Starting up pool procedure

[PeterDM]

I have been following the TFP method for the last couple of years with success, but have been using a local pool professional to open & close the pool. It's small (24'x 12'/40,000 liters) inground chlorine pool with vinyl liner. I figure I should probably learn to open (& close) it myself, as it's surely not that difficult & the guy who does it for me takes about 30 mins & charges me $250.

Could someone point me in the right direction on TFP to find the information I would need to start up the pool?

Thank you!

 

[jblizzle]

This might get you started, while it is for AG pool, your IG should be similar:
Pool School - Opening Your Winterized Above Ground Pool

 

[Kiss4aFrog]

I was in the same boat. I watched a number of youtube videos, watched the guys from the pool company do the closing and read the article here on TFP. For me opening isn't much at all it's closing that's important since here in Wisconsin we get a good solid freeze and anything not done right will crack. This was my second year closing and it's gone smoothly.
I did buy the same blower that the pool company uses, Cyclone Pool Liner Blower/Vac. It should run around $300 US but I felt safer having it even though many said a good quality shop vac will get the job done. I figure this year it's paid for itself so now I start saving $$$

pool winterizing blower - Google Search

 

[PeterDM]

Thanks for the quick responses! I'm in Canada, so the pool has definitely been "winterized". I guess the items I would have questions about are these:

1) If using a sand filter, inspect sand and top off with appropriate medium to correct level if needed.

What exactly am I "inspecting"? How would I "top off"? With what?

2) Remove any winterizing plugs or "gizmos" from the plumbing. If using a sand filter, carefully add water to filter prior to attaching muti-port gasket.

The gizmos are at the skimmer & entry jets?

Sorry to be so uninformed! It's odd how there are certain things that one just doesn't get around to learning about! Is there a youtube video that you would particularly recommend to watch for a visual demonstration? It seems like it should be pretty straightforward.