How to Open Your Above Ground Pool for Summer

Getting Ready for Pool Season

Opening your above ground pool for the summer is one of the most exciting times of year. With the right approach, you can have crystal clear water ready for swimming in just a few days. Here's everything you need to know.

Step 1: Remove and Clean the Cover

Start by carefully removing your winter cover. Use a cover pump to remove standing water first, then slide the cover off with a helper. Rinse it with a hose, let it dry completely, and store it in a bag to prevent mildew.

Step 2: Inspect Equipment

Before filling or turning anything on, inspect your pump, filter, and hoses for cracks or damage from winter. Replace any worn O-rings or gaskets now to avoid leaks later.

Step 3: Reconnect and Start the Pump

Reconnect your pump and filter system. Fill the pump basket with water to prime it, then turn the system on. Check all connections for leaks and let the pump run for several hours.

Step 4: Balance Your Water Chemistry

Test your water with a reliable test kit or strips. Aim for these ranges:

• pH: 7.4 – 7.6
• Chlorine: 2.0 – 4.0 ppm
• Alkalinity: 80 – 120 ppm
• Calcium Hardness: 200 – 400 ppm

Adjust chemicals one at a time and retest after each addition.

Step 5: Shock the Pool

Give the pool a strong shock treatment to kill any bacteria and algae that developed over winter. Use 2 lbs of pool shock per 10,000 gallons. Run the pump overnight.

Products We Recommend

For a hassle-free season, we recommend the PoolRx mineral sanitizer to reduce how much chlorine you need all summer long.