Opening solo- please help

[B.lu]

I am 5% done with opening the pool and wishing I hired someone else to do it... When I'm done I'm sure I'll feel proud of myself Last week the weather was 40-50s and now it's 68 and feeling balmy. While my two year old napped today, I went to the basement to just look at the pool stuff. Next thing you know, I'm rewatching YouTube videos on how to use that bar tool thingy to get the straps off the anchors. In about 30 minutes I got the cover off but it was not EASY. If I were stronger or had a second set of hands, it would have made all of the difference. But I did it! The hardest part was getting the cover out of the pool at the end. I initially tried to fold the cover in a z pattern, but that fell apart when one of the sides starting falling back towards the water, etc... Right now the cover is in an embarrassing heap at the end of the pool. My pool water is at the top of the pavers.

So I know I have to clean the cover off and fold it, but I'm probably not doing that until this weekend, when I can get my husband to give me a hand. I found the three eye things that go on the returns. I'll go back to Snoobug and Casey's posts about their openings to study up on what is next. For now, here are some pre-opening shots



and where I'm at now...

 

[B.lu]

I just removed the three plugs in the returns and partially installed the eyeballs. Should I use a mallet to pound them on all the way?

I also took out the gizmo from the skimmer (ew). It doesn't feel like there is anything else in there. Do I just put the basket in and that's done?

I could remove the plug for the side suction that the Polaris attaches to. Should I use pliers?

Thanks!!!

 

[Newdude]

I just removed the three plugs in the returns and partially installed the eyeballs. Should I use a mallet to pound them on all the way?

Let's see some pics. The eyeball should be a 3 piece contraption. It may not have come apart last year into the pieces.

I also took out the gizmo from the skimmer (ew). It doesn't feel like there is anything else in there. Do I just put the basket in and that's done?

Done and done. Basket up and move on.

could remove the plug for the side suction that the Polaris attaches to. Should I use pliers?

Does it have a slot ? If so, tape up the pointy end of a screwdriver (for when you drop it in the pool) and use the 'bar' part of the screwdriver in the slot. Or put some tape on the jaws of channel lock pliers (for when they drop) and use them.

When I'm done I'm sure I'll feel proud of myself

You will. So proud. And the only hard part is done with the cover. The rest is easy peasy twisty stuffs, like the gizmos.

We. Got. You.

 

[Newdude]

Tape either like so.

 

[Newdude]

Let us know if these aren't the return fitting and plugs.

 

[B.lu]

Thanks newdude! I’m going to have to take some pics tomorrow because I’m on gymnastics duty now. Waiting for my daughter to finish her class.

The images you showed of the return eye balls and screws look very different from what I have. The eyeball seems to be a single piece of plastic (black) and you can’t easily adjust the direction the water points. Once it’s in, you’d have to remove it. I’ll pop it out tomorrow and take a better look. Will definitely post a pic

 

[B.lu]

I'll take the picture tomorrow of the return fittings but these are the plugs. I initially twisted the white thing all the way off before realizing I had to sort of wiggle it to remove it

 

[Newdude]

OK. You got it anyway, so good job.
Next time just loosen the wing nut a bit and wiggle.

But this is exactly the type of stuff that's left to figure out. Silly twisty/bangy things. Easy peasy. The cover is a beast, not because it requires a PHD, but the size and weight.

 

[V___25]

The cover is the hardest part IMO. My husband struggled with those ****** anchors but I think we need a new bar thingy. Once that was off, I opened the rest of the pool myself one morning while he was still at work.

 

[B.lu]

Here's the return fitting and it seems to be just one solid piece. I think I just keep hitting it until it is all the way in.
Tomorrow I plan to get everything ready and fired up. First, I'll put the filter cartridges back in the filter and use the lube to oil the o rings. Then bring the hose to the pump and add water (to pipe level). Next I'll turn the pump on and run for 30 minutes before getting water sample. Does that sound about right?

I still have to:
take out the anchor screws, rinse/dry, and oil them before lower than (but just level, not too tightly)
have my husband move the cover with me to the deck, rinse it off, dry it, pack it up

Thanks for all of the support!

 

[Newdude]

Does that sound about right?

Don't forget all the drain plugs at the equipment pad.

How is the water level ? Do you need to add or drain any ? Have that handled before you fire it up.

I'll do my best to check in frequently tomorrow. If you need anything, gimme 15-20 mins if everyone else is busy too.

 

[B.lu]

Thanks so much newdude!

I don't know where the drain plugs are. I'm pretty sure they didn't hand them to me when they gave me the other things to store away. I look in the equipment to see if they put them in any of the baskets.

My water level is way high. I was going to drain it to the right level once the pool pump is on. I have a spigot with a hose attached at the equipment pad. Is that okay to do at this point?

 

[Newdude]

look in the equipment to see if they put them in any of the baskets.

Usually in the pump basket.

 

[Newdude]

I have a spigot with a hose attached at the equipment pad. Is that okay to do at this point?

Yup. That works great once the pump is running.

 

[Newdude]

Morning B.lu.

Let's call some friends in case you need any help today. @magiteck @Mdragger88 @Casey @PoolStored @MITBeta @wireform

And @kimkats. Last time she was all

'Don't worry Snoo, me and 'Dude got you......I'm off to a concert and will be back late Sunday. Lemme know how it turned out'

Click here to see who is online at any point if the rest of us havent seen it yet. Tag any regular for a speedy answer.

 

[B.lu]

Thanks everyone. I found all of the plugs still in place. I don’t know if the closing company forgot or never removed them… I found one in the filter, heater, Polaris pump, and swg

 

[B.lu]

Newdude, enjoy the concert

 

[Newdude]

I found all of the plugs still in place.

Awesome. You know where they are !!! That's HUGE. You could have spent all day looking through the garage.

They may have put them back after blowing and draining. Or they were comfortable enough with their blowing that they didn't need to drain. Meh. We are starting off on a good foot today. So Yay.

 

[Newdude]

Newdude, enjoy the concert

that was Kim last time with Snoo. Just teasing her.

 

[Mdragger88]

Thanks everyone. I found all of the plugs still in place. I don’t know if the closing company forgot or never removed them… I found one in the filter, heater, Polaris pump, and swg

Well, they’re not worth their money now u know. I hope they drained everything well!