How to Use Leslie's Deluxe Opening Kit: Complete Spring Pool Opening Guide

 

Leslie's Deluxe Opening Kit provides complete chemicals for spring pool opening including shock, algaecide, clarifier, and stain preventer. Remove cover, clean pool, balance pH and alkalinity, add chemicals in proper order (shock first, wait 24 hours, then algaecide and clarifier), run pump 24 to 48 hours, test and adjust. This guide covers complete spring opening procedures, chemical application, and troubleshooting for a perfect pool season start.

What is Leslie's Deluxe Opening Kit?

Leslie's Deluxe Opening Kit is a comprehensive chemical package designed to simplify spring pool opening. This all in one kit contains the essential chemicals needed to clean, sanitize, balance, and clarify your pool water after winter closure, eliminating the guesswork and ensuring you have everything required for a successful pool season start.

What's Included in the Deluxe Opening Kit

The kit typically includes chemicals for pools up to 30,000 gallons:

• Chlorine shock: Cal hypo or dichlor shock for sanitization and oxidation
• Algaecide: Prevents and treats algae growth during opening
• Clarifier: Clears cloudy water and enhances sparkle
• Stain and scale preventer: Protects against metal staining and calcium buildup
• pH increaser or decreaser: Balances pH levels
• Alkalinity increaser: Stabilizes pH buffer capacity
• Test strips: For testing water chemistry
• Instructions: Step by step opening guide

Benefits of Using an Opening Kit

• Complete solution: All chemicals in one convenient package
• Proper proportions: Pre measured for optimal results
• Cost effective: Less expensive than buying chemicals separately
• Simplified process: Clear instructions eliminate confusion
• Professional results: Formulated by pool care experts
• Time saving: No need to shop for individual chemicals
• Reduces errors: Correct products and dosages included

When combined with proper weekly pool cleaning routines, Leslie's Deluxe Opening Kit provides everything needed for a perfect pool season start.

Before You Begin: Pre Opening Checklist

Gather Your Supplies

In addition to the opening kit, you'll need:

• Pool brush (wall and floor brush)
• Pool vacuum (manual or automatic)
• Skimmer net for debris removal
• Garden hose for filling
• Bucket for mixing chemicals
• Safety equipment (gloves, goggles)
• Additional test strips or test kit
• Cover pump (if not already used)

Inspect Pool Equipment

Check all equipment before starting:

• Pool pump: Check for leaks, cracks, or damage
• Filter: Inspect filter tank and connections
• Heater: Look for corrosion or damage
• Plumbing: Check all pipes and fittings
• Pool surface: Inspect for cracks or damage
• Safety equipment: Test ladders, rails, diving board
• Electrical: Verify all connections are secure

Learn about your pool's filtration system and maintaining pool pumps and filters.

Choose the Right Time

Timing is important for successful pool opening:

• Open when temperatures consistently reach 60°F or above
• Choose a warm, sunny day for opening
• Avoid opening during rain or storms
• Plan for 2 to 3 days to complete opening process
• Open 2 to 3 weeks before you plan to swim
• Earlier opening prevents algae growth

Step by Step Pool Opening Guide

Step 1: Remove and Clean Pool Cover

Properly remove your winter pool cover:

1. Remove standing water using cover pump
2. Sweep or brush off leaves and debris from cover
3. Carefully remove cover folding from one end
4. Prevent debris from falling into pool
5. Clean cover with mild soap and water
6. Allow cover to dry completely
7. Store cover properly for next season
8. Remove winter plugs from skimmer and return lines
9. Remove ice compensator if used

Step 2: Inspect and Reconnect Equipment

Prepare pool equipment for operation:

1. Reinstall drain plugs in pump, filter, and heater
2. Reconnect any disconnected hoses or pipes
3. Reattach filter pressure gauge if removed
4. Lubricate o rings and gaskets with silicone lubricant
5. Inspect for damage from winter
6. Replace any damaged parts before starting
7. Ensure all connections are tight

Step 3: Fill Pool to Proper Level

Bring water level to normal operating height:

• Fill to middle of skimmer opening or tile line
• Use garden hose (may take several hours)
• Monitor fill level to avoid overfilling
• Note: Fresh fill water will affect chemistry
• Record amount of water added

Step 4: Remove Debris and Clean Pool

Before adding chemicals, clean the pool thoroughly:

1. Skim surface to remove all floating debris
2. Brush entire pool surface (walls and floor)
3. Dislodge algae and dirt from surfaces
4. Vacuum pool bottom (vacuum to waste if very dirty)
5. Empty and rinse skimmer and pump baskets
6. Clean tiles and waterline
7. Remove as much debris as possible

Remove all leaves and debris before chemical treatment for best results.

Step 5: Start Filtration System

Get your circulation system running:

1. Prime pump by filling pump basket with water if needed
2. Open all necessary valves for normal operation
3. Turn on pump and check for proper operation
4. Check all connections for leaks
5. Note starting filter pressure gauge reading
6. Run pump continuously during opening process
7. Verify water is circulating through all returns

Proper pool circulation is essential for chemical distribution.

Step 6: Test Initial Water Chemistry

Before adding any chemicals, test your water:

• pH: Target 7.2 to 7.6
• Total Alkalinity: Target 80 to 120 ppm
• Free Chlorine: Note current level (likely 0 after winter)
• Calcium Hardness: Target 200 to 400 ppm
• Cyanuric Acid: Target 30 to 50 ppm
• Record all readings for reference

Learn about the importance of regular pool testing.

Step 7: Apply Opening Kit Chemicals

Follow this specific order for chemical application from Leslie's Deluxe Opening Kit:

Chemical Application Order (Critical)

1. Adjust Alkalinity First (If Needed)

When: If total alkalinity is below 80 ppm

• Use alkalinity increaser from kit
• Follow kit instructions for dosage
• Broadcast around pool perimeter with pump running
• Wait 4 hours before next chemical
• Retest alkalinity

2. Adjust pH (If Needed)

When: After alkalinity is balanced

• Use pH increaser or decreaser from kit
• Add based on test results
• Wait 4 hours then retest pH
• Target pH 7.2 to 7.6 before shocking

If pH is high, learn what to do if pH level is high and how to reduce pH levels.

3. Add Stain and Scale Preventer

When: After pH and alkalinity are balanced

• Add entire bottle of stain preventer from kit
• Pour around pool perimeter
• Protects against metal staining during opening
• Wait 15 minutes before adding shock

4. Shock the Pool

When: After pH, alkalinity, and stain preventer

• Add entire shock package from kit
• Dissolve in bucket first if using cal hypo
• Pour around pool perimeter in evening
• Run pump continuously for 8 to 24 hours
• Wait 24 hours before adding other chemicals

5. Add Algaecide

When: 24 hours after shocking

• Add entire algaecide bottle from kit
• Pour around pool perimeter with pump running
• Prevents algae growth during opening
• Wait 24 hours before adding clarifier

6. Add Clarifier

When: After algaecide, once water is clearing

• Add entire clarifier bottle from kit
• Pour around pool perimeter
• Enhances water clarity and sparkle
• Run pump 24 to 48 hours
• Clean filter after 24 hours

Safety Precautions

• Wear gloves and safety goggles when handling chemicals
• Add chemicals to water, never water to chemicals
• Never mix different chemicals together
• Store chemicals in cool, dry place away from each other
• Keep chemicals away from children and pets
• Wash hands thoroughly after handling
• Follow all product label instructions

Step 8: Balance and Test Water

After all chemicals have been added and circulated:

48 Hour Mark Testing

Test water chemistry 48 hours after final chemical addition:

• Free Chlorine: 1 to 3 ppm
• pH: 7.2 to 7.6 (7.4 to 7.6 ideal)
• Total Alkalinity: 80 to 120 ppm
• Calcium Hardness: 200 to 400 ppm
• Cyanuric Acid: 30 to 50 ppm
• Water Clarity: Should be crystal clear

Maintaining proper pool pH balance is crucial for swimmer comfort and chemical effectiveness.

Make Final Adjustments

• If any parameters are out of range, adjust accordingly
• Wait 4 hours between adjustments
• Retest after each adjustment
• Continue until all parameters are in target ranges

Final Cleaning

• Vacuum pool one final time
• Brush walls and floor
• Clean or backwash filter
• Skim surface for any remaining debris
• Clean skimmer and pump baskets
• Pool is ready for swimming

After Opening: Maintenance Schedule

First Week After Opening

Daily:

• Test chlorine and pH
• Skim surface debris
• Run pump 12 to 24 hours per day
• Monitor water clarity

Every 2 to 3 Days:

• Test full water chemistry
• Brush pool walls and floor
• Empty skimmer baskets
• Check filter pressure

End of Week:

• Vacuum pool thoroughly
• Clean or backwash filter
• Add weekly maintenance chemicals
• Reduce pump runtime to normal (8 to 12 hours)

For ongoing care, review our pool cleaning checklist for beginners and how to prepare your pool for summer.

Ongoing Weekly Maintenance

• Test water chemistry 2 to 3 times per week
• Add chlorine as needed (tablets, liquid, or granular)
• Brush and vacuum weekly
• Clean skimmer and pump baskets weekly
• Backwash or clean filter monthly
• Add algaecide weekly during peak season
• Use clarifier as needed for sparkle

Pro Tips for Successful Pool Opening

Expert Tips from Pool Professionals

• Open early: Open pool 2 to 3 weeks before swimming season
• Clean before chemicals: Remove all debris before adding chemicals
• Balance in order: Always adjust alkalinity first, then pH
• Shock at night: Add shock in evening to prevent UV degradation
• Run pump continuously: Keep pump running 24 hours during first 2 to 3 days
• Test frequently: Test daily during opening week
• Add solar ionizer: Install after opening for season long algae prevention
• Keep records: Document opening chemistry for reference next year
• Use quality tools: Employ the best pool brushes
• Consider automation: Use automatic pool cleaners

Avoid Common Opening Mistakes

Review our article on common pool maintenance mistakes:

• Opening too late: Waiting until you want to swim doesn't allow time for balancing
• Skipping pre cleaning: Adding chemicals to dirty water wastes chemicals
• Wrong chemical order: Adding shock before balancing pH reduces effectiveness
• Not running pump enough: Chemicals need circulation to work
• Adding all chemicals at once: This is dangerous and ineffective
• Not testing before adding: Guessing chemistry wastes money and time
• Ignoring equipment inspection: Damaged equipment causes problems all season
• Swimming too soon: Wait until chemistry is balanced

Enhancing Your Pool Opening

Consider these additions for optimal pool care:

• Install solar pool ionizer for natural algae prevention
• Learn how solar pool ionizers work
• Understand the role of solar power in modern pool systems
• Discover why solar ionizers are a smart long term choice

Troubleshooting Common Opening Issues

Problem: Green or Cloudy Water After Opening

Solutions:

• Double or triple shock dosage
• Brush pool surfaces vigorously
• Run pump 24 hours continuously
• Add extra algaecide
• Balance pH to 7.2 to 7.6
• Clean filter frequently (may need daily cleaning)
• See how to fix green pool quickly
• Review preventing algae growth

Problem: pH Won't Stabilize

Solutions:

• Raise total alkalinity to 100 to 120 ppm first
• Reduce aeration features temporarily
• Test and adjust daily until stable
• Allow 24 hours between pH adjustments
• Check what to do if pH is high

Problem: Chlorine Level Won't Rise

Solutions:

• Test cyanuric acid (if above 80 ppm, partially drain and refill)
• Lower pH to 7.2 to 7.4
• Shock pool heavily (2 to 3x normal dose)
• Add shock in evening
• Run pump continuously
• Check for algae consuming chlorine

Problem: Filter Pressure Very High

Solutions:

• Backwash sand or DE filters thoroughly
• Clean cartridge filters (may need chemical cleaning)
• May need to backwash/clean multiple times during opening
• Replace filter media if very old or damaged
• Check for debris blocking filter

Problem: Equipment Leaks

Solutions:

• Check all drain plugs are installed and tight
• Inspect o rings and gaskets (replace if cracked)
• Tighten pump lid and filter connections
• Check for freeze damage to equipment
• Consult professional if leaks persist
• Review troubleshooting pool equipment issues

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I open my pool?

Open your pool when temperatures consistently reach 60°F or above, typically 2 to 3 weeks before you plan to swim. Opening earlier prevents algae growth and allows time for proper water balancing.

How long does it take to open a pool with Leslie's Deluxe Opening Kit?

Plan for 2 to 3 days to complete the opening process. Day 1 involves removing cover, cleaning, and balancing chemistry. Day 2 includes shocking. Day 3 involves adding algaecide and clarifier, with final testing.

Can I swim immediately after opening?

No. Wait until all chemicals have been added, water has circulated for 48 hours, and chemistry is balanced. Chlorine should be 1 to 3 ppm, pH 7.2 to 7.6, and water should be crystal clear.

What if my pool is green when I open it?

Green water indicates algae growth. You'll need to shock heavily (double or triple dose), brush vigorously, add extra algaecide, and run pump continuously. Clean filter frequently. May take 3 to 5 days to clear.

Do I need to drain my pool before opening?

No. You should not drain your pool unless absolutely necessary. Opening chemicals and proper treatment can restore water quality without draining. Draining can damage pool structure.

What order should I add opening chemicals?

Add chemicals in this order: 1) Alkalinity increaser (if needed), 2) pH adjuster (if needed), 3) Stain preventer, 4) Shock (wait 24 hours), 5) Algaecide (wait 24 hours), 6) Clarifier. Never add all chemicals at once.

How much does Leslie's Deluxe Opening Kit cost?

Prices vary by location and pool size, but opening kits are typically more cost effective than buying chemicals separately. Check with your local Leslie's Pool Supplies for current pricing.

Can I use the opening kit with a saltwater pool?

Yes! Leslie's Deluxe Opening Kit works with all pool types including saltwater, chlorine, and mineral systems. Follow the same procedures regardless of your sanitization method.

What if I don't use all the chemicals in the kit?

Store unused chemicals in a cool, dry location away from each other. Keep containers tightly sealed. Most pool chemicals last 1 to 2 years when stored properly. Check expiration dates before using next season.

Should I add a solar ionizer after opening?

Yes! Adding a solar pool ionizer after opening provides season long algae prevention and reduces chlorine needs by up to 85%. Install once water is balanced and clear for optimal performance.

Conclusion

Leslie's Deluxe Opening Kit provides a complete, convenient solution for spring pool opening. By following proper procedures, adding chemicals in the correct order, and maintaining balanced water chemistry, you can enjoy a successful pool season start with crystal clear water ready for swimming.

Key Takeaways

• Open pool 2 to 3 weeks before swimming season
• Remove cover carefully to prevent debris from entering pool
• Clean pool thoroughly before adding chemicals
• Balance alkalinity and pH before shocking
• Add chemicals in proper order (shock, wait 24 hours, algaecide, clarifier)
• Run pump continuously for first 48 hours
• Test water chemistry daily during opening week
• Clean filter frequently as needed
• Wait until chemistry is balanced before swimming
• Consider adding solar ionizer for season long protection

For enhanced algae prevention and reduced chemical usage throughout the season, consider adding a Solar Pool Ionizer after opening your pool, which works alongside your regular sanitization to naturally prevent algae growth while reducing chlorine needs by up to 85% for a healthier, more enjoyable swimming experience all season long.