Can I open the pool myself? Builder wants $175

[Albin]

I have an above ground pool and the builder closes it in the fall and opens it each spring. Their opening involves removing the plugs, flushing the antifreeze into the water if I recall correctly and inspecting the pump, heater, etc. They don't test the water, clean anything or do much else.

Money is tight this year so if I can do the above myself do I really need them?

Thanks!

[PoolDoc]

There's nothing magical about opening -- if you remember how to put the stuff back together, go for it! Lots of people do.

But, I'd strongly recommend a heavy dose of bleach b4 you take the cover off, maybe a couple of days before.

Ben

[CarlD]

"Can I open my pool myself?" Yup. Most of us do. It's not complicated, though each pool is a little different.

[Albin]

I suppose my main question is about the antifreeze in the lines - I'm okay to just flush that into the water then? Thanks.

[Big Mike]

I suppose my main question is about the antifreeze in the lines - I'm okay to just flush that into the water then? Thanks.

You should fill the water level in the pool to where it needs to be, and then turn your selector valve to waste, and then turn the pump on so the water in the lines doesn't run back through your filter. Let It run for a second then turn it off. Then, turn the selector valve back to filter and turn the pump back on. Then add your bleach mixture until your chlorine level reaches a high enough ppm to get rid of the greeness in your pool (I think above 10 ppm). Maintain that ppm level and run the pump until your pool is sparkling clean.