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OPENING UP YOUR SWIMMING POOL READY FOR THE SUMMER

15th February 2021

Opening up your swimming pool ready for the summer is not too difficult, and our following pointers should make the process even easier for you. However, if you’ve got doubts that this particular line in DIY is not for you, give your local pool centre or service engineer a call.

First, shock dose the pool with a shock chlorine, Stuff4pools recommend Sodium Hypochlorite 14/15%.  The high dose of chlorine will kill off any algae spores and bacteria that might be lurking in liner creases or in the surface of tile grouting. This will give you as near sterile water as possible. Your pool water needs to kept in good condition throughout the spring and summer as the chlorine will soon dissipate. You now need to add an Algaecide. We recommend SummerClear.  Its special formulation contains a Long Life Algaecide which lasts up to 3 months.

Opening Instructions

  1. Remove surface water and debris from the winter cover before taking it off, then clean and dry it ready for storage.
  2. Using a leaf net, remove as much debris from the pool as possible and clean any tide marks at the water line using Tile & Liner Cleaner.
  3. Reconnect the pump if you removed it over winter making sure all electrical connections are free from dampness. Call in an electrician if you are in any doubt about what you are doing.
  4. Open any valves beneath the water line which may have been closed or plugged.
  5. Check there are no obstructions to the drains, the outlets and the pump strainer basket.
  6. If necessary, top up the water level so that it can be drawn in through the skimmer/s.
  7. Prime the pump, turn it on and check that the filter, skimmers and drains are all working. Do not be too concerned if the water from the circulation is discoloured initially. If the water level was too high because of rain over the winter, pump to waste.
  8. Run the filter for several hours, vacuuming out any remaining debris.
  9. Backwash the filter and top up with fresh water.
  10. Prepare the heat retention cover for use, cleaning off any patches of algae or mould.
  11. Check the pH and adjust to 7.2–7.4. Stuff4pools stocks pH & Alkalinity Reducer to lower the pH or pH Increaser to raise the pH. Stuff4pools also stocks Sodium Hypochlorite or Superfast Shock granules to kill any algae and harmful organisms that may be present. Allow the water to circulate for 3 to 4 hours to ensure thorough mixing.
  12. Then with the water still circulating, add an Algaecide, pouring it near the swimming pool inlet at the prescribed dose.

https://www.stuff4pools.co.uk/products/swimming-pool-shop/swimming-pool-chemicals/opening-up-your-swimming-pool-ready-for-the-summer/