How to Open Your Pool for the Season

Applies to: In-ground and above-ground home pools reopening after winter; pumps, filters, heaters, heat pumps, covers and safety barriers

Start with safety: the cover and the kids

Opening the pool also wakes up the chemical shelf. CDC says to lock chemicals up to protect people and animals. Its guidance for pool operators also says to secure chemical storage to limit access, especially for children and animals.^[6][7]

Remove the cover

1. Use a cover pump to take the water off the top of the cover (Pentair).^[1]
2. Take the cover off slowly so you don't drop debris into the pool (Pentair).^[1]
3. Lay the cover somewhere it can air-dry before you store it (Pentair).^[1]
4. If you're unsure how to remove your cover, Pentair suggests calling your pool professional.^[1]

Reconnect and inspect the equipment

Pentair recommends having a pool professional prepare the equipment before anything runs, including removing winterizing plugs and replacing the pump's drain plugs. It also suggests a professional check for leaks and cracks, especially after a harsh winter.^[1]

• Hayward's Max-Flo pump manual says all suction and discharge valves and the filter air relief valve must be open when starting the pump. If water leaks from the pump or filter, do not start it. If there is no leak, it says to stand at least 10 feet from the pump and filter when starting, then go back and close the filter's air relief valve once a steady stream of water comes out; skipping these steps could cause severe personal injury. Follow your own pump and filter manuals.^[9]
• The same manual says never to run the pump without water.^[9]
• Hayward's heat pump manual says to fill the system with water fully before first use after a long idle period.^[10]
• Pentair notes that your filter runs under pressure, so its gauge shouldn't read too high or too low. If readings look abnormal, have your pro check.^[1]
• Once the pump, filter, heater and salt or chlorine system are running, Pentair suggests checking that everything works as it should.^[1]

Refill and add chemicals carefully

Refill to the level your own pool and equipment manuals specify. Pentair warns that fiberglass and in-ground vinyl liner pools should never be empty.^[11]

When you add chemicals, Hayward's Max-Flo manual says not to add them directly in front of the pump suction. Follow each product's label for your pool's volume.^[9][12]

Test and balance the water

CDC says home pool owners must routinely test and adjust both chlorine and pH. CDC recommends a pH of 7.0 to 7.8 and at least 1 ppm chlorine in pools, or at least 2 ppm if you use cyanuric acid or stabilized chlorine.^[3]

CDC says to test chlorine and pH at least twice a day, and more often when many people are swimming. Follow your test kit maker's directions.^[3]

Re-check every safety layer before the first swim

• Drain covers: Pool Safely says never to enter a pool that has a loose, broken or missing drain cover. Hair, limbs, jewelry or swimsuits can get stuck in a drain or suction opening.^[4]
• Gates: the water should only be reachable through a self-closing, self-latching gate. CPSC calls a gate that fails to close and latch completely the weak link in any fence.^[4][5]
• Alarms and covers: install a door alarm from the house to the pool area and keep it working (Pool Safely).^[4]
• Above-ground ladders: CPSC says steps or ladders can be designed to be secured, locked or removed. Bestway's manual says to remove or secure the ladder when the pool isn't in use.^[5][14]
• Pentair calls opening day a good time to review your pool safety plan.^[1]

When to call a professional