How to open your in-ground pool step by step?

1) Inspecting the pool exterior and cleaning it

1. If you used a protective cover, you can now remove it to inspect the condition of the pool

2. It is recommended to have two people remove the cover to prevent leaves and other residues from falling into the pool

3. Clean, let dry and store it for the season

4. Then, remove the elastic system

5. Depending on the water level, examine the pool’s internal and external structure to make sure it is free from breakages and cracks

6. Even if you can’t see the bottom of your pool, pick up the bulk of the residue that accumulated during the cold season, using a skimmer net or a leaf collector

7. Then, scrub the walls and bottom of the pool with a brush

Nice work, one step is already complete!

2) Installing the hardware and skimmer

1. Start by removing the plugs blocking the water returns

2. Next, screw in the inner ring using the blue removal wrench.

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

4. Repeat the process for each of your pool’s water returns.

5. Go to your skimmer.

6. Remove the protective foam kit from the skimmer starting with the wooden skewer, then the foam piece outside the skimmer, and finally, the protective pieces inside it.

7. You can now unscrew the plug at the bottom of the skimmer. If in doubt, contact your Club Piscine store.

8. If there are two plugs, make sure you remove the one you installed when closing. It is usually easy to identify and much easier to remove

   • Caution: Under no circumstances should you unscrew the second plug, as it could weaken your pool’s footing.

9. Finally, reinstall the skimmer’s basket and door

If your pool is equipped with water return lights, there is no specific manipulation you need to do in the opening process.

If you have light shells, simply remove the Styrofoam piece inside the opening, then reposition the light by clipping or screwing the casing to the pool wall. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.

When restarting the various pieces of equipment, you’ll need to flip the light’s circuit breaker back on.

3) Preparing the equipment

This is the step where we connect the pool’s various pieces of equipment. Depending on whether you stored them for the winter, some of these procedures may not be necessary.

1. Make sure all the components of your pool are in good working condition

2. Take the time to inspect the pieces of equipment that were left outside during the winter

3. Take out the various pieces of equipment and pipes that have been stored away since the fall. To help you set up your equipment, refer to the pictures you took when you closed your pool

1. Pump

• Make sure the power is disconnected from your pump, then screw in the drain plug(s)

• Connect the plumbing to the pump inlet.

• Simply tighten the fittings by hand to connect the pipes.

  • At the beginning of each season, it is recommended that you lubricate the O-rings inside your plumbing if your configuration permits it. By doing so, you’ll avoid potential leaks during the summer

• Next, attach the plumbing that connects the pump outlet to the filter intake. Be careful not to overtighten the fittings to avoid damaging the hardware

2. Filter

• Start by reinserting the drain plug at the bottom of the device. Then screw the sight glass back on; be careful not to overtighten it

• You’ll also want to tighten the couplers to the other ports on the filter

• Before putting the pressure gauge back in place, wrap some Teflon tape around its thread to keep it airtight all summer long. There you go! It’s as simple as that

3. Heater

If your pool is equipped with a heat pump, you’ll now want to prepare it for the season.

• You must first inspect and clean it.

• Using a hose with a low water flow, gently clean any buildup of debris and pollen on the protective grid.

  • If the heat pump is not connected to the other components of the pool, remove the two expandable plugs at the intake and outtake.

• Next, connect the heater outlet to the water return, making sure you refit the O-rings, then the filter outlet to the heater inlet.

• Depending on your setup, use either the pipes or the bypass valve.

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. If possible, we suggest you bypass your heat pump for the time being.

4. Chlorinator or salt system

If you have a chlorinator or Nature2 purifier:

• Put the drain plug back on, where required.

• Reconnect the pipes according to your equipment’s setup. Make 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 connect the pipes.

  • As for the Nature2, 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. We’ll return to this later

• You’ll also need to reinsert the cell inside your salt system. To connect it, simply remove the temporary pipe or the expandable plugs placed on the plumbing for the winter. Attention: if your cell has not been cleaned last fall, you must do it with a cell cleaner.

• Screw in the cell by hand.

• Once the cell is in place, connect it to the control panel and inspect the ground wire. Remove any verdigris if needed.

• Leave the control panel on the “STOP” position until your pool’s water is clean and balanced. Doing so will increase the service life of your salt cell.

4.  Filling the pool and using an opening kit

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 on the kind of protective cover you used.

Where required, fill your pool up to ¾ of your skimmer. It is also the level you will want to maintain throughout the season. If the water level is already higher than the skimmer, no further action is required.

If your filtering media has not been cleaned during the closing, now is the time to do it. For more info, refer to the instructions on the package of the filter cleaner or check out our video on how to close an above-ground pool.

1. Use the remaining contents of your opening kit, and follow the instructions provided on the product package. Handle chemical products with care.

2. According to the manufacturer’s recommendations, the products need to circulate in the pool. To do this, start by connecting the pump to the power supply.

3. Since your water lines are dry, it is recommended that you help your pump start at the beginning of the season. To do this, place a hose in its basket using a medium water flow. This will avoid putting excessive pressure on the pump.

4. To maximize circulation, make sure the valves of the skimmer and bottom drain are open, then set the filter handle to “FILTRATION”.

5. Start the pump and allow the products to circulate.

6. After about one hour, you can turn off the pump. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.

5) Doing a deep cleaning

And now, this is the moment you’ve been waiting for: the deep cleaning of your pool.

1. Start by connecting your vacuum to the skimmer, then set the filter to the “WASTE” mode.

2. If you have a working bottom drain, close the bottom drain valve to maximize skimmer suction and start the pump.

3. Vacuum the pool. Take the time to properly clean it.
   
   By starting to clean your pool with the “WASTE” mode, you’ll avoid clogging up your filter with larger pieces of debris from your pool.
   
   

4. After vacuuming the debris, shut off the pump, and set the filter to the “FILTRATION” mode.

5. Restart the pump to activate the filter.

6. Continue vacuuming and scrubbing while in FILTER mode until the water becomes clear and clean.

7. Repeat the steps for as long as necessary.

6) Water testing and balancing

Once you’re satisfied with the state of your pool, take a 500 ml sample of water, and bring it to the lab of your local Club Piscine Super Fitness store to have it tested.

Our specialists 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.

You might as well want to buy your current maintenance products for the upcoming season.

7) Activating the auxiliary systems

• Test your water to make sure it meets all parameters.

• You can insert your new Nature2 cartridge in the unit or activate your salt system’s electrolytic cell.

Note that it is recommended to wait until the water temperature reaches 18 degrees Celsius to turn the salt system on. You should use chlorine in the meantime.

Congratulations, your pool is now open. All that’s left for you to do now is to picking your favourite swimsuit and waiting for the warm weather to come.

If you have any questions, if you ever 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!