Winter seemed like an eternity, but now the fun begins because there’s plenty of work to prepare a swimming pool for another season.
And if you did the closing correctly, the pool will be in great condition as the warmer weather rolls around. As a pool owner who opens the pool every season, I’ve learned that following a simple checklist and checking equipment before startup keeps the pool and pump safe—and saves time and money.
But before the pool party games begin, you’ll need to perform a few pool opening service tasks to get it ready for your grand opening barbeque…
At a glance: A typical pool opening checklist means remove the cover, inspect for leaks and equipment, test water chemistry, prime the pump and backwash the filter, then stock up on supplies. Plan to do these steps a few weeks before swim season so you have time for any repairs or refills.
Pool Opening Service
Being ready for these tasks will ensure your inground pool is prepared for fun, food, and lots of splashing around on opening day. A good pool opening after winterization follows a clear order: cover removal, equipment and leak inspection, water chemistry testing, then restocking.
Listen, you don’t need to rush because you can do them a few weeks before it’s time for swimming to start. That way, you’ll have time for repairs and replacing parts, if necessary. Timing your pool opening for the season early also lets you catch small issues before they turn into costly repairs.
If you have a pool heater, you can use it to get your pool water temperature right. Even in the summer, some people still run their pool heater to keep the water right for night swimming.
Remove The Cover
You should have a sturdy cover on your swimming pool after winterization. Before you remove it, you’ll want to remove any dirt, debris, or water accumulated on the top of it. Otherwise, you risk those things being dumped into the water remaining in your pool. A shop vacuum works very well for winter pool cover removal, or you can use a leaf blower to clear debris and standing water from the cover surface.
Now, if you had a winter full of rain or snow, you should do this on warm days so that you don’t let too much of it accumulate. That keeps the cover from getting overloaded and makes cover removal safer and easier.
Once the cover is removed, wash it off with soap and water before you put it away because bacteria and algae could have grown on it over the winter months. Ensure you let the cover completely dry before folding and storing it. Failure to do so can result in mildew forming on it and having to purchase a new pool cover. Proper cover storage—clean and dry—extends its life and keeps your opening day hassle-free.
Inspecting For Leaks
Look, even if you did everything correctly to prepare your swimming pool for winter, you need to check all the systems when opening the pool. Sometimes there’s damage that results from colder weather—hoses, tubing, and fittings can crack or loosen. Look for leaks and cracks in hoses and tubing that can pose a problem and affect pump prime and filter performance.
Give the filtering system and the pump a good checkover before you turn anything on. Check that the pump basket is clean and that the filter pressure gauge and drain plugs are in good shape. And if you have a heater for your swimming pool, make sure you carefully inspect it as well.
Electricity and water kills – so make sure any electrical systems are not damaged!
Even with the cover on the swimming pool, there can be bacteria and algae. This is the perfect time to give it a very good cleaning. I like to use an automatic pool cleaner on the sides and bottom, but robot pool cleaners work well, too—or you can do it by hand.
If everything checks out, it’s time to start the pump and let it run for a few minutes to ensure everything is primed. Backwash your system to clear anything that might have built up over the off-season. Then start to vacuum the bottom of the swimming pool. And if you had to drain all or some of the water from the pool, add it back in now so your water level is correct before you test chemistry.
Test The Water Chemistry
Once your water level is where you want it, you must test the pool chemistry. Finding out the pH levels and chlorine (or sanitizer) levels at this time will allow you to decide what pool chemicals to add. If you have leftover chemicals from the previous season, make sure they haven’t frozen or been damaged over the winter. If you discover they’re bad, toss them out so you can be sure what you add to the water will be safe.
If you have lights, ladders, and non-skid mats to put out, then do so before anyone gets ready to use the swimming pool. It’s easy to forget these items, but they need to be in place for pool safety. You want everything to be in perfect working order for the swimming weather right around the corner.
How To Open Your Inground Pool (Step By Step)
This is a great video with an easy-to-follow step-by-step pool service guide that covers all the finer details of opening your pool.
Stock Up On Pool Supplies
Once your pool opening service is completed, get back into the routine of stocking your supplies for the swimming pool. That way, you will know exactly how much chlorine, super pool shock, and other chemicals you have and where everything is when it is time for regular pool maintenance.
Order Pool Opening Services
Doing your pool opening in the right order—cover, inspection, chemistry, supplies—helps you avoid surprises and repair headaches later. Take your time to set things up correctly so you can focus on enjoying your swimming pool instead of dealing with one problem after another. If you prefer to leave it to the pros, you can always have your pool opening service done by a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions: Pool Opening Service
When should I open my pool for the season?
Open your pool a few weeks before you plan to swim. That gives you time to complete the full pool opening checklist—cover removal, leak and equipment inspection, water chemistry testing, and restocking supplies—and to fix any issues before opening day. In many regions, that means opening in late spring once overnight temps stay above freezing.
What order do I do pool opening tasks?
Follow this order: (1) Remove and store the pool cover after cleaning and drying it. (2) Inspect for leaks and check the pump, filter, heater, and hoses. (3) Prime the pump, backwash the filter, and vacuum the pool; refill water if you drained any over winter. (4) Test water chemistry (pH, chlorine, etc.) and add pool chemicals as needed. (5) Stock up on pool supplies and reinstall lights, ladders, and safety gear.
How do I remove and store the pool cover safely?
Clear dirt, debris, and standing water off the top of the cover (with a shop vac or leaf blower) before removal so nothing dumps into the pool. Remove the cover, wash it with soap and water, and let it dry completely before folding and storing. Storing it wet can cause mildew and shorten the life of the cover.
What should I check for leaks when opening the pool?
Check hoses, tubing, and fittings for cracks or looseness after winter. Inspect the pump, filter, and heater; make sure electrical connections are safe (electricity and water don’t mix). Fix any leaks before you run the pump or add water so you don’t waste water or stress the system.
When do I test pool water chemistry after opening?
Test the water once the water level is correct and the pump has been run and backwashed. Use a test kit to check pH, chlorine (or your sanitizer), and other levels so you know which pool chemicals to add. Don’t rely on leftover chemicals that may have frozen or degraded over the winter—replace them if in doubt.
Do I need to prime the pump when opening the pool?
Yes. Before heavy use, run the pump for a few minutes to prime it and clear air from the system. Backwash the filter to clear built-up debris from the off-season. That helps protect the pump and ensures good circulation before you balance water chemistry.
What pool opening supplies do I need?
Have on hand: a test kit (for pH, chlorine, etc.), pool chemicals (chlorine, shock, pH adjusters, and any algaecide or conditioner you use), a vacuum or automatic pool cleaner, and basic safety and maintenance gear (ladder, non-skid mats, lights if applicable). Restock your usual swimming pool supplies so you’re ready for regular pool maintenance.
Can I open my inground pool myself or should I hire a pro?
Many owners open their inground pool themselves using a pool opening checklist. If you’re comfortable with cover removal, basic equipment checks, and water chemistry, DIY pool opening can save money. If you prefer not to handle covers, leaks, or chemicals, a professional pool opening service can do the full sequence for you.
What if I had to drain the pool over winter?
If you drained all or some of the water, refill to the correct water level before you test chemistry or add chemicals. Use a hose or a pump to bring the level up to the usual mark (often the middle of the skimmer). Then run the pump, backwash if needed, and test the water so you can balance it properly.
Why should I open the pool a few weeks before swimming starts?
Opening early gives you time to remove the cover, inspect for leaks and damage, balance water chemistry, and fix or replace parts without rushing. It also lets you restock pool supplies and get into a routine before opening day, so the pool is ready for fun and safe for swimmers when the weather is right.