The days are growing longer, the flowers are blooming, and the weather is getting warmer—which means that it’s almost time to open your inground pool for summer! While the process may seem daunting, here are some key steps you can take to ensure that your pool is sparkling and ready for the first swim of the season:

1. Remove the Pool Cover. Start by clearing any debris, water, or dirt off the cover before removing it. Use a soft broom or a pump to avoid tearing or damaging the material. Once the cover is off, clean and dry it thoroughly before folding it up for storage—you’ll be thankful for a clean cover when it’s time to close the pool again in the fall!
2. Inspect the Pool and Equipment. Before you get everything running, take a few minutes to walk around and inspect the pool, plumbing lines, pump, filter, heater, and other equipment for any signs of damage or wear. Catching problems early can save you time and money in the long run.
3. Reconnect and Prime the Pool Equipment. If you disconnected the pump, filter, heater, or other equipment during the winterization process, it’s now time to reconnect everything. Remove any winterizing plugs from the plumbing and reinstall the drain plugs in your pump, filter, and heater. Then, prime the pump by filling it with water to ensure that it can pull water efficiently once you turn it on.
4. Fill the Pool to the Proper Level. After months of evaporation and winterization, your water level may be lower than it should be. Use a garden hose to top off the pool so the water level reaches about halfway up the skimmer opening.
5. Turn On and Test the System. Once you’re ready to turn on the pump and filter system, check that the water is circulating properly—watching out for any leaks or strange noises—and make sure that all equipment is functioning normally.
6. Clean and Skim the Pool. Use a skimmer net to remove any leaves, twigs, or other debris floating on the water’s surface. Then brush the pool walls, steps, and floor to loosen any dirt or algae that may have accumulated over the winter.
7. Test and Balance the Water Chemistry. After months of sitting dormant, your pool water will likely need a chemical refresh. Test the water for pH (ideal range is 7.2-7.6), alkalinity (80-120 ppm), chlorine (2-4 ppm), calcium hardness (180-220 ppm), and stabilizer levels. In addition to adjusting the water chemistry, you may need to shock the pool with chlorine in order to kill bacteria and algae. If you’d like professional testing and expert advice on getting your water balanced, simply bring a sample to Aqua Pool’s East Windsor location and we will test it for free!
8. Run the Filter and Monitor the Water. After balancing the water chemistry and shocking the pool, let the filtration system run continuously for at least 24–48 hours. This will help circulate chemicals and clear up any remaining cloudiness. Continue brushing and vacuuming as needed during this time.

Opening your pool properly is the first step toward a summer full of fun and relaxation in your own backyard oasis. Need help getting your pool in top shape for the season? At Aqua Pool & Patio, we are pleased to offer expert pool opening and closing services, in addition to our regular maintenance plans. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!