Salt Pool Opening: Complete Guide for a Successful Start

The arrival of spring means opening your pool ! If you have a saltwater pool , there are a few specific steps you need to get the season off to a good start. In this guide, discover all the steps to opening your saltwater pool simply, safely, and effectively.

🧼 Step 1: Removing your pool cover

The first step in opening your pool is to carefully remove your pool cover to prevent debris from falling into the water. If you're using a solid cover , start by removing any standing water with a submersible pump , then remove leaves, branches, and debris with a leaf skimmer .

💡 Maintenance tip : Place a garden hose under the cover to begin filling the pool slowly. This will lift the liner, reduce the return of dirty water into the pool, and make it easier to remove the cover .

For mesh or safety covers , carefully unhook the clips and remove it slowly to avoid spilling accumulated debris into the pool.

🔄 Once removed, clean, dry, and store your cover in a dry place. This prevents mold and mildew and extends its lifespan for seasons to come.

🔧 Step 2: Preparing the pool with salt before starting up

Once the cover is removed, it's time to prepare your pool with salt to ensure optimal water circulation and safe operation of your equipment . Here are the key steps to follow:

1️⃣ Remove wintering accessories

• Remove the foam gizmos, plugs and strings to restore proper water flow in the system .

2️⃣ Reconnect the equipment

• Reconnect the pump, return lines and ensure all clamps are tight to prevent leaks.

3️⃣ Check the skimmer

• Inspect your skimmer and replace any defective parts to ensure effective filtration .

4️⃣ Install the return fittings

• Replace the return nozzles and orient the directional eye downward at 45° to improve water circulation and product distribution.

5️⃣ Lubricate the joints

• Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the O-rings and plugs to prevent wear and make future maintenance easier.

6️⃣ Replace the filter components

• Reinstall the pressure gauges and glass bottle onto the filter, ensuring a good fit and seal .

7️⃣ Reconnect the cell to the salt (without activating it immediately)

• Wait until you have tested and adjusted the salt level before activating the system. This prevents overloading or malfunction of the electrolyser .

🔄 Step 3: Commissioning your salt pool filtration system

Once the equipment is reconnected, it's time to restart the filtration system to ensure clean, healthy, and well-circulated water. Follow these key steps for an effective startup :

1️⃣ Prime the pump

• Fill the pump with water and prime it gently, removing any air bubbles . Proper priming is essential to ensure a stable flow rate and prevent damage to the pump.

2️⃣ Start in "Drain" or "Waste" mode

• Run the system in "Drain" or "Waste" mode to evacuate stagnant water and impurities accumulated during wintering.

3️⃣ Deep cleaning: Rinse and Backwash

• Switch to "Rinse" mode to reposition the sand in the filter, then to "Backwash" mode to clean the filter media and dislodge deposits .

4️⃣ Start filtration

• Put the system in "Filter" mode, to start the water purification cycle and ensure constant circulation throughout the pool.

5️⃣ Check that it is working properly

• Make sure there are no leaks , the flow is steady and the filter pressure gauge reads normal.

6️⃣ Physical cleaning of the pool

• Brush the walls and bottom to loosen dirt, then vacuum up debris with a suitable pool vacuum . This complements the filtration process for crystal-clear water.

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💦 Maintenance tip : Effective filtration from the start facilitates chemical balancing of the water and reduces the use of corrective products.

🧪 Preparing to treat your pool with salt

Before moving on to chemical balancing, it is essential to carry out an effective initial treatment to ensure healthy water from the first days of use. For this, we recommend using a salt pool opening kit .

This opening kit is specially formulated for:

• ✅ Eliminate algae, bacteria and impurities accumulated during the winter

• ✅ Optimize the start-up of the salt system

• ✅ Create a healthy foundation for stable and long-lasting salt treatment

💡 Tip : Using an opening kit from the start reduces the need for chemicals later on and makes it easier to maintain crystal clear water.

Make sure filtration is running before adding any kit products. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for dosages.

💧 Step 5: Test and adjust your salt pool water

After cleaning your pool and turning on the filtration, it's time to test and balance the water to ensure safe swimming and proper operation of the salt system.

1️⃣ Run the filtration for 24 hours

Allow the filtration system to run continuously for at least 24 hours to thoroughly mix the water before taking a reliable sample.

2️⃣ Have your water analyzed

Bring a water sample to Piscines Geysert for a complete in-store analysis . Our experts will guide you through adjusting the following essential parameters :

• pH : ideally between 7.2 and 7.6

• Salt level : according to your generator's recommendations (often between 3000 and 3500 ppm)

• Total alkalinity : between 80 and 120 ppm

• Other levels : calcium hardness, stabilizer (cyanuric acid), residual chlorine, etc.

🎯 Why is this step crucial?
A good chemical balance allows:

• Extend the life of your salt cell

• Avoid limescale deposits or corrosion

• Ensure effective disinfection and clear water

🌞 Enjoy a Worry-Free Season with Your Salt Water Pool

A well-executed opening is the foundation for a successful season. By following each step in this guide, you'll ensure your saltwater pool has clean, balanced water ready for a wonderful swim. You'll also help extend the life of your equipment , including the salt cell and filtration system.

🔄 Weekly maintenance recommended for a salt pool

To keep your water crystal clear and safe , adopt a regular maintenance routine :

• ✅ Test water weekly (pH, salt level, alkalinity, stabilizer)

• ✅ Adjust chemical parameters to maintain the ideal balance

• ✅ Check the filtration system to avoid obstructions and breakdowns

• ✅ Clean the pool : remove debris, brush the walls and vacuum the bottom

💡 Simple and rigorous preventive maintenance will save you a lot of hassle: cloudy water, scale, algae or overuse of products.

🛒 Need products for maintaining your salt pool?

Discover our selection of specialized products , designed to facilitate the maintenance of your salt water pool throughout the season.