How To Open a GREEN Above Ground Pool with Sand Filter

Goal: Overwhelm the algae (not slow dosing)

• A pool full of algae needs overwhelming treatment—not light, gradual dosing.
• Fire analogy:
  • Too little chlorine = algae won’t fully die.
  • You must use enough chlorine to “overwhelm” the algae all at once.

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Step-by-step pool opening process

1) Remove the pool cover

• Loosen/move parts needed to take the cover off.
• Scoop leaves/debris off the mesh cover first (important mistake noted later).

2) Assemble and prepare filtration

• Mount the pump using previously used screws.
• Connect hoses using clamps (kept in a small skimmer basket for convenience).
• Reassemble the skimmer basket
  • Put the gauge, cap, and the return jet/outlet piece back in.
  • When reinstalling the return jet piece: angle it down and to the right for proper circulation.
• Install the backwash hose on the filter.

3) Fill with water

• Use a garden hose and fill the pool (takes a couple of hours).
• Clean and dry the mesh cover in the sun before storing.

4) Start circulation

• Connect the pump to electricity via GFCI.
• Turn pump on and verify:
  • Filter PSI is correct (example: “perfect PSI” on the gauge)
  • Water is circulating properly.

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Kill the algae (main treatment)

Chlorine shock approach (for a very contaminated pool)

• For an 18-foot round pool, use a lot of liquid chlorine:
  • Dump 8 to 10 jugs (he may use 8 or all 10).

Maintain conditions while killing algae

• Keep the water level high enough so circulation isn’t lost.
• Keep the pump running and monitor PSI.

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Backwashing schedule (driven by PSI)

When to backwash

• Example trigger: gauge rises from ~15 psi up to 19–20 psi.

How to backwash (process)

1. Turn pump off (via GFCI switch or disconnect/on-off switch).
2. Turn the valve clockwise to Backwash.
3. Turn pump on and watch the sight/return cap until it runs clear.
4. Turn pump off again.
5. Set valve to Rinse (clockwise motion).
6. Run briefly (seconds) until clear.
7. Set valve back to Filter and turn pump on for normal circulation.

Expected progression / timeline

• He backwashed repeatedly at first (often every 45 minutes to an hour).
• Typical transition:
  • dark green → light green → clearer → blue
• Timeline he reported:
  • Day 2: getting clearer (still changing)
  • Day 3: blue, bottom visible
  • Day 4–5: cloudiness expected to clear

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Additional algae removal help

Brush the pool

• Brush walls, floor, and stairs to free algae stuck to surfaces.
• Brush again after about a day (he did an initial brush, then another later).

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After algae is dead: balance chemicals

Test with strips

• pH: perfect
• Alkalinity: perfect
• Chlorine / free chlorine: low
• Hardness: in perfect range

Maintenance adjustments

• Add chlorine tabs: 2 tabs per week in a floater.
• Optionally add liquid chlorine to bring chlorine up (he added about 1 more gallon).

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Mistake to avoid (explicitly mentioned)

Don’t leave debris on the mesh cover

• When removing the mesh cover:
  • Don’t leave debris on top of the mesh cover.
  • If debris/leaf matter falls into the pool bottom, it becomes a major reason chlorine “doesn’t work” and slows clearing.

The mesh cover exists to keep the pool bottom clean; debris on the bottom can delay results until it’s removed.

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Notable locations/products/speakers

• Pool/gear: 18-foot round above-ground pool, sand filter, pump, skimmer basket, GFCI connector, liquid chlorine jugs, chlorine tabs in a floater
• Speaker mentioned: “Vince” (pool opener)