Pool Central Station: Opening Your Pool for Spring

The warmer weather signals Spring is here and that means it’s time to start taking steps now to enjoy as much of your pool season as possible. Whether your pool has been entirely closed during the winter months or whether it’s just been temporarily out of use, here is our collection of opening-related articles, videos, and how-to guides that will help you spring forward to pool season in no time.

Making a List, Checking It Twice

If you want a one-stop checklist on opening your pool, make sure to check out the following article, Opening Your Pool For Spring Checklist. We break down everything from removing covers to reinstalling deck equipment to chemicals in an easy-to-follow, quick guide. For more information and additional guides for your pool opening questions, keep reading for the 6-steps to opening your pool.

1. Clean, Remove, & Store Your Pool Cover

Clean, remove, and store your pool cover — Be Sure to Let Your Cover Dry Before Storage

Covers protect your pool from falling leaves and other debris that can cause stains or other damage to your pool. Depending on your location and climate, a pool cover may not be necessary; however, if you find yourself constantly cleaning your pool, a pool cover can be a worthwhile investment. If you spend a lot of time cleaning your pool in the spring, you may want to consider purchasing a pool cover to save yourself time and effort in the future.

2. Raise Your Water Level

During the months your pool was not in use, it’s likely your pool’s water level may have dropped, intentional or not. Use a garden hose to fill your pool to normal level, around halfway up on the skimmer’s mouth. Filling your pool to the right water level can take some time so start on that while you work on removing your cover to multitask like a real pro.

How Much Does Swimming Pool Water Cost?

3. Turn Your Pool Equipment Back On

If during your winterizing process you installed any winterizing plugs to prevent freezing, your first step will be to remove those and replace them with regular return fittings and skimmer baskets. You’ll also want to take some time to inspect your pool equipment such as your pump, heater, motor, etc, to make sure there are no visible signs of damage and replace any parts you find are worse for wear. Inspect your filters to make sure the media (sand, cartridge) is okay and the DE grids are good. Prime your pump and turn it on. If your filter has an air relief valve, make sure the valve is open so it can release air from the system. This is a good time to inspect for any leaks or loud noises.

4. Cleaning Your Pool

When it comes to cleaning your pool for the first time after the off-season, it may seem like a chore but once you get past the first hurdle, regular maintenance makes clean pools a breeze. Any floating debris should be skimmed from the surface of the water and you’ll want to vacuum any settled debris at the bottom of the pool. If you find yourself dealing with an excessive amount of debris, dirt, or bugs, you’ll want to vacuum to waste. Vacuuming to waste bypasses the filter for heavier cleanings and directly drains the water. Brush the walls of your pool to remove algae and other bacteria that may be stubbornly clinging to the sides of your pool. Removing all the grime from your pool will allow your chlorine to work most efficiently.

5. Balancing Your Water Chemistry

how long does it take to clean a pool? — Test Your Pool Water

The first step for many pool owners when it comes to balancing their pool’s water chemistry when opening is to shock the pool. Shocking, or super chlorinating, your pool is a method designed to clean your pool water by adding three to five times the normal amount of chlorine. This drastically raises the chlorine level in a short amount of time and kick starts your pool to be ready for pool season. Give it a day or two to do its job then you can continue to test and adjust the alkalinity, pH, and chlorine levels of your pool.

6. Now You’re Ready for a Pool Party

Pool Floats, Loungers and Games — **Pool Floats Loungers Games**

After you’ve done all the necessary steps to open your pool, the last step is to enjoy it! Check out our list of top toys and floats to take your pool party to the next level.

Top 5 Toys & Floats of 2025: What’s Best for You?

If you need help during any part of your pool opening journey, simply give us a call, chat, or reach out via email and our helpful pool professionals and customer service agents would be more than happy to help you.