There’s a rhythm to the seasons, and for pool owners, the shift toward warm weather means one thing: it’s time to get that pool ready. Not just skim the surface and toss in some chlorine — really get it ready.
Because there’s nothing worse than firing up the pump in May, only to realize something’s broken, the water’s cloudy, and you’ve got algae colonizing the deep end.
A pool is an amazing asset — for fitness, for fun, for family time — but it doesn’t run itself. Getting it set up the right way at the beginning of the season saves a ton of time and hassle later. Here’s how to do it without turning it into a massive ordeal.
Start With a Basic Inspection
Before touching the water or flipping a single switch, take 10 minutes to just look around. A lot can happen over the off-season.
- Check the pool cover for damage or pooling water. If there’s standing water, use a submersible pump to remove it before taking off the cover — otherwise that swamp ends up in your pool.
- Inspect the pool structure. Look for cracks, stains, or loose tiles.
- Walk the equipment pad. Any leaks? Strange smells? Signs of rodents nesting under the heater? Worth spotting early.
- Double check water level. If it’s lower than expected, don’t assume evaporation — it could point to a slow leak.
This step isn’t glamorous, but catching issues now is a whole lot easier (and cheaper) than discovering them when guests are on the way over.
Clean Everything — Even If It Looks Clean
Once the cover’s off, the real work starts. You’ll likely find leaves, dirt, maybe a rogue glove or toy that disappeared last fall. First impressions matter — and clean water starts with clean surfaces.
Here’s a solid process:
- Skim the surface. Get rid of leaves, bugs, pollen, and whatever else landed there over the last few months.
- Brush the pool walls and floor. Algae spores and fine debris cling to surfaces, especially in corners or around ladders.
- Vacuum thoroughly. Manual vacs give you full control, but a robotic cleaner saves effort if you’ve got one.
- Empty all skimmer baskets and pump baskets. Even a few leaves can mess with flow.
Think of this like sweeping before mopping. You want to start with a clear base before moving on to chemicals and filtration.
Get Your Equipment Online
Before starting anything up, make sure your system is clean and ready to go. Running a clogged or damaged filter can cause way more damage than it prevents.
Equipment essentials:
| Component | What to Check |
| Pump | Make sure the motor spins freely and the lid O-ring is intact. |
| Filter | Backwash sand and DE filters; clean or replace cartridges. |
| Heater | Fire it up and monitor for strange smells, leaks, or error codes. |
| Valves | Open and close each to ensure they’re not stuck. |
| Timers/Automation | Reprogram for longer days and summer schedules. |
Once you’re confident everything’s in place, run the system for a few hours. Monitor pressure, look for leaks, and listen for odd noises. A clean, humming system is what you want.
Water Chemistry Isn’t Optional
Even if the water looks okay, don’t trust it. Winter leaves behind all kinds of microscopic stuff — algae, bacteria, and imbalanced minerals. Water might appear clear and still be completely unfit for swimming.
Start with a full test. You can do this with a home kit (liquid ones are more reliable than strips), or bring a sample to a pool supply store. Either way, you want to get baseline numbers for:
- pH (ideal: 7.4 – 7.6)
- Alkalinity (ideal: 80 – 120 ppm)
- Calcium hardness (ideal: 200 – 400 ppm)
- Cyanuric acid (ideal: 30 – 50 ppm for chlorine pools)
- Free chlorine (ideal: 1 – 3 ppm)
- Phosphates (if they’re high, it can feed algae growth)
The order in which you adjust chemicals matters — always stabilize alkalinity and pH first. Calcium hardness comes next. Only then should you add sanitizer (like chlorine) or stabilizer.
When It’s Worth Getting a Second Set of Eyes
Some pool openings are simple. Others… not so much. If you’re dealing with cloudy water that won’t clear, equipment that’s acting up, or a pool that looks more like a pond, it might be time to bring in backup — even just for a one-time check.
People in the Sacramento area sometimes turn to a Roseville pool cleaning service for help with the more technical side of things — troubleshooting circulation issues, deep cleaning filters, or spotting early signs of leaks. Even seasoned pool owners occasionally call in a pro at the start of the season to make sure everything’s running smoothly.
Shock It — Even If the Water’s Clear
Shocking isn’t just for green pools. Even if things look good, shocking is how you reset the chemical balance and burn off any lingering organic material.
- Use a chlorine-based shock if you’re working with a traditional chlorine pool.
- Add it in the evening — sunlight degrades chlorine quickly.
- Run the pump overnight for full circulation.
- Wait 12–24 hours before letting anyone swim, and test chlorine levels again to be sure.
If you’re using a saltwater system, you might still want to manually shock at the start of the season — salt chlorinators take time to generate enough free chlorine to be effective.
Set Yourself Up For Easy Maintenance
Once the pool’s up and running, now’s the time to put a system in place to keep it that way. It’s tempting to just enjoy it and deal with issues as they come — but that’s how you end up green and frustrated in July.
A weekly maintenance routine can look like:
| Task | Frequency |
| Skim debris | Daily |
| Brush walls | Weekly |
| Vacuum | Weekly or as needed |
| Test water | 2–3 times a week |
| Backwash/clean filter | When pressure rises 8–10 psi above normal |
| Shock | Weekly or after heavy use/rain |
Write it down. Set calendar reminders. Whatever makes it stick — consistency matters way more than big one-off cleanings.
Some Overlooked Details Worth Catching Early
There are always a few items that fall through the cracks, especially during a spring opening.
Here are a few worth checking:
- Check your ladder, diving board, and rails for rust or looseness.
- Inspect your safety equipment — is the life ring still usable? Cover in good shape?
- Test lighting — both in-pool and around the patio.
- Check for wasps or other nests around equipment or under deck overhangs.
- Clean your pool toys — especially if they’ve been stored in a damp shed or garage.
Small details can have a big impact on safety and experience — especially when guests are involved.
Don’t Forget the Fitness Angle
For a lot of people, swimming isn’t just leisure — it’s part of a workout routine. So while prepping the pool, think beyond the basics.
- Lap swimmers: Check lane lines, install anchors, or set up a tether system if space is tight.
- Aquatic training: Make sure water resistance gear is clean and intact — dumbbells, resistance bands, aqua joggers, etc.
- Kids’ fitness: If you’ve got little ones doing lessons or just active play, clear shallow areas of tripping hazards or slick spots.
A little forethought turns a recreational space into a real training zone — and keeps it accessible for all levels.
Closing Thoughts
Opening your pool isn’t the most thrilling part of the season, but it might be the most important. Get it right now, and you’ll avoid 90% of the problems that tend to pop up mid-summer — cloudy water, algae blooms, filter issues, weird chemical swings.
Keep the process simple: inspect, clean, run your equipment, balance the water, and stay consistent. That’s it. No magic tricks, no need to overthink it.
Once the prep’s done and the water’s crystal clear, you’ll be glad you took the time. Whether you’re doing laps at sunrise or relaxing with friends at dusk, nothing beats a well-run pool when the heat kicks in.
