So it’s summer and time to open the pool. Hmmm, where did you put everything back in the fall? Hopefully she packed all those little pieces in the filter or in a clearly labeled box so he can easily find them now. If not, happy hunting. But in reality, opening the pool is just as important as closing it, only you do everything backwards and instead of expecting high winds and driving snow, you can look forward to floating in the clear water and hosting pool parties.

Basically the first thing you need to do is drain the water from your pool cover. Good luck removing it if you don’t. Once this is done, you will want to remove it and allow it to dry. Nobody wants to store a wet pool cover! Hang it over a swing or some chairs or just place it in the driveway or on the lawn, whichever works best for you.

You now have some water left in the pool and probably some leaves and other debris as well. Take all of that out and refill the pool to its proper depth. This will allow you to use the vacuum later. Before the water gets too high, reattach those pipes and fittings, you don’t want water spilling out of those holes!

Reconnect the pump and filter, which should still be clean, since you would have put them away clean in the fall, right? Once all is well with the water level, it’s time to clean the walls, vacuum up any remaining debris, and make the water ideal for swimming. This usually involves a shock dose, a highly concentrated chlorine product that will kill all bugs and bacteria and leave your water sparkling clean.

Now is a good time to test your water and put in the right chemicals for balanced, healthy water. The pH is an important thing, if it deviates a bit it can mean an uncomfortable bath for your family. If you’re in doubt, or if the job seems like too much to do alone, there are companies that specialize in opening and closing pools so you don’t have to do the extra work or hassle.

Once the pool is open, enjoy because it won’t be long until the pool closes again.