in the tank and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Prime the pump, tighten the lid and start the filter system.
Sta-Rite Cartridge Filter
Reinstall your clean cartridges.
Tighten the side clamps and bottom drain plug
Leave the air relief open until all of the air is expelled (once the water starts coming out of the air relief), then tighten the air relief.
Sand & D.E. Filters
You may need to backwash and rinse several times to catch a prime in the pump. Click here for specific backwashing instructions.
Return the multiport handle to the “Filter” position and start the pump. If using a D.E. filter, add the required amount of diatomaceous earth. The correct amount can be found in the backwashing instructions linked above.
Note your pressure gauge reading (remember to backwash again when your pressure gauge reading increases by 10 psi). Backwash for one minute and rinse for 30 seconds, then return the multiport handle to the “Filter” position. If using a D.E. filter, add the required amount of diatomaceous earth through your skimmer.
NOTE: Always turn the multiport handle clockwise.
Water Chemistry
Super chlorinate the pool water with 1 lb. per 10,000 gallons of Super Shock-It, and add 1 qt. of EZ-Clor algaecide or, 8 oz. of EZ-Clor Mustard Algae Plus per 10,000 gallons (if the pool has algae).
Let the pool run for at least 24 hours, and bring a water sample to the retail store.
Important Safety Notice
D.E. filter tanks are fitted with a band clamp, and cartridge filters are fitted with knobs; all must be secured before starting the pump. Built-up high pressure in the tank could cause the tank to separate and blow apart. A loose clamp could cause permanent injury or death.
Above Ground Pool Opening Instructions
As the ice on the cover thaws, slowly pump off the water while replenishing displaced water inside the pool. It is essential to maintain your pool water level to ¾ way up the skimmer. Be sure when filling the pool to have your winter plug in the skimmer to ensure that the water is not draining out of the skimmer hose.
Loosen the winch, leaving the cable loosely on the cover, then slide the cover off of the pool. Deflate the pillow (if used) and remove it. Scrub the cover thoroughly on both sides and allow time to dry; fold to store. While waiting for the pool to fill, clean the bathtub ring on the liner and clean the top seats.
Check the hoses for any winter damage. Reconnect pool-to-filter hoses (skimmer line to pump, inlet line to return side of the filter multiport) and backwash line.
Replace the drain plugs to the pump strainer, the drain plug at the filter tank, the pressure gauge, and the sight glass.
Be sure all drain plugs are wrapped with Teflon tape and all o-rings are lubricated with an o-ring lubricant before assembly. Never use Vaseline, as this will deteriorate the O-rings.
Replace the pump strainer basket, then close the lid tightly.
Remove the 1 ½” winter plug from the inlet, and replace it with the directional eyeball.
Install the weir door (flapper door) in the skimmer and the basket.
Check the filter and the pump for any leakage.
When the pool is full, remove the 1 ½” winter plug from the skimmer and start the filtration system; check for leakage and allow the pool to circulate for a few minutes. On a cartridge filter, clean the cartridge thoroughly and install it after checking for any winter damage. On a sand filter, turn the pump off, move the multiport handle to the “Backwash” position, then turn the pump on for 30 seconds. Next, turn the pump off and move the multiport handle to the “Rinse” position. Turn the pump on for 10 seconds. Turn the pump off again, and move the multiport handle back to the “Filter” position. Always move the multiport handle clockwise.
Add 1 lb. of granular shock per 10,000 gallons through the skimmer to the super chlorinate pool. Then add 1 qt. of algaecide per 20,000 gallons around the pool perimeter.
Replace the ladder or steps, accessories, and all safety equipment.
When the water is clear, backwash the sand filter or clean the cartridge in your cartridge filter again, then vacuum the entire pool.
Restarting your Nordic Spa
Normally all union connections will be reconnected and tight on all pumps and the heater barrel, but if they were left disconnected simple reconnect and make sure that all the pump drain plugs are secure. Fill the tub with water above all the jets and turn the power to the hot tub on and run the pump on high speed for 10 minutes. This will help flush the residue of the antifreeze out of the plumbing.
Next drain the tub, clean the sides with an approved cleaner, place your filter back into the filter canister re-fill your tub and balance your chemicals.
We recommend using Leisure Time Jet Clean to clean out the jets of any organic residue or algae left inside the plumbing. If you decide not to use the Jet Clean just be aware that you may notice more foaming than normal when you first start using your tub, this can be reduced with anti-foaming agents and generally gets better over the first week or two of usage as the filter removes the anti-freeze and organic residue left behind after rinsing and cleaning.
Make sure you check your filter at least once per week and rinse it out as needed for the first few weeks. You may also find it necessary to soak your filter in a filter cleaner after a few days, depending on the level of contaminant left in the tub after the restart
A Couple Of Things To Be Aware Of
When a tub is drained and left empty, o-rings and pump seals can dry out and lessen their ability to seal properly. You should closely inspect for small leaks in the equipment area following your restart. If you are unsure of the location of the o-rings and pump seal, contact the retail store for help. If replaced early, the damage caused by these failures can be less expensive to fix.
Before using your hot tub, you must get your water tested. Having a balanced hot tub is a healthy hot tub! You won’t be using unnecessary chemicals, you will reduce the development of algae and cloudy water.