The pool’s filtration system contains a pump and a filter system which circulates the pool water through the filter to remove dirt and contaminants and clean the pool water. A pool filter should run at least 8 hours daily to properly maintain the pool water’s clarity and cleanliness. A sand filtration system, the most popular and economical type, uses a bed of fine sand to trap contaminants and debris as the pool water circulates through the sand filter. Using sand as the filtering media provides some benefits to the pool owner. Sand filters are relatively simple to use and may be cleaned by backwashing to remove the accumulated debris. Sand is an inexpensive filter media and it is very long lasting. If properly treated, sand only needs to be replace once every 3-4 years. pcPOOLS offers sand filtration systems for both above ground and in ground pools. For parts of the country with water restrictions or for pool owners looking for even better pool water quality, another type of pool filter system is a cartridge filtration system. Cartridge filter systems use a replaceable pool filter to trap debris and other contaminants to clarify the pool water. Using a cartridge filter (which looks much like a large oil filter used in a car) provides increased benefits that sand can’t match. Because of the cartridge’s construction, it will trap smaller particles than sand making the pool water quality better. Cartridge systems are also recommended where water restrictions occur. Cartridge systems do not require “backwashing”, which can use hundreds of gallons of water. A cartridge filter is cleaned by removing the cartridge element and hosing it off and soaking it in filter cleaner for an hour or two. The cartridge may need to be replaced every season depending on the amount of usage of your pool.

Remove all leaves, debris & excess water from pool cover. Use Submersible Pump to clear water away. Then remove the pool cover.

Check the condition of your Pool Liner. Need to replace your pool liner?

Remove all winterizing plugs from the pool suction lines and return lines.

Assemble all pool pump and filter pipes to respective fittings. Check the condition of the sand, cartridge or DE elements. Clean or replace if necessary. Need to replace your Pump & Filter System?

Be sure the pool filter top is secure, the tank drain is closed and the pool filter valve is in the “Filter” position.

Hook up pool pump, filter and any other additional equipment you might have (Pool Heaters, etc.).

Re-attach any deck equipment you have such as Pool Ladders, Diving Boards, etc. Install all Pool Deck equipment including skimmer baskets and return directionals.

Bring the pool water level up to normal & Start the pump.

Using Blue Wave Chemical Start-up Kit, follow our FREE Pool Care Guide directions to get your water in swimming condition! Balance the water chemistry and check the levels frequently during the first few days (until they stabilize).

Run the pool pump & filter system 24 hours until your pool water has cleared completely.

Remove any debris from pool using an Automatic Pool Cleaner or Pool Cleaning Equipment.

Clean Liner with Tile & Vinyl Cleaner & clean Filter with Filter Clean.

For more detailed Pool Opening Instruction, in Printer Friendly Format, Click Here.

Automatic Cleaners

A suction cleaner works off the vacuum of
the pool’s filtration system to suck debris from the pool bottom and does
not require a separate booster pool pump. This is the least expensive
automatic pool cleaner to purchase and is the easiest to install. It cleans
whenever the pool filter is running. A suction pool cleaner is highly
recommended only if the pool if relatively free from heavy leaves, pine
needles and twigs.
Above Ground suction type pool cleaners offered by pcPOOLS are

Trident
Dirt Devil®
Ranger™
Zoom™
Barracuda® Zippy™
‘Lil Shark™

Inground suction type pool cleaners offered by pcPOOLS are
Dirt Devil®,
Barracuda® Pacer™,
Barracuda® G3™,
Barracuda® G4™.

Robot Cleaners do not have to be hooked up to the filtration system.
They are fully automatic, computerized, has its own drive motor and filtration
system and filters your pool water at the same time. Since it has its own motor,
it works independently of your pool filter system, and purifies your pool
water as it helps distribute pool chemicals.
Above ground
Pool Rover,
Pool Rover Jr.™,
Dolphin Robo-Kleen.

Inground
Aquabot™,
Aquabot™ Turbo,
Aquabot™ Turbo Remote,
Aquabot™ Turbo T,
Aquabot™ Turbo T2,
Aquabot™ Turbo T4 - RC,
Dolphin™ 2001 Diagnostic,
Dolphin 2002 Dynamic w/Remote & Caddy,
Dolphin HD™ Commercial Auto Cleaner,
Dolphin™ 3001 Commercial Auto Pool Cleaner w/ Caddy,
Dolphin™ 3002 Commercial Auto Pool Cleaner w/ Caddy & Remote,
Dolphin 2×2 Commercial Auto Pool Cleaner,
Orion™ Automatic Pool Cleaner.

Other types include pressure Mars HP. This advanced cleaner uses jet propulsion technology to drive out of deep-end hoppers and move around obstacles.

So you want to buy an Above Ground pool, but where do you begin? Here’s a step by step walkthrough of what you’ll need to get outfitted for fun in the sun this summer. Click here for the rest of the article

1. Vacuum your pool or us an automatic pool cleaner regularly
2. Test your pool water every other day to check for proper chlorine and pH levels.
3. Use a solar cover to warm the pool and swim earlier and later each season.
4. Run your pool pump and filter at least 10 hours per day (clean your filter or back wash regularly).
5. Use only premium Blue Wave Pool Chemical to insure clean water and efficient operation of your pump, filter and liner.
6. Keep your pool’s skimmer basket clean to insure proper water circulation.
7. Apply shock chemicals to your pool regularly and after periods of heavy use to insure clean, clear pool water.
8. Brush your pool walls every week to remove debris that can start algae growth.
9. Cover your pool each fall with a quality winter pool cover to protect your pool liner from leaves, twigs, and other debris.
10. Use a Blue Wave start-up kit each spring to insure crystal clear water all season; and when needed use a Blue Wave chlorinated, or
    Blue Wave non-chlorine closing pool chemical kit at the end of each season.