Spring is here and it's time to get your pool ready. Follow these steps and you'll be swimming within a week.
Step 1: Remove and clean the cover
Pull off your winter cover carefully so debris doesn't fall in. Hose it down, let it dry completely, then fold and store it. A wet cover stored in a bag will grow mold.
Step 2: Reinstall equipment
Put back any plugs, ladders, handrails, and accessories you removed for winter. Reconnect your pump, filter, and heater if they were disconnected.
Step 3: Fill the pool to the correct level
Water should be at the middle of your skimmer opening. Use a garden hose to top it off if needed.
Step 4: Start your filtration system
Turn on your pump and filter. Check for leaks around all fittings and connections. Let it run for 24 hours before swimming.
Step 5: Test and balance the water
Test your pH, chlorine, alkalinity, and calcium hardness. Adjust as needed. Refer to our pool chemistry guide for target ranges.
Step 6: Shock the pool
Add a full dose of pool shock to kill anything that built up over winter. Run the pump overnight. Your water may look cloudy at first — that's normal.
Step 7: Clean and vacuum
Brush the walls and floor, then vacuum up any debris that settled over winter. Clean your skimmer and pump baskets. You should be swim-ready within 3 to 5 days.