Leslie's Deluxe Pool Opening Kit Instructions
The best days of the year are finally here — it's time to open the pool! To help take the guesswork out of pool opening, you can find all the essential water treatment chemicals needed in a Leslie's Pool Opening Kit. The instructions below cover the steps for using a Leslie's Deluxe Opening Kit, which can treat pools up to 15,000 gallons in size. The Deluxe Kit includes:
- 1 qt Spring Stain Away
- 1 qt Opening Algaecide
- 1 qt Ultra Bright Advanced
- 2 lbs Chlor Brite Shock
- 1 Sun Sorb™
- 10-Pack of Test Strips
Leslie's also carries two other sizes of Pool Opening Kits. If you're looking for instructions for the other sizes, click the links below:
Leslie's Standard Pool Opening Kit Instructions (for pools up to 7,500 gallons)
Leslie's Premium Pool Opening Kit Instructions (for pools up to 35,000 gallons)
NOTE: Temperatures should be consistently reaching 65–70ºF for at least a week before attempting to open your pool. By this point, the risk of freezing weather will likely have passed. Algae growth is more likely to occur as temperatures creep higher, so it's important not to wait too long before opening your pool.
How to Use a Leslie's Deluxe Pool Opening Kit
Always carefully read and follow all product label instructions, which include details for correct dosing, handling, storage, and application. When adding chemicals to the pool, run the filter pump on high speed unless the product instructions state otherwise. Remember to never mix chemicals, and allow ample time between different chemical applications.
If you did not winterize your pool for freezing conditions, and you're simply starting up a partially closed pool, skip ahead to step 4.
- Remove the pool cover and reconnect your pool equipment. Reinstall the drain plugs in your pump, filter, heater, etc.
- Remove winterizing plugs from the skimmer and return lines. If pool antifreeze was used to winterize the suction plumbing, you’ll want to discharge this to waste or backwash.
- Refill pool water to a normal level, around halfway up the mouth of the skimmer.
- Once the filter pump is primed, set it to run continuously until start-up is complete.
- With the filter pump running on high speed, add Spring Stain Away into the pool water. Do not exceed the label’s recommended dose for your pool size. Wait 2–4 hours.
- Test and balance the Total Alkalinity and pH levels in your pool. Adjust Total Alkalinity first: 80–120 ppm. Then, adjust pH into the range of 7.4–7.6.
- Thoroughly brush and vacuum the pool.
- Following product label instructions, add the correct dose of Leslie’s Ultra Bright Advanced across the pool water surface. Wait at least 2 hours with the circulation system running. Check your pool filter pressure, and clean the filter as needed. Vacuum the pool again, if necessary.
- Broadcast Leslie’s Chlor Brite across the surface of the pool with the pump running. Allow the water to circulate for at least 2 hours.
- Test the Free Available Chlorine (FAC) level to make sure it’s at least up to 1–4 ppm. If below this range, continue adding additional Leslie’s Chlor Brite as necessary. Run the circulation system overnight.
- Add Opening Algaecide. Continue running the pump and wait for 2 hours.
- Place the Sun Sorb™ in the skimmer to collect residual suntan oils, body oils, grime, and scum to prevent them from forming an unsightly waterline ring around the pool.
- Bring a pool water sample to your local Leslie’s for a free in-store AccuBlue® water test, or use your AccuBlue Home® testing device to ensure all aspects of water chemistry are in balance and your pool is ready for swimming.
CLICK HERE for printable Leslie's Deluxe Opening Kit instructions.
For more info about opening your pool this spring and maintaining it throughout the year, check out our Expert Advice and Resource Center for helpful tips and articles. For any last-minute supplies you need, stop by your local Leslie's or browse our online selection of pool opening products. At Leslie's, you can always count on us to have everything you need in stock and at a great price, no matter the season! If you want help opening your pool, we encourage you to chat with our team of experts or schedule a pool opening service with one of our certified service technicians. Once the pool is open, you'll be ready for a fun-filled summer ahead!