If you properly prepared and maintained the swimming pool during the winter months, it can be prepared and opened for a new season with minimum of effort. If the pool was not properly prepared and maintained, you might come across problems that could complicate your summarizing procedures (such as inappropriate water balance and dirty equipment). You might have to clean the equipment thoroughly or tune-up the equipment before starting up.

1.    Before lifting the pool cover, pump off all accumulated water and rubble to waste. Do not tip the cover and debris into the pool. Fill the pool with a garden hose while cleaning off the cover. Filling the pool will also make is easier for you to remove the cover.

2.    Remove the pool cover, clean and fold it.

3.    Hose or sweep off deck areas carefully, sweeping away from the pool so trash does not get into the pool.

4.    Remove all winterizing plugs from return lines, skimmers, cleaner lines and other fittings.

5.    Reinstall pool ladders, diving boards and other accessories and deck equipment, making sure that suitable ladder bumper and fulcrum pads are in place.

6.    Reinstall pump/motors, gauges, drain plugs in lint pots, pool filters, heaters, etc. Make sure equipment is clean and from of winter debris. MAKE SURE ALL GROUND AND BONDING WIRES ARE CONNECTED.

Before placing the multiport valve back in service, clean the sealing surfaces thoroughly with a soft cloth, examine sealing parts and replace them if needed. Lubricate with a mild lubricant and reassemble. Test for smooth and normal action.

7.    Scoop all surface debris and submerged debris, when possible, with a leaf net.

8.    Brush pool walls.

9.    Bring water up to proper level.

10.    Start and test-fire heaters. Clean them if needed and reset the gas valve to pilot position, if the heater does not have an on/off switch.

11.    Repair leaks and any other issues with the system

12.    If the water is clear, set the pool filter system to run for 24 hours. After 24 hours, take a water sample. Check and balance the pool water chemistry.

13.    If the water is turbid or green, adjust pH, shock the pool, then let the filter system run 24 to 48 hours. Then balance the water chemistry.