The opening of the pool: the most anticipated ritual of the year
With the arrival of spring and warmth, it's time to prepare the pool for a perfect bathing season. A proper opening not only ensures that the water is in optimal condition from day one but also prevents bigger (and more costly) problems during the summer. Follow this step-by-step checklist and enjoy your pool without surprises.
Complete checklist for opening the pool in spring-summer
✅ Step 1: Initial cleaning of the pool and surroundings
Before filling or treating the water, physically clean the pool. Remove leaves, dirt, and debris accumulated during the winter. Brush the walls and bottom to remove inactive algae. If you have a robotic pool cleaner, now is the time to put it to work:
The Zodiac Pool Cleaners available at Nousitan do this job in just a few hours completely autonomously, reaching all corners of the pool. The Freedom Control WR000708 model is especially effective for this intensive initial cleaning.
✅ Step 2: Check and start the filtration system
Check that the pump, filter, and valves are functioning correctly after the winter. Clean or backwash the sand filter. If you have a cartridge filter, replace it if it has been used for more than one season. Start the pump and check for leaks in the connections.
✅ Step 3: Water analysis
Measure the water parameters with an analyzer or testing kit. The initial reference values are: pH between 7.2 and 7.6, free chlorine between 1 and 3 ppm, and TAC (total alkalinity) between 80 and 120 ppm. The Astralpool Blue Connect Gold Analyzer allows you to monitor all these parameters in real-time from your mobile.
✅ Step 4: pH adjustment
The pH is the most critical parameter. If it is above 7.8, chlorine will be practically ineffective. If it is below 7.0, the water will be corrosive and irritating. Use pH increaser or decreaser as needed and retest after 4-6 hours of circulation.
✅ Step 5: Shock treatment
After winter, the water needs an intensive shock treatment. Add a double or triple dose of granular chlorine and keep the pump running for 24 hours. This will eliminate any suspended bacteria or algae. If the water is very green, a specific algaecide treatment may be necessary before the shock.
✅ Step 6: Set up the automatic maintenance system
Once the water is balanced, set up your continuous maintenance system. Options include a floating tablet dispenser (like the Astralpool Blue Line 69668 Dispenser), a salt chlorinator if you have one installed, or an automatic dosing system. The goal is to maintain free chlorine between 1 and 2 ppm throughout the season.
✅ Step 7: Check accessories and safety
Check the condition of the ladders and ensure they are securely fixed. The Astralpool Standard 4-step stainless steel ladders from Nousitan are sturdy and durable, but it's advisable to check the tightness of the screws annually. Also, check the condition of the pool lights and the proper functioning of the safety system if you have children.
✅ Step 8: Lighting and nighttime ambiance
If you want to enjoy the pool at night as well, check or install underwater LED lights. The Astralpool Lumiplus Lights available at Nousitan offer impressive lighting with low energy consumption, perfect for creating the ideal atmosphere on summer nights.
✅ Step 9: Install an outdoor shower
An outdoor shower is essential for rinsing off before and after swimming, which prolongs the life of the chlorine and keeps the water cleaner. The Astralpool Angel Stainless Steel Outdoor Showers are elegant, weather-resistant, and very easy to install.
Weekly maintenance schedule during the summer
| Frequency | Task |
|---|---|
| Daily | Use the skimmer or net to remove leaves and surface debris |
| 2-3 times a week | Measure pH and free chlorine |
| Weekly | Check tablet dispenser, empty skimmer baskets |
| Every 2 weeks | Backwash the sand filter |
| Monthly | Complete cleaning with robot, general equipment check |
Most common mistakes when opening the pool
The most frequent mistakes are: not adjusting the pH before chlorinating, not physically cleaning before chemical treatment, not running the pump long enough, and not performing the initial shock treatment. Avoiding these mistakes will save you weeks of cloudy water and many correction products.
Your perfect pool is just a checklist away
With the right products and by following this checklist, your pool will be ready to enjoy from the first hot day. At Nousitan, we have everything you need: pool cleaners, dispensers, analyzers, ladders, showers, and lights. Equip your pool for the best summer of your life.
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