How to Open a Pool and Get it Ready for Summer

If your pool cover has a large amount of water puddled on the top, you'll have to remove it with a cover pump. Just set it up and let it do the work for you.

Then remove the pool cover.

Have someone else help you with this step. It makes the process much easier and faster.

And don't worry if some debris falls into the pool when you remove the cover. This is normal. You will clean out the inside of the pool later.

You might need to add some water to fill the pool back up to the right level.

Not sure if your water level is low?

Check the skimmer. The water should reach the middle of the skimmer opening. If it doesn't your pump won't work properly and your pool won't have proper circulation.

Give your pool equipment a once over to make sure everything is in working condition. This should include your pumps, hoses, filters, and more.

If you winterized your pool for the cold months, make sure you reconnect the necessary pool equipment, such as your pump, filter, and heater. You may also have to take out any winterizing plugs from your return lines and skimmer.

But don't forget about other pool features. Make sure your ladders, handrails, diving boards, slides, etc. don't have any damage. Even small damages can make them unsafe to use.

Now it's time to turn the pool equipment back on.

Start by priming the pimp and getting the filtration system back up and running. You should also open the air relief valve (if you have one) to let extra air get out of the system.

Let your filtration run for several hours—two at the very least—before you do anything else.

After the filtration system has been running for a few hours, you need to test the water. When you do this, you'll be checking three things: Total Alkalinity, the pH level, and the Chlorine level.

Here's a closer look at each step below.

Balancing your Total Alkalinity should help take care of any pH or Chlorine problems.

Use some dry acid to lower your Total Alkalinity if it's too high. If it's too low, you can use some baking soda to get it back up. (Don't use the baking soda you keep in your kitchen. Make sure you buy a product design for pool Alkalinity.)

The pH level in your pool should be around 7.4 to 7.6. If it's still lower or higher than that after you balance the Total Alkalinity, you'll need to adjust it.

Again, use some dry acid to lower your pH if the level is too high. You can also use soda ash to raise your pH level if it is too low.

The chlorine level in your pool should be somewhere between 2.0 and 4.0 ppm. If it's any higher or lower, you'll need to get it back to comfortable and safe levels before you open your pool.

It's easy to add more chlorine if the level is too low. However, lowering the chlorine level is harder.

The best way to lower your chlorine level is to leave your pool open under direct sunlight for a few hours. The sun will eat away at the chlorine, so after a few hours, the level should drop.

Once your chemicals are at the right levels, it's time to give your pool a good cleaning. This will remove any last debris still stuck inside your pool.

Use a pool vacuum and a brush to clean both the sides and the walls. Make sure you spend extra time around ladders, slides, diving boards, and steps.

Give your filtration the chance to work overnight. This will ensure it catches any last dirt or bacteria still in the water.

Wait until the next day to shock your pool. Shocking your pool will remove any contaminants left in your water. It's the last step you have to do before you're ready to open the pool to the public.

You can use a number of chemicals to shock your pool. Pick between Calcium Hypochlorite, Lithium Hypochlorite, or Dichlor. Read the instructions on whatever option you choose to learn how much to use and how long you have to wait before you can start swimming.

If you don't know how to open a pool for the summer, the process can seem daunting. But it doesn't have to be hard. All you have to do is make sure the equipment is working, clean out the pool, and test your water.

Does your pool need some other work done before it's ready for summer?

Click here to learn how to calculate the cost of resurfacing and plan for the project.