Figure 3 - Swimming pool vinyl & tile cleaner
Visually inspect the swimming pool filter and piping looking for possible cracks in the filter body and cracks and damaged pipe and fittings. If the filter, pipe or fittings have any sign of visual damage, those parts need to be replaced before turning the filter on.
Visually inspect the electric motor. Ensure that electrical connections are intact.
Note: Do not start-up the swimming pool pump if you notice any cracks or damages to the filter, piping system, pump and/or motor until you have replaced the item or repaired the damages.
Step 8:
Install any filter gauges and baskets. Don’t forget to install the filter and any other drain plugs that you may have removed when you closed the filter and pump equipment.
Note: If you have any diverter valves within the swimming pool piping system ensure that they are in the proper position for swimming pool operation.
Note: If you have solar panels for heating the swimming pool or a gas. propane or electric swimming pool heater, it is best to divert the water around the heaters until the swimming pool is fully operational.
Step 9:
Clean out any debris that may have accumulated in the socket mountings for ladders, slides, diving boards and railings.
Step 10:
Inspect any and all ladders, slides, diving boards, solar covers and their mechanisms and railings for loose nuts and bolts and damage. Repair or replace any accessories that are damaged.
Note: Special attention should be placed on the inspection of diving boards. Diving boards have a limited life and will develop stress cracks over time. Any diving board that is not 100% should be replaced immediately.
Wash, clean and install any ladders, slides, diving boards and railings. Applying some Vaseline to the bolts will prevent them from rusting in place. Make sure that any cleaning agents that are used to clean these items are removed prior to installation. Do not contaminate your swimming pool water with household cleaners.
Step 11:
When the swimming pool water level is approximately 1/3 of the way up the skimmer you can prime the swimming pool pump and turn it on. Don’t forget to turn the pump’s electrical circuit breaker to the “ON” position.
Start the pump.
Note: A large quantity of air will be released from the piping system and filter into and out of the pool jets. This air is normal and should subside in a few minutes.
Allow the pump to run for a minimum of 12 hours in order to mix the newly added water with the water that was present in the swimming pool.
Note: If you have a lot of dirt at the bottom of the swimming pool you may want to vacuum the pool with the filter valve positioned to waste. This will cause the dirty water to bypass the swimming pool filter and go directly to the waste line.
Note: It is not uncommon to have to backwasher the filter numerous times during the initial 12 hours of start-up. The amount of dirt that will end up being trapped in the filter will be determined by how dirty the pool water was when you started up the pump. Make sure that you check the skimmer basket often and clean-out any debris that may have accumulated.
Step 12:
Check your chemicals. Look at expiry dates. Any chemicals that are out of date should be disposed of in a proper and safe manner. Do not use chemicals that are beyond their expiry dates.
Step 13:
Check the chemical levels of the swimming pool water with a valid test kit. If you are unsure what chemicals to use and the appropriate quantities, take a sample of your water to a swimming pool chemical supply store. Most will test your water free and provide you with the information necessary to bring the swimming pool water up to the proper chemical levels.
Step 14:
Once the chemical levels in your swimming pool are at the proper levels, you can set the diverter valves to channel water to solar panels or heaters.
Once the chemical levels in your swimming pool are at the proper levels, you can set the diverter valves to channel water to solar panels or heaters.
Note: A visual inspection should be made of heaters, solar panels and associated piping before diverting water to these items. Repair or replace any damaged components of heating systems before diverting the swimming pool water through them.
Additional information on lighting a gas or propane heater pilot light