How to Open Your Swimming Pool for a Sparkling Summer

When the weather warms up, nothing beats jumping into a crystal-clear swimming pool. But before you can enjoy your first swim, your pool needs a proper opening. Doing it right helps prevent algae, cloudy water, and costly equipment issues.

Follow this step-by-step guide to opening your swimming pool like a pro—and stock up on everything you need for a smooth start to the season.
            

Step 1: Gather Your Pool Opening Supplies        

Before you remove the cover, make sure you have the right tools and chemicals on hand.

Essential Items:        

• Garden hose

• Leaf rake & leaf bagger

• Skimmer net

• Manual vacuum and hose

• Screwdriver or nut-driver (for hose clamps)
• Magic Lube (for pump & filter O-rings)
• All-purpose cleaner (like Martin’s All Purpose Cleaner)
• Test kit or test strips
• pH & alkalinity adjusters
• Chlorine (granular shock or liquid)

Optional, But Helpful:     

• Submersible pump (for cover)
• PhosFree (removes algae-causing phosphates)

• Pool Magic (breaks down winter organic buildup)

• AquaSmarte Opening Kit (if you use the AquaSmarte system)
• Clarifier (if water is cloudy)

Step 2: Remove and Clean the Winter Cover        

1. Drain Standing Water with a submersible pump or siphon.
2. Clear Debris with a leaf rake first, then small debris with a skimmer net.
3. Take off the Cover and Plugs carefully to avoid dumping debris into the pool.
4. Clean the Cover with Martin’s All Purpose Cleaner and let it dry completely before storing.

Never leave the cover on grass—sunlight can burn your lawn.
            
Step 3: Inspect & Prepare Your Filter System        

1. Check hoses and O-rings for cracks or leaks. Replace if needed.
2. Sand Filters:        

Replace sand every 3-5 years        .
The filter should be 2/3 full and backwashed before filtering.

3. Cartridge Filters:        

Clean or replace cartridge. (Typically lasts 2–3 seasons.)
Use a filter cleaner for stubborn dirt.

4. Reconnect Hoses:

• Skimmer → Pump inlet
• Pump → Filter
• Filter return → Pool return jet

5. Lubricate O-rings with Magic Lube to prevent leaks. (Never use petroleum-based products.)    

         
Step 4: Fill the Pool & Remove Debris        

Fill water to 2/3 up the skimmer opening        .
Remove any remaining leaves or debris from the pool floor with a leaf bagger or manual vacuum        .
If there’s fine dirt or silt, sand filters can vacuum in Waste mode to prevent clogging.

• pH: 7.2–7.6
• Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
• Calcium Hardness: 200–400 ppm
• Phosphates: Ideally zero ppb

Adjust in order

1. Alkalinity
2. pH
3. Calcium hardness

> Not sure? Please bring a water sample to our store for free professional testing.

            
Step 7: Shock and Treat Your Pool        

1. Shock the Water:        

Granular: 1 bag per 10,000 gallons
Liquid: 1 & 1/2 gallons per 10,000 gallons of pool water

2. Add Stabilizer (Conditioner): Protects chlorine from sunlight burn off.
3. Remove Algae Risk: Use PhosFree to eliminate algae food.
4. Break Down Winter Organics: Use Pool Magic for a fresh, clean start.
5. AquaSmarte Users: Install a new Mineral Reservoir & Bac Pac, or use the AquaSmarte Opening Kit        .

Run your filter for 24 hours after shocking to circulate and clean the water thoroughly.
            
Step 8: Monitor and Maintain        

Test chlorine and pH daily for the first week after opening.
Backwash sand filters or clean cartridges when pressure rises 8–10 psi.
Keep your pump running 8–12 hours a day to maintain clear water.
            
 ✅ You’re Ready for a Summer of Fun!        

Opening your pool the right way sets the stage for clear, safe, and low-maintenance water all season long.

💦 Need supplies or water testing?

Stop by for:

Fresh chlorine & shock treatments
AquaSmarte opening kits & mineral packs
Test kits, phosphate removers & clarifiers

Let’s make this your easiest pool season yet!