Start Up / Pool Opening

NOTE: If the pool is new, always follow the manufacturer or builder's directions for start-up or opening. If these pool dealers are not available, we will assist you.

Now is the time to consider switching to a Goldline Aqua Rite Electronic Chlorine Generator sold by Hayward Pool Products. A pure sanitization created from salt. Spring time weather is cooler. Call us about our Hayward Heat HeatPro Heat Pumps and Hayward H-Series Heaters.

When it's time for you to open your pool, you have one goal in mind - getting the water "just right" so you and your family can enjoy the swimming season. Baker Pools offers a professional start up and opening service; however, if you are a seasoned pool owner or a do-it-yourselfer, you may want to follow these simple steps.

Preparing the Equipment

  1. Remove any water and debris that have accumulated on your pool cover during the winter.
  2. Take off the pool cover. Before storing, clean the cover with a cover cleaner to prevent mildew and premature deterioration. We offer you a cover cleaning company to professional clean and store the cover.
  3. Plug all the drain holes in the pool pump, booster pump, heater and lines. Reconnect any hoses and electrical connections that may have detached.
  4. Make sure your skimmer; filter, pumps, drains and other equipment are clean and free of winter debris.
  5. Use a leaf net to scoop up all surface and submerged debris.
  6. Clean dirty pool walls immediately with a brush.
  7. Bring the pool water up to the proper level (about midway in the skimmer opening).
  8. Make sure all your hoses and electrical hookups are in order.
  9. Turn on your filter pump. Chemically clean the filter if it was not chemically cleaned last fall.
  10. Check the skimmers, drains and filters to make sure they're functioning properly.
  11. Use a pool vacuum to remove any remaining debris. Vacuum to waste if at all possible.
  12. If your filtration system operates off an automatic timer, set the timer to operate at least 8 to 10 hours during a 24-hour period during summer (12-hours are better).

Preparing the Pool Water

  1. Test & Adjust Pool Water Readings

After the pump/filter has run for 4 - 6 hours, bring a water sample in for full analysis. We have the perfect chemicals for your spring start up and seasonal usage.

Winterizing & Closing Your Pool
Baker Pools offers a professional pool winterizing and closing service; however, if you are a seasoned pool owner or a do-it-yourselfer, you may want to follow these simple steps.

The method you use to cover your pool and winterize the equipment is important and will vary depending on whether you live in a cold or warm climate. Closing your pool properly will save you money, time and chemicals at the beginning of the next season.

Mild winters

  1. Bring in a pool water sample for a full analysis.
  2. Thoroughly brush and vacuum the pool.
  3. Shock the water with shock per label directions for winterizing.
  4. Add a winterizing dose of your preferred algaecide - follow label directions.
  5. Run the filter for 24 - 48 hours. Thoroughly vacuum and remove any debris.
  6. If there is a chlorine feeder connected to the pool, make sure that there is no remaining chemical in the feeder. Clean and flush the feeder per manufacturer's directions or run filter until all remaining chemical has been dissolved.
  7. Chemically clean the filter with the appropriate filter cleaner per label directions.
  8. Follow pool manufacturer's directions on draining the pool so that the water level is below the skimmers, and
    inlet lines. (exception vinyl pools)
  9. Winterize all equipment following the manufacturer's directions.
  10. Cover pool with properly fitting pool cover. Cover should be resistant to water, weather and pool chemicals. Seal the edge of the cover to prevent wind from getting under it. This will save you clean-up time when you re-open your pool by keeping out unwanted debris. (If you secure the cover with water bags, fill them only halfway to allow for expansion if they freeze.) Contact us for information regarding safety covers.

If the pool is not covered during the winter months, follow the steps below:

  1. Follow steps 1 - 8 above.
  2. Continue good pool cleaning practices.
  3. Keep system running 24 hrs a day during freezing temperatures. We will winterize equipment during the coldest months for some customers. Others chose to place a freeze guard. Call us for more information.
  4. Clean the skimmer and pump baskets weekly or as needed.
  5. Monitor the pH, chlorine, total alkalinity, cyanuric acid and calcium hardness levels and adjust as necessary.
  6. Cover pool if desired. Even though you are not completely closing down your pool, you may want to cover it to keep leaves and dirt out, as well as reduce the need for chemicals and chlorination. We offer winter services; Regular maintenance, winterizing equipment only while leaving the pool open, placing leaf net cover on the pool during the fall, testing water regularly to help protect pool finish, etc.

Please call us for further details.