• Fill the pool to its normal operating level. Many service pros ask customers to do this prior to arrival.

• Pump accumulated water off of solid covers and remove leaves and debris from the pool cover. Some service techs use a leaf blower to help with this process. Remove the cover, and store after it has been cleaned, dried, and neatly folded.

• Sweep the deck of the debris, and sweep away from the pool.

• Remove all winterizing plugs from the return lines, cleaner lines, skimmers, and fittings. If antifreeze was used in winterizing, this should be removed and disposed of properly.

• Reinstall accessory equipment such as ladders and diving boards. Be sure that the ladder bumper and fulcrum pads are in place.

• Reinstall pump, motors, gauges, drain plugs, filters, and heaters. Ensure that the equipment is clean and free of winter debris. Connect all ground and bonding wires. In the case of variable speed pumps, check that the motor is rotating in the correct direction, which is a function of properly connecting two of the hot wires.

• Inspect the multiport valve before installation. The spoke gasket may need to be replaced. Lubricate the diverter shaft and gasket with nonpetroleum grease and reassemble.

• Using a leaf net, scoop out any surface and submerged leaves and debris in the pool.

• Brush the pool walls and floor.

• Prime the pump if necessary and start it. Add DE to the filter when the system is started for DE filters.

• Inspect the heater. To avoid a potential hazard, for a gas heater make sure that the burner tray area is clean. Rodent excrement and dead insects tend to accumulate here.

• Start and test-fire the heater. Clean if necessary and reset the gas valve to the pilot position if the heater doesn’t have an on/off switch.

• Repair any leaks or other problems.

• If the water is clear, set the filter to run for 24 hours, and return the following day to obtain a water sample.

• Balance the water chemistry.

• If the water is cloudy or green, adjust the pH and shock the pool.

• Run the filter for 24 hours, return the next day, and backwash or clean the filter, then balance the water.

Spa

• Spas that share a pool’s installation should be opened using the same procedure as the pool. For a standalone spa, drain it completely and clean the surfaces thoroughly.

• Remove winterizing plugs and dispose of antifreeze properly.

• Reinstall fittings and replace skimmer basket and weir.

• Reinstall the pump, motor, air blowers, and heaters.

• Make sure to properly connect all ground wires.

• Add water, start the filtration system, adding DE if needed. Test andbalancewater,andaddsanitizer.

• Start the heater and ensure that it is operating properly.

• Then set the thermostat to the desired setting.