🌤️Seasonal cheat sheet
Pool Opening Checklist
Spring open, step by step, so the water clears fast.
Opening sequence
- 1Clear and remove the cover; clean and store it dry
- 2Top up water to mid-skimmer level
- 3Reinstall drain plugs, baskets, and return fittings
- 4Start the pump; prime and check for leaks
- 5Run the filter continuously to circulate
- 6Test and balance TA, then pH, then chlorine
- 7Shock and run the filter until water clears
- 8Brush, vacuum, and re-test after 24 hours
Note: Balance alkalinity before pH, and pH before chasing chlorine. Opening water is often green; hold a high free chlorine level and keep filtering rather than dumping in every chemical at once.
General reference for residential pools. Product labels and local guidance override any figure here. See our methodology and editorial policy. Skimmer · skimmer pool care.