How to open your above ground pool step by step ?

1) Pool inspection and first cleaning

1. If you kept your mesh cover on the pool all winter, you can now remove it. Do not let the leaves and other residues fall into the pool. Then, clean, dry and store the cover until next Fall.

2. Once the cover is completely removed from your pool, examine the pool’s internal and external structures to make sure it is in good condition.

3. Pick up the bulk of the residue accumulated during the cold season, using a skimmer net or a leaf collector. Then, scrub the walls and bottom of the pool with a brush.

4. Then, clean the pool liner above the water line using a dedicated formulated spray.

5. Also, inspect the liner in the search for potential tears.

2) Installing the hardware and skimmer

1. Remove the protective foam kit from the skimmer starting with the wooden skewer, then the foam piece inside the skimmer, and finally, the round piece from the top. 

2. Remove the expandable plug from the water return hole.

3. For a standard water return, start by screwing in the inner ring, use the blue removal wrench if needed.

4. Install the eyeball in the water return, followed by the outer ring.

5. If your water return is equipped with a light, you will now connect it, as well as the skimmer light.

6. Simply plug the connectors, then connect them to the power source. Make sure the circuit breaker is closed before connecting the light wire.

7. Reinstall the skimmer’s basket and door.

3) Connecting the pipes and equipment

1. Take out the pump and pipes that have been stored away since the Fall.

2. You can also remove the cover from your heater and the plastic bag from the filter head.

To help you set the plumbing up, refer to the pictures you took when you closed your pool.

1. Pump

• Once your pump is firmly in place, insert the basket inside of it, and screw in the drain cap(s).

• Connect the pump to the electrical system as well, but keep it switched off.

• The first pipe to connect is the one that links the pump outlet to the filter intake.

ATTENTION: When connecting your pool’s pipes, it is recommended to keep the O-rings well lubricated to make them as watertight as possible.

• Simply tighten the couplers to connect the pipes. Be careful, do not overtighten the couplers to avoid damaging the hardware.

2. Bottom drain

• Start by removing the coiled insulating foam from inside the expansion pipe.

• Then, release the pipe by cutting the rope or zip ties holding it in place.

• Disconnect the expansion pipe by simply unscrewing the coupler. Store it for the summer.

• Finally, connect the remaining pipe, the one for the bottom drain, to the opening at the bottom of the three-way valve.  

• Continue by connecting the side of the three-way valve to the pump intake.

Note: Once the pump is switched on, the antifreeze will simply and safely mix with the pool water.

3. Installing the filter

• Before putting the pressure gauge back in place, wrap some Teflon tape around its connector to prevent potential water leaks.

• Screw it back in with your hands, being careful not to overtighten it.

• Reinstall the sight glass and drain plug on your filter.

4. Heater

Is your pool is equipped with a heater? If it is:

• Inspect the heater and gently remove the buildup of debris and pollen on the protective grid, using a water jet.

• Then, remove both expandable plugs and refit the O-rings.

• Using pipes or a bypass valve, if you have one, connect the heater outlet to your water return, then, the filter outlet to the heater inlet. 

Note: You should wait for the pool cleaning to be complete, for the water to be clean and balanced and for the outdoor temperature to reach 12 degrees Celsius before starting your heater.

5. Chlorinator or Nature2 purifying system

If you have a chlorinator or Nature2 purifier, you must position it just before the water return, and after the filter and heater.

• Connect the pipes according to your equipment setup making sure you properly identify the water inlet and outlet.

• Refer to the pictures you took when you closed your pool last Fall to help you set up the pipes.

Note that the cartridge you used last season should still be inside the Nature2 unit. It will have to be replaced once the water is balanced.

6. Saline system

Memo: The cell of your salt system must be positioned immediately before your water return. Connect its hose to the water return depending on your system configuration.

• Once the cell is in place, connect it to the control panel.

• Leave it on the “stop” mode until your pool’s water parameters are balanced. This will increase its service life.

4) Filling the pool and using the opening kit

1. Once all your pool equipment is properly connected, you can now fill the pool using a hose. The water level in the pool will vary depending on winter precipitations and whether you used a protective cover.

2. Fill your pool up to ¾ of your skimmer. It is also the level you will want to maintain throughout the season. If your filtering media has not been cleaned during the closing, now is the time to do it.
   For more info, watch our video: “how to close an above-ground pool”.

3. It is now time to go and fetch your opening kit. Inside, you should find a container of degreasers*. Gently pour the liquid into the pool while walking around it.
   *The degreasers will decompose the organic matter present in the pool and help dislodge the encrusted dirt ring on the liner.

4. Set your filter to the “filter” mode, then turn the pump on. Allow the product to work for about an hour.

5. Make sure your system is working properly, then inspect your plumbing for water leaks.

6. Add the remaining contents of your opening kit and allow it to work according to the instructions provided on the product package.

5) Deep cleaning

Thoroughly cleaning your pool is a key step of its opening, one that will enable you to obtain clean and safe water. So, here is what you should do at this stage:

1. Start by installing your vacuum.

2. Turn your pump off and set the filter to the “drain” or “waste” mode and start the pump. ATTENTION: You must always turn the pump off before changing the mode of your filter.
   
   It is recommended that the vacuum run through the pool with a hose to prevent the water from draining too quickly.
   
   

3. The “drain” mode will help remove the larger pieces of debris from your pool without clogging up your filter. Once the bulk of the work is done, turn the pump off, and set your filter to the “filter” mode.

4. Restart your pump to activate the filtration cycle.

5. End the cleaning using the “filter” mode in order to prevent excessive water loss.

6) Water testing and balancing

If you followed all the previous steps carefully, your water should now be clear.

1. Take a 500 ml sample of water and bring it to the service counter of your local Club Piscine Super Fitness store to have it tested.

2. Our specialist will conduct a chemical analysis of your water, and provide you with the required products to help you obtain a balanced water as soon as possible.

7) Activating auxiliary systems

Once your water meets all the required parameters:

• If you have a Nature2 purifying system, you can now insert your new Nature2 cartridge in the unit.

• You can now activate your salt system’s electrolytic cell.

 Note that it is recommended to wait until the water temperature reaches 65 degrees Fahrenheit to turn the salt system on. In the meantime, you have to use chlorine.

***

Congratulations!

This concludes the opening of your pool! But before you dive into the water, reinstall your ladder or steps.

And do not forget: if you have questions, require additional information on how to open your pool, or if you prefer to have an expert do it for you, please feel free to contact your local Club Piscine Super Fitness store!

Enjoy the swimming season and have a great summer!