With Memorial Day only a week away, lots of pool owners are getting ready to open their pool and start the 2015 pool season! Have you been keeping up with our blogs on pool opening tips? If not check out our blog on how to properly remove a pool cover, as well as what to do after you remove the cover. In this week’s blog, we’ll talk about how to power up the pool’s systems and conduct an inspection to make sure everything’s working as it should be.

Pool Opening

 
Turning on the Power
When you turn on the power, the first thing you want to take note of is the pressure on the filter gauge. If it gets above the normal range or 30 psi, turn it off immediately, and then check to make sure all the return side valves are open.
If you get the opposite issue (no pressure building up), turn off the power after a minute and repeat the steps under expansion plugs and reassembly of pool components in our previous blog. Still nothing? Close the main drain valve and start only the skimmers. If this still doesn’t work, you may have an air leak in the incoming pipe, which will need to be repaired.
The next step will depend on what kind of filter you have. If you have a cartridge filter, remember that the cartridge needs to be replace every 2-5 years. If you have a sand filter, replace it every 5-7 years. And if you have a DE filter, you’ll need to add “1 lb of DE powder per 5 sq. ft. of filter area into the skimmer…within 2 minutes of starting filter.”
Testing, Adjustments and Notes
Now it’s time to test and adjust some other pool equipment, and take some notes. Write down the start-up pressure on the filter gauge as a reference point, and remember to backwash the filter and empty the pump basket if psi gets 10 lbs above this number. Ensure proper flow by adjusting the valves and return fittings. Look for any leaks around the pump and filter that may need to be repaired. Follow the instructions on the pool heater for starting it up. Take a picture of the water level and then watch it over the next few days to see if it drops, which would suggest a leak.
Safety First
Check the pool’s electrical components to look for anything dangerous, including exposed wires, broken conduit or connectors, or improper grounding.
Make sure all locks and alarms you have set up at the pool’s entry points (gates, doors, etc.) are working, and look for any tripping and slipping hazards in the pool area. Make sure there’s nothing blocking the visibility of your pool from your house, deck, etc., so you can properly supervise the pool.
To contact Rhine Pools, call 410-442-2445! You can also reach us using our contact form, and connect with us on social media on our Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ pages.