Does opening your pool mean stagnant water spilling from your cover into your pool, and do layers of leaves and insects mask the water surface? Well, it doesn't have to.

Just follow these basic steps:

1. Fill the pool to the middle of the skimmer opening to make cover removal easier.

2. Brush debris off the pool cover and rinse it well with a hose. When you remove the cover, try to keep rainwater that has collected on the cover from spilling into the pool. Apply a good cover treatment product to the cover in order to keep it in good condition while in storage.

3. Remove all plugs from filling and return lines. Reinstall pumps, motors, drain plugs, filters and any equipment dismantled for the winter. Turn on the pump.

4. Check ground wires for proper connection. After you have started the pump, turn on the heater and reset the thermostat.

5. Clean your filter with a good filter cleaner/degreaser. This is very important to ensure peak pool operation. The filter should be cleaned now, as you're opening the pool, during six week intervals during the season, and when you close the pool for winter.

6. Circulate the water and vacuum the pool.

7. If your water is clear, circulate it for 24 hours. If your water is cloudy or green, add shock and run the filter 24 to 48 hours.

8. Test your water to ensure it is properly balanced. Before doing so, replace your test kit reagents or test strips. Or, bring a quart sample of water to our store for a free computerized water analysis.

By following these basic steps or having a qualified pool care professional open your pool properly, you'll enjoy a great pool season. Splish splash. Cannonbaaaaallll!

For more HOA maintenance strategies, see Regenesis.net.

Published: June 13, 2007

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Richard Thompson owns Regenesis, a management consulting company that specializes in condominium and homeowner associations. He is a nationally recognized expert on HOA management issues. Regenesis publishes The Regenesis Report, a monthly newsletter for HOA boards, developers and managers. To subscribe, go to Regenesis.net. He can be contacted by email at .