How to Open a Pool

Summer is almost here, and it’s time to open your pool. If you take the time to do it right, you’ll set the stage for a season of trouble-free swimming and relaxation.

The basic steps for opening a pool include checking critical equipment like the pump and filter, topping off the water level, running the system, and adding chemicals to sanitize and balance the water. 

In this article, I’ll cover all the supplies, steps, tips, and troubleshooting strategies you need for in-ground, above-ground, and saltwater pools, including sand, cartridge, and DE filters.

What You Need

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to safely test, clean, chemically treat, and maintain your filter to kick off pool season on the right flip-flop. 

Test Kit and Cleaning Tools 

• Test kit or strips: From simple strips to digital test kits, it doesn’t matter what you use, just always test your water before and after treatments. 
• Pool cover pump: Removes standing water from solid pool covers.
• Skimmer or net: Clears small debris from the pool surface. You may need to bust out the extender pole.
• Pool brush: Nylon bristles are best for vinyl liners, but for concrete or plaster pools, opt for the stainless steel pool brush.

Pool Chemicals

Many pool chemicals can cause chemical burns and irritate your skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Wear safety gear like chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, closed-toe shoes, and pants.

• Chlorine: The primary sanitizer that eliminates harmful bacteria and deters algae from growing.
• Shock treatment: Supercharges your chlorine levels to eliminate contaminants and break down organic matter.
• pH adjusters: Muriatic acid lowers high pH, while soda ash raises it.
• Alkalinity adjuster: Sodium bicarbonate, the same stuff as the baking soda in your kitchen, creates a buffer to keep the pH from constantly fluctuating. After winter, your alkalinity is likely to be low.
• Calcium hardness: You’ll probably need a calcium chloride-based increaser to combat what was lost. It protects your equipment from corrosion.  
• Algaecide: Prevents and treats algae growth in pool water. Especially important during opening if the water has been stagnant.
• Pool clarifier: Optional but helpful to remove tiny particles and clear up the water.
• Stabilizer (cyanuric acid): For outdoor pools, stabilizers are like sunscreen for your pool and prevent UV rays from breaking down your chlorine.
• Salt cell cleaner: For saltwater pools, this will remove calcium buildup from the cell plates.
• Metal remover: For well water users, this product binds with metals in the water to prevent staining and scaling.

Filters

Depending upon the type of filtration system you have, you may need to either replace your filter cartridge, replenish your sand filter, or recharge your diatomaceous earth powder.

Step 1: Remove and Clean Pool Cover

Squeegee or pump standing water off the cover pump, sweep away debris, remove and hose down the cover, use detergent to remove mildew or tough dirt, then dry it.

If you’re tempted to ball up the cover and toss it in the back of the storage shed like me, don’t. You’ll end up with a moldy, torn mess that you’ll have to replace later, so take a moment to fold and store correctly.

Step 2: Inspect Pool Equipment

• Check the filter system: Look for cracks, leaks, or obvious damage.
• Examine the pool pump and motor: Make sure they’re working properly.
• Look at the pool handrails, ladder, and diving boards: Tighten loose bolts and screws. Don’t forget your slide if you have one. Replace missing or broken bolts to prevent failure and serious injuries.
• Test automatic cleaners: Run an out-of-water test on robotic cleaners. For suction cleaners, check flow, pressure, and hoses.
• Inspect the heater: Look for debris or rodents’ nests. 

Safety Warning: Rodent droppings can carry harmful diseases like Hantavirus. Always wear a respirator or N95 mask, goggles, and gloves when handling anything from rodents. Sanitize everything to prevent spreading pathogens.

Step 3: Fill the Pool

Depending on whether you’re using a pool filling service or a garden hose, it can take 3 to 48 hours to bring it up to the right level, so plan your re-opening party accordingly.

• Add water: Typically, your pool is filled to the right level when it’s halfway up the skimmer opening.
• Use a hose filter: Optional, but using this will remove metals and impurities from your fill water.
• Be patient: Prevent damaging your liner by filling the pool gradually. If it is filled too fast, it can stretch or wrinkle the liner. No more than 1-2 inches per hour is recommended.

My tip: If you have hard water like I do, invest in a hose filter and add a metal remover, like Metal Out, to help control mineral buildup before it starts.

Step 4: Start the System

Follow these guidelines to safely get your pool system up and running:

• Check connections: Look for corrosion or rodent damage on electrical connections that could cause a short.
• Prime the pump: Fill the pump’s strainer basket with water.
• Turn on the filter system: Watch for leaks or unusual noises.
• Let the system run: Run the system for 24 to 48 hours to let the water circulate before adding chemicals.
• Clean the filter: If your pressure rises above normal while running, it usually means your filter is dirty or clogged.

If you start up your system but can’t get your pump to prime, here’s what to check:

Getting your system running is just the first step.

Step 5: Test and Balance the Water

Even though your pool water comes from the same source as your shower, it needs balancing because pool water sits collecting debris and bacteria. 

Skip this step, and you’ll have to do this repeatedly, so save your sanity and let’s move on:

• Test water chemistry: Measure your levels with a test kit to establish baseline readings before treatment.
• Balance alkalinity first: Adjust the alkalinity to 80- 120 ppm before other chemicals, as it’s a buffer that stabilizes the overall water chemistry.
• Adjust pH level: Keep between 7.4-7.6 for safe swimming.
• Level calcium hardness:  CH, optimally, should be kept at levels between 200-400 ppm 
• Check cyanuric acid: Add stabilizer to reach 30–50 ppm if needed (outdoor pools only).

Ideal Pool Chemistry Ranges

Step 6: Shock and Sanitize

Shocking is adding a concentrated dose of chlorine to sanitize the water. If your pool water is already clear and maintains chlorine levels of 1-3 ppm, you can skip this step. 

A general rule is to add 1 pound of shock per 10,000 gallons of water. For green pools, this process may need to be repeated.

• Pre-dissolve shock: Mix with water in a bucket before adding. Always add shock to water, never add water to shock.
• Apply at dusk: Add when the sun is low to prevent UV rays from breaking down the chlorine before it can work.
• Broadcast evenly: Spread the shock around the pool perimeter and watch for splash back.
• Run the pump: Keep your filter system running to allow the shock to circulate the whole pool.
• Test chlorine levels: Wait until the free chlorine reaches the 1-3 ppm safety range before swimming.

Step 7: Brush and Vacuum

Finally, remove debris and prevent algae growth to make your pool swim-ready:

• Brush walls and floor: Focus on corners and steps where algae hide and debris collects.
• Allow debris to settle: Wait 4-6 hours after brushing.
• Vacuum thoroughly: Get rid of anything that has settled at the bottom of your pool.
• Clean skimmer baskets: Empty them frequently during the initial cleanup process and check that they’re ready to tackle to swimming season.

Considerations for Different Kinds of Pools

While all pools follow the same basic process to open, each has its own special care steps. Here’s the difference between above-ground, in-ground, and saltwater pools.

Above-Ground Pools

• Liner inspection: Check for holes or tears before filling.
• Wall check: Inspect for rust, corrosion, or bulging.
• Support braces: Check all supports are secure and in the right position.
• Skimmer and return fitting: Use thread seal tape to help prevent leaks.
• Fill gradually: Watch for any shifting or uneven pressure on the walls.

In-Ground Pools

• Expansion joint: Check the tile line and rim (coping) along the edge of the pool.
• Underground plumbing: Check for pools of water or unusual sounds that could indicate a leak.
• Main drain cover: Your main drain cover is a safety feature that prevents swimmers from getting trapped by the powerful suction. Make sure it is intact and properly secured.
• Automation systems: Test and restart all pool automations and check they’re working.
• Deck inspection: Look for cracks or shifting that might affect the integrity of the pool.

Saltwater Pools

• Salt cell inspection: Clean calcium buildup and check for damage.
• Salt level check: Test and adjust salt levels based on your system’s specifications, but typically between 2700-3400 ppm. It’s common to need between 40 to 50 pounds of salt per 10,000 gallons of water to restore levels after winter.
• Control system check: Verify your chlorinator settings are correct and working.
• Metal fixtures: Look for corrosion on any metal pieces.

Troubleshooting Common Pool Issues

Common issues, from cloudy water to leaks, can ruin your plans. Here’s what to do about them:

• Cloudy water: Check filtration, pH, and sanitizer levels, if all good, try a clarifier to clear the water.
• Algae growth: Shock the pool, brush surfaces, and add algaecide.
• Equipment not starting: Check circuit breakers, timer settings, and for blockages. If it still fails, you should contact a pool repair pro to find the problem.
• Leaks: Mark the water level and check again in 24 hours, or get a professional pool inspector to locate the leaks.

If you’re considering professional pool services, our guides on “How Much Does Pool Cleaning Cost?” and “How Much Does Pool Maintenance Cost?” can help you budget for professional care throughout the swimming season.

FAQ: Opening a Pool

Making a Clean Splash

Opening your pool the right way sets the stage for a summer of carefree swimming. It can seem overwhelming, but you can do it in a few steps: test your water, run your filter system, clean and check over it, add a dash of chemistry, and it’s time for a cannonball contest. If you run into any problems, don’t hesitate to reach out to a pro. An expert can end up saving you money and your swim season.

Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled pool care services and leave the rest to us.

Main Photo Credit: Slivenbg at English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain

Raven Wisdom

Raven Wisdom is an experienced DIY enthusiast and writer based in West Texas. Her areas of focus include home remodeling and upgrades, outdoor projects, gardening, and sustainable living. Self-described as half-feral, but mostly harmless, Raven is also a devoted mother of two children in an Autism family, and an active supporter of local humanitarian efforts and animal rescues.

Posts by Raven Wisdom