ABC Blog

Open Your Pool: The 10-step Checklist

Open your pool for summer in Houston

Sit back. Relax. It’s summertime!

Every May, thousands of Houston families open their backyard swimming pools for the summer season. Opening a pool isn’t as simple as pulling off the cover and jumping in.

We have put together a checklist for our ABC family insiders.

1. FILTER PUMPS AND OTHER PUMPS

Are they operable?
Are any of them making a loud noise?
Are they priming ok?
Are there any leaks?
Are the pump baskets intact?

2. CLEANER PUMP

Is it operable?
Is it making a loud noise?
Are there any leaks?

3. FILTERS

Check filter pressure. Your filter may need to be back washed or have the internal assemblies cleaned or replaced.
If your filter has a push/pull valve or multiport valve, do they operate smoothly?
Are there any leaks?

4. POOL CLEANER UNIT

Is it operable?
Inspect tires, wheel bearings, debris bags, etc.

5. WATERSIDE

Are skimmer baskets and skimmer covers intact?
Are there any cracks in the skimmer?
Are the weir doors inside of the skimmers opening and closing as designed?
If your pool has an auto fill device, is it working properly?

6. POOL HEATER

Is it operable?
Check for gas and water leaks.
Inspect for any debris on top and inside of the heater.
Is the burner tray and heat exchanger in good condition?

7. LIGHTING/ELECTRICAL

Are the lights operable?
Are the lights free of water?
Is the time clock and automation panel operable and programmed correctly?
Is the spa blower operable?
Does the GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter) work on the pool and spa lights?
Are all wiring conduits intact and connections ok?

8. CHEMICAL SYSTEM (skip if you have salt water)

Is the chemical feeder flowing water through it?
Are there any leaks?
Have you cleaned and inspected your salt cell for calcium build up?
Is system producing chlorine?

9. TEST WATER

Check Chlorine, PH, Alkalinity, Cyanuric Acid, Calcium Hardness

10. BASIC SAFETY CHECKS

Are anti-vortex drain covers attached?
Is gate self-closing and self-latching?
Check condition of diving board, ladders, slides, etc. Check for rust and remove rust if you see it on any of this equipment.


Pool Problems May Arise.

Check for leaks, cracks, and sand/dirt. If you see sand near the jets or other types of residue, chances are your filter needs some maintenance. Once your pool is full, keep an eye out for bubbles or strange water circulation patterns.

Do you need help opening your pool? Our team can take on all of these tasks for you. We can also manage regular summer upkeep or major remodels and repairs.

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