opening a pool for the first time

[al27]

Our inground pool was winterized by a local pool service this fall. We were planning on opening it up ourselves this year to save money. Before we attempt to do this, I have a few questions.
1) Is there anything we need to do to the gas heater to unwinterize it before we turn the pump on? The gas heater does not work but water flows through it. Do we need to turn the gas on if we don't intend on using it or do anything to the heater itself before turning the pump on the first time since water flows through it?
2) After we replace the plugs on the pump and sand filter, do we need to add water to the pump before turning the pump on?
3) Do we need to backwash the sand filter when we open it since antifreeze was used when the pool was closed?
4) Other than removing the gizmo, winterizing plugs on the returns, and replacing the plugs on the pump and sand filter, is there anything else that needs to be done before we turn the pump on the first time?

 

[ajw22]

Our inground pool was winterized by a local pool service this fall. We were planning on opening it up ourselves this year to save money. Before we attempt to do this, I have a few questions.
1) Is there anything we need to do to the gas heater to unwinterize it before we turn the pump on? The gas heater does not work but water flows through it. Do we need to turn the gas on if we don't intend on using it or do anything to the heater itself before turning the pump on the first time since water flows through it?

Depends what specific model heater you have which is not listed in your signature. Different heaters are winterized differently.

2) After we replace the plugs on the pump and sand filter, do we need to add water to the pump before turning the pump on?

It is good to "prime the pump" and add water into the pump basket. Some pools and pumps auto prime better then others. If you are not sure then best to prime it.

3) Do we need to backwash the sand filter when we open it since antifreeze was used when the pool was closed?

No. Many folks like to suction as much of the antifreeze as possible out of the lines before unplugging and starting the pump. Youcf an let the antifreeze flow into the poolw ater where it will be diluted. For a while the antifreeze will consume more chlorine than normal.

4) Other than removing the gizmo, winterizing plugs on the returns, and replacing the plugs on the pump and sand filter, is there anything else that needs to be done before we turn the pump on the first time?

Check all vales are open and in the proper position.

Every pool is different. If you are not sure then post pcis of your equipment and pool.

 

[PoolGate]

Your gas line may have a shutoff valve if so, turn it on. It is on when the valve handle is parallel to the pipe. Mine is right next to the heater and is turned off when the pool is winterized.