• Testing your above-ground pool's chemical balance is an important part of the pool opening.Test Kit image by Cinneman from Fotolia.com
  
  When summer arrives and the weather starts to turn warm, most pool owners are anxious to open their above-ground pool for the season. Using the proper procedure to open your pool is crucial because it may impact the cleanliness of the water and condition of the pool structure for the rest of the summer. As a result, the process requires a great deal of work and pool owners should take their time with each step to ensure that it is done correctly.
  
  

Clean and Remove Winter Cover

• After sitting on the pool all winter, your above-ground pool's cover may be full of water, leaves and other debris. Begin the pool-opening process by removing any water and debris from the cover with a submersible pump. The pump will remove the bulk of the mess on the cover, but you may need to remove some leaves and debris by hand. When the cover is relatively clean of debris, remove it and hose it down to ensure that it is clean for next season. Allow it to dry in the sun before storing it to prevent mildew growth.
  
  

Clean the Liner

• The next step in opening your above-ground pool is to clean the pool's liner and coping. Use a scrub brush to clean the surface and remove any leaves and debris that may have collected on the floor. You should also inspect the liner for any visible damage, such as tears or rips at the seams. For minor problems, use a liner patch kit to repair the tear. If there is extensive damage, the liner may need to be replaced.
  
  

Change Out Winter Accessories

• Your above-ground pool's winterizing skimmer covers, plugs and other seasonal accessories must be removed and replaced with the appropriate operational accessories. This typically involves reinstalling the pump strainer basket, skimmer basket and lid, drain plugs and gauges. The equipment should also be inspected for any damage, so repairs can be made or broken parts can be replaced.
  
  

Reinstall Plumbing and Equipment

• Before your pool is operational for the season, its plumbing equipment must be reinstalled. Connect the pool to the pump, filter and hoses. Do not run the pump until the pool is full, however, because the motor may burn out. Replace other equipment, such as ladders or heaters, as well.
  
  

Fill Pool and Add Chemicals

• The next step in opening your above ground pool is to fill it with water. Use a garden hose to fill the pool so water level reaches halfway up the skimmer. Start the pump and begin with the multiport valve at the backwash setting for several minutes before switching to the rinse setting. Afterward, turn the pump off and move the valve to the filter setting before starting it again. The most important step in refilling your pool for the season is to ensure that the water has a proper chemical balance. Be sure to add algaecide and chlorine-based shock to sanitize the water. A metal sequestering agent may be necessary as well. After the pool is in operation for a day or two, test the chemical levels and add the necessary chemicals, such as chlorine or stabilizer, to ensure that the water chemistry is properly balanced.