Spring Start-up "Sticky"? (chemicals)

[thelma]

Hello there,
This is the first spring opening my new pool and I was wondering if some of the fabulous pool experts in the forum were going to post a suggested step-by-step spring start-up "sticky"?

I'm mostly concerned with chemicals. After initally testing the water, what comes first when adding chemicals? PH or straight to chlorine? What should I worry about first?

Also another question, if my PH is low when I first test, wouldn't adding the bleach to shock raise it anyway and kill two birds with one stone.

I peeked under my cover and thank god the water is clear so that's one bullet I hope I've dodged!! Probably because I followed the closing instructions on the forum.

Thanks for you help last season and in the coming one!
Thelma

[Watermom]

The most important thing upon uponing is to get your ph in range. A ph lower than 7.0 is acidic and can damage your pool. I hope your pool made it through the winter without dropping below that. You can actually work on ph and chlorine levels at the same time. I do it all the time if both need adjusted. As far as bleach affecting ph -- it doesn't in all pools. In my pool, bleach additions do not affect my ph. You'll have to determine if it does in your pool.

As far as step-by-step, it isn't that difficult. PH first, then chlorine. Then worry about your other levels. Hope this helps.

[thelma]

Thanks so much for your response Watermom.

The bleach didn't have much affect on my PH until I closed. Then for some reason it went UP. I'm starting my opening process today so I'll certainly take your advice.

[donfranko]

Try this link. Ben's Spring start up guide.

http://www.poolsolutions.com/gd/startup_tips.html