How to open an AGP

[DThompson55]

It would be great to have an FAQ on how to open an AGP. It seems like such a mystery. We just got the cover off yesterday. There's no really good way to do that. Today we're starting to vacuum the bottom and sides so we can start our SLAM. In a few weeks we're hoping it'll be ready for use. This is a pretty typical opening for us.

 

[Wobblerlorri]

You open an AGP like any other pool, really. Take off cover, test, add chemicals as required, SLAM if necessary. I would suggest next winter keeping the pool around 10 FC, test weekly, add chlorine as needed to keep it at 10. That should keep you from going green.

 

[Mdragger88]

Rule #1 Close Late (@slam level for your cya) -after the water is below 60ish degrees on a regular basis , Open Early - before the water is above 60ish degrees.
*Check the fc level a few times through the winter & add liquid chlorine of necessary.

As far as the cover goes, I just have one of these


I use it all winter & i pump it down pretty much bone dry by setting a brick on it & moving it around to the puddles before removing the cover. A good sunny day or two dries it up well.
Periodically through the winter i use the leaf net to remove debris from the cover as well.
If u set it & forget it you’ll definitely have to pay at opening. A little attention throughout the winter goes a long way.

 

[Mdragger88]

This is 10 minutes after I removed my cover after closing as directed in the link below.

Closing (Winterizing) Your Above Ground Pool

Closing an above ground pool at season’s end should be a fast and worry-free process. Learn the basics of above ground pool winterization in easy steps.

www.troublefreepool.com

Opening your pool- An easy to follow guide

Opening your pool can be stressful. This Pool Start Up guide teaches everything from start-up chemicals, covers, and more for your start up.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[DThompson55]

Rule #1 Close Late (@slam level for your cya) -after the water is below 60ish degrees on a regular basis , Open Early - before the water is above 60ish degrees.
*Check the fc level a few times through the winter & add liquid chlorine of necessary.

As far as the cover goes, I just have one of these

View attachment 342085
I use it all winter & i pump it down pretty much bone dry by setting a brick on it & moving it around to the puddles before removing the cover. A good sunny day or two dries it up well.
Periodically through the winter i use the leaf net to remove debris from the cover as well.
If u set it & forget it you’ll definitely have to pay at opening. A little attention throughout the winter goes a long way.

Thanks, I did not know about these. I just ordered one for next year.

 

[crokett]

The way I close my pool is I vacuum to waste and drop the water level just below the return. I add enough bleach to shock and plug the return and skimmer. I put the cover on. I keep the cover pumped off except for 1/2" or so of water - this helps keep it in place. In the spring, I open up the pool, fill as necessary, turn the pump on, shock again and make whatever other adjustments are necessary.