A Guide to Opening a Pool for Swimming Season

Sweep Off the Pool Cover

After a full winter has gone by, there is a good chance that the cover has some amount of debris such as leaves or twigs on it. While the cover is still on, use a brush to remove as much debris as possible. This limits what falls into your pool during removal.

Remove the Pool Cover

Unclip the cover at one end of the pool. Then, two people should stand on either side of the cover. Working from one end of the pool to the other, unclip the cover springs until you get to the same end and one short side of the cover is still attached. Undo the final side, leaving the two corners attached. Standing at each corner, undo and grab the corners of the cover and drag it onto the grass.

Don't worry about the debris falling in the pool, we will take care of that in another step.

Clean and Store the Pool Cover

After removing the cover, take it to a driveway or other hardscaped area, preferably on a slant or slope for easier drainage. Thoroughly sweep and hose off the cover. Use cleaner or treatment if it’s recommended by the cover manufacturer. Allow it to dry completely before storing.

Tightly roll or fan-fold the cover and wrap with rope or use strapping to keep it tight. Store the pool cover indoors or in a garage—away from insects, rodents, and moisture.

Retract Pool Cover Anchors

Retract or remove the pool cover anchors that the pool springs were attached to. Use an Allen key to either unscrew or twist the anchors down, depending on what kind you have. If they do not go down, either try to flush them clean with water or remove them, to see if they are supposed to come out instead.

If they still don't go down, then they must be hammered down and re-drilled for the next closing to prevent injury during swimming season.

Reinstall Equipment

Install all of the user equipment, like hand-, grab- or safety rails; slides; ladders; and diving boards or the newer and safer jump boards. Spray metal bolts and other fasteners with a metal lubricant, and make sure everything is tightly attached.

Before you install chrome pieces, clean them with a chrome cleaner or polish. Cleaning after installation is much harder.

Fill and Clean the Pool

Grab a garden hose and fill the pool to the top of the skimmer mouth. Once it's at the desired level, use a long-handled (telescoping) wall and floor brush to clean leaves, twigs, and debris from the pool's bottom.

Get out the algae brush and pool vacuum or robotic cleaner and put them to good use, scrubbing walls and surfaces to remove any trace of dreaded algae, in all its forms and colors.

While vacuuming the pool for the first time, continue to fill the pool with water and have the filter set to waste. This means that the water bypasses the filter and goes straight out the backwash line. This will save your filter wear and tear. During the initial cleaning, empty the pump motor basket frequently to prevent it from cracking and breaking.

Power Up the Pool

Before powering on the pool, check the valves are open; fill the pump with water to prime it correctly; and purge air from plumbing and equipment. Once completed, you can turn on the power.

With the circulation system operating, inspect the pool for leaks, cracks, and split hoses. If you discover any damage, shut off the power and contact your local pool service.

Test and Treat the Water

Perform a water test. With the results, you'll shock the pool, or super chlorinate it with chlorine or a shock treatment (also called an oxidizer or burner) to destroy those pesky algae and microorganisms.

At this point—depending on the results of your pool test kit, your preferences, the advice of a pool service professional, etc.—you might want to add other treatments to your water. These might include a stabilizer, conditioner, or algicide.

Allow the filter to run another 24 hours and test again before letting anyone enter the pool.

Wait—Then Swim or Retreat the Pool

After 24 hours, if the water in your swimming pool is crystal clear and you let your filter run for a day, you are free to swim. If your water is looking strange, test it again and react accordingly.