How to Open an Above Ground Pool in 11 Steps

Opening your above ground pool for the season is one of the most exciting parts of pool ownership. But before you dive in, there are some essential steps to ensure your pool is in top condition and ready for the summer. While you can certainly hire someone to do this for you, why not take the DIY route and save some money? Once you know the process, you’ll find that opening your pool is simple and straightforward. With a little preparation, you’ll be splashing in no time!

Why Proper Pool Opening is Essential

Your pool’s been closed all winter, and the water’s been sitting stagnant under the cover for months. To ensure you’re not jumping into murky, algae-infested water, it’s crucial to open your pool correctly. A little effort upfront will result in cleaner, clearer water—and fewer problems when you’re ready to swim.

Supplies You’ll Need for Opening Your Pool

Here’s a quick list of supplies to gather before you begin:

• Pool Cover Pump: To remove any excess water.
• Soft Broom or Skimmer Net: For cleaning the cover and removing debris.
• Winter Cover Cleaner or Car Wash Soap: For cleaning your cover.
• Start-Up Chemical Kit: To balance your pool water and prepare it for swimming.
• A Friend: To help you with the heavy lifting (and maybe a few laughs along the way).

1. Clear the Winter Pool Cover

The first step in the pool-opening process is removing any water, leaves, and debris that have collected on the pool cover over the winter. Use a pool cover pump to quickly drain excess water. A regular sump pump can also work if you don't have a pool-specific pump. Then, use a soft broom or skimmer net to clear away leaves and debris. Be gentle to avoid damaging the cover.

2. Remove the Winter Pool Cover

With the pool cover cleaned off, it’s time to remove it. Get a friend to help you carefully lift and remove the cover without dragging it across the ground. The less debris that falls into the pool at this stage, the better! If your pool cover has an air pillow underneath it to prevent ice damage, be sure to remove that as well.

3. Clean and Store Your Winter Pool Cover

Lay the pool cover flat in a clean area, such as your driveway or patio. Avoid sharp objects that could tear or damage the fabric. Use cover cleaner (or even car wash soap) and a soft brush or broom to scrub away dirt and grime. Once cleaned, let the cover dry completely before storing it in a sealed storage container to keep it in good condition until next winter.

4. Remove Winter Plugs and Ice Compensators

If you used winterizing plugs or ice compensators in your pool’s skimmer and jets, now is the time to remove them. Check all the pool’s openings—such as the return jets and skimmer—then replace the plugs with the regular fittings. Reinstall the skimmer baskets and any other parts that were removed for the winter.

5. Add Water to Your Pool

After a long winter, your pool’s water level might be lower than usual. Use a hose to top it off until it reaches the halfway mark of your skimmer opening. You can use a hose filter to remove impurities and ensure the water is clean from the start.

6. Reinstall Your Deck Equipment

Now it’s time to set up your pool’s deck equipment, such as ladders, steps, or pool lifts. Make sure everything is in good condition—check for any rust or signs of wear. If anything looks like it needs replacing, do so before you start using the pool.

7. Set Up Your Pool’s Pump, Filter, and Equipment

Reassemble your pool’s filtration system by reattaching any hoses and reconnecting the skimmer, pump, filter, and other equipment. Ensure all connections are secure, and check the pressure gauges to ensure everything is functioning properly. If you have additional equipment like a heater or chlorinator, hook those up as well.

8. Start the Pump and Filter

Once your system is all set up, it’s time to power up your pool pump and filter. Check for any leaks or issues, and listen for any unusual noises. If the system is running dry, you may need to prime the pump by adding water manually to the pump basket or filter. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for priming your pump.

9. Clean Your Pool

Now it’s time to give your pool a deep clean. Brush the walls and floors to remove any dirt or debris that has built up over the winter. Vacuum the pool thoroughly, and skim the surface to remove any floating debris. Cleaning your pool before adding chemicals will ensure the best results when you begin balancing the water.

10. Add Start-Up Chemicals

Once the pool is clean, it’s time to test and balance the water’s chemistry. Use test strips or a liquid test kit to measure the pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and sanitizer levels. Add any necessary chemicals to bring the water into balance. If your pool’s chemistry is off, it can result in algae growth, cloudy water, or damaged pool equipment.

11. Shock Your Pool

After balancing the pool water, it’s time to give it a shock treatment. This step is essential to sanitize the pool and kill any lingering bacteria, algae, or organic matter. Use the appropriate amount of pool shock based on your pool’s size, and be sure to add it in the evening or at dusk to prevent sunlight from breaking down the chemicals too quickly.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to properly open your above ground pool, you’re ready for a fun and hassle-free summer! Be sure to run your pool pump for at least 24 hours after adding your chemicals, and keep an eye on your pool’s water levels and cleanliness throughout the season. With the right care and attention, you’ll enjoy sparkling clear water all summer long.

For all your pool maintenance needs, AQUASTRONG offers top-quality products and easy-to-use solutions to make pool care a breeze. Ready to dive in? Your clean, clear pool is waiting!