Pool Opening Checklist
Everything you need to do when opening your pool for the season. Follow this step-by-step checklist to safely bring your pool from winter storage to swim-ready condition.
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- Before You Start
- Remove and clean winter pool cover
- Remove ice compensators and plugs
- Remove winter fencing or barriers
- Inspect pool deck and equipment area
- Equipment Startup
- Reinstall drain plugs and return fittings
- Reconnect pump, filter, and heater
- Check all o-rings and gaskets for wear
- Prime the pump and check for air leaks
- Run equipment and check for leaks
- Water Preparation
- Adjust water level to mid-skimmer
- Test current water chemistry
- Add stain and scale preventer
- Shock pool with recommended dose
- Run pump 24 hours after adding chemicals
- Final Chemistry Balance
- Test and adjust pH (target 7.2–7.6)
- Test and adjust total alkalinity (80–120 ppm)
- Test and adjust cyanuric acid (30–50 ppm)
- Test and adjust calcium hardness (200–400 ppm)
- Confirm chlorine is at 1–3 ppm before swimming
How to Use This Resource
- Open the pool when daytime temps consistently exceed 70°F to prevent algae.
- Shock the pool the night before opening for best results.
- Run the pump continuously for 24 hours after adding opening chemicals.
- Wait for the water to clear before testing final chemistry.