How to Open a Pool: A DIY Guide to Opening a Swimming Pool for the Season

Run the filter 12-24 hours to mix up the old and new water before testing or adding chemicals. After that you’ll want to use a <b>pool testing kit</b>. Be sure to check the expiration date on your testing strips or reagents and replace if expired. The four parameters to test:

The water’s pH level.[
• Its alkalinity.
• Its calcium hardiness.
• Its chlorine content.

Next up: time to <b>shock the pool</b> or superchlorinate 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 stabilizier, conditioner, or algicide.

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