Spring Start-up "Sticky"? (chemicals)

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

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.

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.

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

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