Category
Seasonal Care
Topic
Pool Care & Maintenance
/ Overview /
Get Ready for Swim Season
Opening your pool the right way sets up the whole season. A careful start means fewer surprises later.
The Checklist
Remove, clean, and store the cover.
Raise the water to the right level.
Reconnect and start the pump and filter.
Test and balance the water.
Brush and vacuum the pool.
Give the system a day or two to circulate, then test again before the first swim.
Before You Start
Plan to open the pool once daytime temperatures stay above 70°F. Waiting too long gives algae a head start, so earlier is usually better than later.
Have your test kit, chlorine, a brush, and a vacuum ready so you can work through the list in one go.
What to Check on the Equipment
Look over the pump, filter, and heater for cracks, leaks, or damage from the off-season. Clean the pump basket and make sure every valve is in the right position before you turn anything on.
Common Opening Mistakes
The most common mistake is adding all your chemicals at once. Balance the pH and alkalinity first, then add chlorine, and let the pump run between each step.
Another is skipping the first brush. A full scrub on day one clears anything that settled over the winter and makes the first week much easier.