1. Remove all water, leaves and debris from the top of the cover. To remove the water you can use a submersible cover pool or basement sump pump.
2. Remove the cover from the pool. Try to carefully remove the cover without getting any extra debris that remains on the top of the cover into the pool or you will have to clean that out later. If some dirty water does get in, it’s not a problem. Using chemicals later will sanitize your pool
3. Lay the cover out on your lawn or nearby area and use water, carwash soap and a brush and wash down your cover. By doing this you will ensure a longer life for your pool cover which can be a hefty investment
4. If you are using water tubes to secure your pool cover, make sure you empty those and dry them out before storage.
5. Now go around your pool and make sure all plugs are removed from any and all openings in your pool
6. Re-install all of your deck equipment including your ladders, diving board, rails, etc. And make sure you lubricate all bolts to prevent from rusting throughout the summer months.
7. Re-install all your skimmer baskets and eye-ball fittings
8. Hook up your pump and filter and any additional equipment such as a booster pump or a chlorine dispenser and make sure all the plugs are securely in place
9. Fill up your pool if you pool has been drain or has lost any water over the winter.
10. Turn on the power to your pool. At this point make sure the system starts up. Check for any leaks or drips, make sure the ground wires are properly connected to the pump and make sure you pump is prime.
11. Backwash your filter. After backwashing if you have a DE filter, add more fresh DE according to the manufacturers instructions.
12. Now it’s time to add the startup chemicals. I would recommend to just simply shock your pool using 2 lbs of shock for every 10,000 gallons of pool water or 5 gallons of liquid shock per 20,000 gallons of pool water
13. Take a sample of your pool water to your nearest pool dealer and ask for a water test to get your pool water completely balanced.
14. Let your pool run at least 24 hours and vacuum out any debris. Retest the water and if everything checks out, go swimming!
