Leslie's Standard Pool Opening Kit Instructions
After a long winter of staring wistfully at your backyard, it's finally time to peel back those covers and open up the pool! Leslie's Pool Opening Kits remove the guesswork and hassle of gathering multiple pool opening chemicals, and keep everything contained in one pre-sized kit. This article goes over the instructions for a Leslie's Standard Opening Kit, which can treat pools up to 7,500 gallons in size. The Standard Kit includes:
- 1 lb Chlor Brite
- 1 pt Algae Control
- 1 pt Ultra Bright Advanced
- 1 pt Stain & Scale Prevent Start-Up
Leslie's also carries two other sizes of Pool Opening Kits. If you're looking for instructions for the other sizes, click the links below:
Leslie's Deluxe Pool Opening Kit Instructions (for pools up to 15,00 gallons)
Leslie's Premium Pool Opening Kit Instructions (for pools up to 35,000 gallons)
NOTE: Temperatures should be consistently reaching 65–70ºF for at least a week before attempting to open your pool. By this point, the risk of freezing weather will likely have passed. Algae growth is more likely to occur as temperatures creep higher, so it's important not to wait too long before opening your pool.
How to Use a Leslie's Standard Pool Opening Kit
Always carefully read and follow all product label instructions, which include details for correct dosing, handling, storage, and application. When adding chemicals to the pool, run the filter pump on high speed unless the product instructions state otherwise. Remember to never mix chemicals, and allow ample time between different chemical applications.
If you did not winterize your pool for freezing conditions, and you're simply starting up a partially closed pool, skip ahead to step 4.
- Remove the pool cover and reconnect your pool equipment. Reinstall the drain plugs in your pump, filter, heater, etc.
- Remove winterizing plugs from the skimmer and return lines. If pool antifreeze was used to winterize the suction plumbing, you’ll want to discharge this to waste or backwash.
- Refill pool water to a normal level, around halfway up the mouth of the skimmer.
- Once the filter pump is primed, set it to run continuously until start-up is complete.
- With the filter pump running on high speed, add up to 1/2 pint (8 fl. oz.) of Leslie’s Stain & Scale Prevent Start-Up into the pool water. Do not exceed the label’s recommended dose for your pool size, and do not add this product through the skimmer! Wait 4 hours.
- Test and balance the Total Alkalinity and pH levels in your pool. Adjust Total Alkalinity first: 80–120 ppm. Then, adjust pH into the range of 7.4–7.6.
- Thoroughly brush and vacuum the pool.
- Broadcast 1 pound of Leslie’s Chlor Brite across the surface of the pool with the pump running.
- Test the Free Available Chlorine (FAC) level to make sure it’s at least up to 1–4 ppm. If below this range, continue adding Leslie’s Chlor Brite as necessary. Run the circulation system overnight.
- The next day, add 1 pint of Leslie’s Algae Control. Continue running the pump and wait for 2 hours.
- Following product label instructions, add the correct dose of Leslie’s Ultra Brite Advanced across the pool water surface. Wait 4 hours with the circulation system running. Check your pool filter pressure, and clean the filter as needed. Vacuum the pool again, if necessary.
- Bring a pool water sample to your local Leslie’s for a free in-store AccuBlue® water test to ensure all aspects of your water chemistry are in balance and your pool is ready for swimming.
CLICK HERE for printable Leslie's Standard Opening Kit instructions.
For more info about opening your pool this spring and maintaining it throughout the year, check out our Expert Advice and Resource Center for helpful tips and articles. For any last-minute supplies you need, stop by your local Leslie's or browse our online selection of pool opening products. If you want help opening your pool, we encourage you to chat with our team of experts or schedule a pool opening service with one of our certified service technicians. Once the pool is open, you'll be ready for a fun-filled summer ahead!