Start Up Tips for Swimming Pools

Start Up Tips for Swimming Pools – As a pool owner, you’ve likely started up your pool countless times over the years. Do you have it down to a science? That’s great! But what about all those first timers out there? Here are some tips for the uninitiated.

Starting Out

• Remove plugs from all suction and return lines.
• Start filling your pool to its normal operating level with water.
• Once full, fill and prime the pump.
• Clean the filter and insert new D.E. grids or cartridge.
• Start up the pump.
• Look for leaks or wet spots on the equipment pad area. If you see a wet spot, the pump seal is likely leaking. Get it fixed now or risk it breaking down soon.
• Test the pH levels of your water. Normal chlorine levels should be at 3.0 ppm, with normal pH between 7.4 and 7.6, alkalinity between 100 and 150 ppm, and calcium hardness between 150 and 225 ppm.

Add Chemicals

• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for your size pool. Only add chemicals to a pool that is running properly and only add chemicals to water – not the other way around.
• Keep chemicals away from your plaster coping or liner, as they can cause discoloration.
• Add chemicals in small increments and run the pump for a whole day. You can always increase later as needed.
• Shock your pool by adding it to a bucket of water. Mix, then add shock at the edges of the pool while the pump is going.

Test the Water

• Pick up a test kit from the pool supply store. Take a sample of water from the pool.
• Test it every week with a new kit.
• You can use test strips in a pinch but they are not as accurate.
• Use up any old pool chemicals you have from last year before using newly purchased ones. Open the canisters away from your face for safety.

Clean the Pool

• Run your pump during the day to allow the UVA and UVB rays from the sun to remove the chlorine from the water.
• Circulation of the water will ensure a thorough mix of chemicals for optimal sanitization.
• Vacuum the pool to waste if you have a multiport valve that bypasses the filter. If not, use an inline canister with the vacuum hose to ensure no leaves get into your strainer basket.

We understand starting up your pool can be difficult as you try to get the right amount of chemicals and water. For help, turn to Central Jersey Pools. Our trained technicians can take care of this task for you. Call 732-462-5005 to make an appointment.