Mike's Tips

Summerizing Your Pool

The Central Pools & Spas staff has guided pool owners for years in the step-by-step process of opening or "summerizing" pools. By following these directions, you are sure to have a safe and healthy swimming pool environment.

1. Clean and Remove the Cover
   1. Solid cover – pour one gallon of Central Pools brand liquid Super Shock #864 over the cover before attempting to drain it. This will help to destroy algae, which has probably built up on the cover throughout the winter months. The addition of several ounces of algaecide on the cover also will help break down any slime that has formed. With your pool brush, thoroughly brush the entire cover. This will mix the chlorine with the algaecide and do most of the work of cleaning the cover for you. After approximately one hour, the water may be siphoned or pumped off the cover. Use a garden hose, pool vacuum hose or a small submersible pump (e.g., Little Giant Pump #1870 or 1880). Do not drain the treated water into shrubs, grass or flowers!
   2. Mesh cover – any debris on the cover can be pushed with a pool brush to the side of the pool and removed, or simply spray a strong-nozzled hose on the cover forcing the debris off.
2. Working from one end, remove any water tubes and the cover. Spread the cover onto a dry surface, free from objects that might puncture the material. Clean and preserve the cover by using Bioguard's Stow Away #23650, according to the directions. Make sure the cover is dry before folding for storage. Store in a dry location, safe from rodents and insects. Store Mouse Away #101 with the cover to reduce the risk of mouse infestation.
3. Debris may then be removed with a leaf rake specifically designed for this use. An alternative is the Leaf Eater #7342 operated by a garden hose. The flowing water makes the Leaf Eater quickly pick up and "bag" all debris in the pool.
4. If the pool was heavily chlorinated when closing, the water pool should be reasonable clear. If there is any sign of algae (green slime or green water), superchlorinate heavily by using four gallons of Central Pool brand Liquid Shock #864 directly into the pool by walking around the perimeter.
5. The use of algaecide will accelerate the process of algae removal.
6. If you use granular chlorine, be sure to mix well with your pool brush. Bleaching of the pool interior can occur if a large accumulation is allowed to remain on the floor of the pool for any length of time. Allow sufficient time for the chlorine and algaecide to do its job (at least 1-2 hours). Your pool should now be clear enough to see the bottom.
7. Remove all winterizing plugs and protective devices from the inlet fittings and skimmers. Replace small drain plugs in the pump, usually two, and the filter drain plug. If you have a heater, there will also be at least two drain plugs that must be replaced. Coating these plugs with Jack's Multilube #327 will facilitate removal in the fall.
8. Fill the pool to approximately the middle of the skimmer. If you suspect any iron in your water supply, you should add Central brand Metal & Scale Control #870 according to directions. This will prevent or moderate staining and minimize or eliminate problems of water turning brown or green when the chlorine is introduced to the pool water. You should then check for leaks and tightness of the two fittings that go into the suction piping and discharging piping of your pool. If either of these fittings is leaking, the pump will not prime.
9. Fill the pump strainer with water and lubricate the gasket and replace the strainer cover. Turn on the pump. If the pump does not operate, check the circuit breaker or fuse panel. If you have a diatomaceous earth (DE) filter, be sure to add the required amount of DE at this time, slowly through the skimmer, with the pump running. Now it is time to vacuum the pool and balance the water.
10. Using a good quality test kit, such as Aquacheck Test Strips, test the water chemistry and adjust to proper levels. The alkalinity level should be 80-150 parts per million (PPM). If you are using a liquid test kit, you should replace the reagents at the beginning of each pool season.
11. At this time, the chlorine reading should be very high. A strong yellow or orange color on the test kit will indicate that the pool is still being super chlorinated. If it is not, add a sufficient amount of liquid chlorine, usually one gallon per 10,000 gallons of water.
12. If your pool has ever been conditioned, commonly called stabilized, you should have the level checked and add the required amount of cyanuric acid needed to maintain the chlorine level. Some test kits, like the Aquacheck Test Strips can test for cyanuric acid. If your does not, bring a water sample (about a pint) taken from approximately 12 inches below the water surface, to Central Pools and Spas for a free, computerized water test, while you shop.
13. Enjoy your Summer!