How do I restart my pool after winter?

The pool opening procedure can vary depending on several factors, including the type of pool, the regional climate, winter weather conditions, and even the specific equipment installed in the pool. The steps below are for typical passive winterizing in Belgium.

Remove the winter cover:

• Sometimes the cover fills up and it's impossible to remove it without putting all the dirt back into the pool. Start by removing any water buildup on the cover using a submersible water pump.
• Then carefully remove the cover to avoid dropping debris into the pool.
• Once removed, clean the cover using a pressure washer or a brush. Be sure to let the cover dry completely before storing it.

Remove protective devices :

Removing pool protection devices is a crucial step when opening the pool for the summer season. These include the plugs, Gizmo, and finally the floats. Take the opportunity to replace the skimmer baskets.

Clean the pool:

• Use a net leaf skimmer to remove floating debris, such as leaves, insects and other detritus, from the water surface.
• Use a vacuum cleaner for pools to clean the bottom of the pool. If you have a pool with a coating, make sure to use a vacuum cleaner suitable for this coating to avoid damaging the surface.
• Brush pool walls and waterlines to remove algae, deposits and stains.

Fill the pool:

• Fill the pool to the normal level using a garden hose. Make sure the water level reaches the middle of the skimmer mouth for proper operation.

Check and repair the equipment:

• Check the condition of all equipment, including the pump, filter, skimmers, valves and pipes.
• Replace any gaskets or damaged parts as necessary.
• Make sure the pump is working properly and the water flow is normal.

Do a water test:

• Use a water analysis kit to test pH, chlorine, total alkalinity, calcium hardness and stabilizer (cyanuric acid) levels.
• Adjust chemical levels as needed to achieve proper levels. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for safely adding chemicals.
• If you have an automatic treatment system, you must calibrate the probes and check that all the elements are still in good condition (injector, pipes, santoprene tube). If it is a salt system, you must check the salt level present in your water. This is specific to each device.

Turn on the filtration system:

• Turn on the pump and filter to begin filtering the water. Monitor the system for a few hours to ensure it is working properly.

By carefully following these steps, you should be able to open your pool after winter and efficiently prepare it for the upcoming swimming season.