Essential Maintenance Tips to Open Your Pool Smoothly

April 21, 2025
by Omar Daniel E

As the weather warms up and the swimming season approaches, it’s time to get your pool ready for the summer! Opening a pool after the off-season requires some important maintenance to ensure everything is in top shape. Proper pool opening is key to extending the lifespan of your pool, avoiding costly repairs, and ensuring your water is safe for swimming.

If you want to open your pool smoothly and with minimal hassle, follow these essential maintenance tips. Whether you're a first-time pool owner or a seasoned pro, these tips will guide you through the process for a stress-free start to your swimming season.

1. Clean and Inspect Pool Equipment

Before anything else, make sure your pool equipment is ready for action. Your pool pump, filter, heater, and skimmer are the backbone of your pool’s functionality, so ensuring they’re in working order is a top priority.

Check the Pump and Filter:

Pump: Turn on your pump to check for any unusual noises or leaks. If the pump isn’t operating correctly, it can affect water circulation, which can lead to algae growth and poor water quality. Sometimes, even small issues like a clogged impeller or worn-out gasket can affect the pump's performance. Make sure to address these immediately to avoid more significant problems.
Filter: Clean the pool filter thoroughly. If it’s a cartridge filter, remove the cartridges and rinse them. If you use a sand or DE (diatomaceous earth) filter, replace the sand or DE powder if needed. Keeping your filter clean and in good condition is vital for maintaining clear water throughout the swimming season.

Skimmer and Return Jets:

Check the skimmer baskets and clean them out, as they can accumulate debris from the winter months. If you have an automatic skimmer, inspect it for any malfunctions.
Inspect the return jets for clogs or blockages. Make sure water is flowing freely. A clogged return jet can lead to poor water circulation, and this can result in cloudy water and inefficient filtration.

Test the Heater: If your pool has a heater, test it to ensure it turns on and functions properly. Clean the heater’s filter and check for any signs of wear or corrosion. A properly functioning heater will ensure you can enjoy warm water even during cooler evenings.

Tip: If your heater seems inefficient or is showing signs of damage, it might be time to consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient model. Newer heaters can help you save on energy bills while keeping your pool at the perfect temperature for comfortable swimming all year round.

Pro Tip: Need help getting your pool equipment in top condition? Krevco is here to help with top-of-the-line pool pumps, filters, and heaters. If you need new equipment or assistance with professional pool opening services, reach out to Krevco today for expert advice and fast service. Contact Krevco and make your pool ready for the season in no time!

2. Remove the Pool Cover and Clean It

If you have a winter cover on your pool, remove it carefully to avoid damaging it. A heavy-duty cover can collect debris, water, or even dirt, so it's important to clean it thoroughly before storing it for the season.

Steps to Clean Your Pool Cover:

Remove any leaves, sticks, or other debris using a broom or leaf blower. Make sure to get into all the crevices around the edges to prevent any build-up.
Hose down the cover to remove dirt or dust. If needed, wash it with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the material.
Let the cover dry completely before storing it in a dry place, as moisture can cause mold or mildew growth.

Inspect the Pool Cover: Look for any rips or tears in the material. If there are any damages, repair them before storing the cover. A well-maintained cover will protect your pool next winter and save you money on repairs. If you notice any damage to the cover, consider investing in a new one to prevent debris from entering the pool during the next off-season.

Pro Tip: Want a more durable pool cover? Krevco offers high-quality pool covers designed to withstand harsh weather and provide maximum protection for your pool. If you’re in need of a new cover or other pool accessories, check out Krevco’s selection for reliable products that can make your pool maintenance even easier. Explore Krevco’s Pool Covers.

3. Test and Balance Pool Chemicals

One of the most critical steps when opening your pool is balancing the water chemistry. Pool water chemistry plays a huge role in ensuring clean, safe swimming conditions. Properly balanced water also protects your pool surfaces, equipment, and keeps algae at bay.

Start with a Test Kit: Use a pool water test kit to check the levels of:

pH: Ideally between 7.4 and 7.6. Low pH levels can make your pool water too acidic, which can lead to corrosion of pool equipment and irritation to swimmers' skin and eyes. On the other hand, high pH can cause scaling and cloudy water.
Alkalinity: Should be between 80-120 ppm (parts per million). Alkalinity acts as a buffer for pH, preventing it from fluctuating too drastically. If alkalinity is off, it can be difficult to maintain proper pH levels.
Chlorine: Between 1.0 and 3.0 ppm for effective disinfection. Chlorine is the most common sanitizer used in pools to kill harmful bacteria and algae. Without adequate chlorine, your pool can quickly become contaminated.
Calcium Hardness: Between 200-400 ppm to protect pool surfaces from scaling or corrosion. If calcium hardness is too high, it can cause scale build-up on the walls and equipment. If it’s too low, it can cause the water to become corrosive, damaging the pool's surface and plumbing.

Adjust Chemical Levels:

pH: If the pH is too low (acidic), add a pH increaser. If it’s too high (alkaline), add a pH reducer.
Alkalinity: Adjust alkalinity if it’s outside the recommended range using an alkalinity increaser or reducer.
Chlorine: If your chlorine levels are too low, you can shock the pool with a chlorine shock treatment to raise levels quickly.
Calcium Hardness: If your calcium hardness is too high, you may need to dilute your pool with fresh water.

After adding chemicals, wait a few hours and retest the water. Repeat the process until the water chemistry is balanced correctly.

Tip: Regularly test and adjust your pool chemicals throughout the season to maintain optimal water conditions. During peak swimming times, the pool may require more frequent chemical adjustments, especially after heavy usage or storms.

Need help with the right pool chemicals or advice on balancing your water? Krevco offers high-quality pool chemicals and expert guidance on getting your pool chemistry just right. Whether you're looking for the best chlorine, shock treatments, or stabilizers, Krevco has you covered. Browse Krevco’s Pool Chemicals and ensure your water is ready for the season.

4. Clear Debris and Clean the Pool Walls

After a long winter, your pool may have accumulated leaves, sticks, and other debris. This debris can clog the filter and affect water clarity, so it’s essential to remove it before you start filling up the pool.

Steps to Clean Pool Walls:

Use a pool brush to scrub the walls of your pool, starting from the deep end and working your way up to the shallow end. This will ensure any algae or dirt that has settled on the walls is removed before the water starts circulating.
Pay attention to areas where dirt or algae may accumulate, particularly around the waterline. If you have tile around your pool’s waterline, you can use a special tile brush to clean the grout and prevent build-up.
If you notice any algae buildup, you can apply an algaecide to treat it. For stubborn stains, consider using a stronger pool stain remover. Always follow the product instructions to avoid damaging your pool.

Clean the Pool Floor: Use a pool vacuum to clean the floor of your pool. If your pool has an automatic vacuum, this is the perfect time to check it for any malfunctions. For manual vacuums, thoroughly vacuum all areas of the pool, especially around the corners and deep end.

Tip: To save time, consider investing in an automatic pool cleaner that can help keep your pool in great condition with minimal effort. Krevco carries a range of pool vacuums, from manual to robotic models, to help you find the right one for your pool.

5. Inspect Pool Plumbing for Leaks

While your pool is empty, take the opportunity to inspect the plumbing for any leaks. Leaks can cause water loss and affect your pool’s filtration system, leading to higher maintenance costs.

Check the Plumbing Lines:

Turn on the pump and check the pressure gauge for any fluctuations that could indicate a leak.
Inspect visible plumbing lines and fittings for cracks, corrosion, or signs of wear. If any issues are found, it’s best to repair them before the water is added back into the pool.

Leak Detection: If you suspect a leak but can't identify it visually, consider performing a bucket test. Mark the water level in the bucket and place it in the pool. If the water in the bucket and the pool drop at the same rate, your pool is losing water. If only the pool water level drops, you likely have a leak.

Pro Tip: Leaks can sometimes be hidden in hard-to-reach areas of your pool plumbing. For a thorough inspection, consider professional leak detection services. Krevco offers leak detection services to help you pinpoint any hidden leaks before they become a major issue. Schedule a Leak Inspection with Krevco.

6. Add Fresh Water to the Pool

Once all the debris is cleared, the pool walls are scrubbed, and your pool equipment is ready, it’s time to add fresh water. Depending on the amount of water that evaporated during the off-season, you may need to refill your pool.

Check the Water Level:

Fill the pool until the water reaches the middle of the skimmer or halfway up the tile line. It’s important to keep an eye on the water level to avoid overfilling or underfilling, as both can affect pool performance.

7. Run the Pool Pump for 24-48 Hours

After refilling the pool, turn on the pump and allow it to run continuously for 24-48 hours. This will help circulate the water, ensure the chemicals are evenly distributed, and allow the filter to remove debris from the water.

Monitor Water Clarity: Keep an eye on the water clarity. If the water is cloudy, this may indicate that the filter is still cleaning up debris or that you need to adjust your chemical levels.

Opening your pool smoothly and ensuring that everything is in top shape can take a little time and effort, but it’s worth it. Whether you need pool supplies, equipment, or professional services, Krevco is here to make sure your pool is ready to go. From high-quality pumps, filters, and heaters to expert maintenance and chemical guidance, Krevco has everything you need for a successful pool opening.

Looking for reliable pool equipment or services? Contact Krevco today for the best deals on pool products, professional services, and more. Get your pool sparkling clean and ready for the season!

By following these essential tips and utilizing Krevco’s top-notch products and services, you’ll be able to open your pool smoothly and keep it in great condition throughout the summer. Happy swimming!