Get Swim-Ready: 5 Things To Do Before Opening Your Swimming Pool in Spring

As soon as the weather starts to warm up in spring, many pool owners start itching to get outside and open our pools. Not so fast!

Preparation is key if you want a fast, hassle-free, and successful swimming pool opening. Slow down, plan ahead, and check out these tips before you open your pool this spring.

1. Clean Up Your Backyard & Pool Area

Winter takes a toll on your yard. Branches, sticks, rocks, broken siding or deck pieces, and other debris can easily damage your pool or liner or cause injury while you’re opening the pool. Before you ever even start the process of opening your swimming pool this spring, take some time to clean up your patio and backyard.

There’s no better way to start your summer pool season than with everything cleaned up and organized. Before you ever even start the swimming pool opening process, take some time to clean up your patio and backyard.

Remove leaves, branches, rocks, plants, leftover mulch, and other debris or tripping hazards that could cause injury or damage during the pool opening process.
Clean up any dog poop and other pet surprises in your yard after a long winter. (Oh, and pet owners — be sure to check out our guide for dogs and swimming pools!)
Do any landscaping projects — including planting and tree trimming — before opening your pool to prevent debris from getting in your pool or damaging your vinyl pool liner. Be sure you note any power lines, pipes, and wires buried in your yard.
Check for bugs, rodents, wasp nests, and other pests that may have taken up residence around your swimming pool area. It’s easier to handle pests early on rather than getting stung or bitten while you’re focused on opening your pool.
Sanitize your deck, patio furniture, and pool floats to make sure everything is as germ-free and sanitary as possible for your family.

2. Check Your Pool Chemicals

It’s a good idea to check all those pool chemicals you have in storage before you start opening your pool in spring. Make sure you have all the chemicals you need to open your pool and that nothing is expired or contaminated. Outdated chemicals can be ineffective, slowing down the process and potentially causing pool sanitation issues.

Check all expiration dates on your pool chemicals.
Make sure you have enough of each chemical to successfully and safely open your pool.
Order or purchase anything you may need so you don’t run out in the middle of opening your pool.
Make sure you have all personal protective equipment for handling chemicals, such as gloves or goggles.
Review manufacturers instructions for proper use, storage, and handling of pool chemicals to give yourself a refresher before the swimming pool season really takes off.

Here are the chemicals you may need for your pool this spring:

Chlorine — generally sold as tablets or granules
Bromine — an alternative to chlorine for sanitation
Biguanide — another chlorine alternative; Baquacil is a popular brand
Pool shock
pH Increaser
pH Decreaser
Alkalinity Increaser
Muriatic acid
Calcium Hardness Increaser
Flocculent
Water clarifier
Algaecide

3. Watch the Weather

Spring weather can be a bit touchy as seasons transition. Temperatures fluctuate dramatically. Rain can put a damper on your pool fun. And there’s no shortage of mud.

The best time to open your swimming pool in spring depends on where you live. Generally, when temperatures are consistently above 70 degrees during the day, you can open your pool. Watch the forecast and plan to open your pool on a mild, sunny day — no rain, not too hot, and not to cold.

4. Get a Friend or Family Member’s Help

Opening your pool in spring will be a much smoother process when you have an extra set of hands. Since spring can be a busy time and most people can’t drop everything to come and help you open your pool at the first sign of warm weather, you may need to coordinate.

Reach out to your friend or family member early on in the spring with a few potential dates — and backup times in case of bad weather. Planning ahead means you’ll both have it on your calendar and won’t have to delay or rush through the process.

5. Inspect Pool Parts and Accessories.

Snow, ice, and cold temperatures can be brutal. Take some time to inspect all your pool parts and accessories for damage or wear to avoid delays or frustrations when opening your pool. If winter took a toll on your pool liner, filter, or pump, don’t want to wait to order replacements. The same goes for ordering that fun new pool float or toy that you wanted.

Inspect pool parts for cracks, leaks, and corrosion.
Look for tears, rips, or leaks in your liner. If you notice extra low water levels or puddling around the pool area, that could be a sign you need a replacement liner.
Make sure you have all product manuals, guides, and resources you’ll need throughout the pool season.
Clean, repair, or replace any pool parts as needed before moving on to opening your pool.

If you need a replacement liner or other pool accessory, it’s best to order early in the spring. Once the weather warms up, your favorite products quickly go out of stock or on backorder.

If you’re looking for something in particular, LinerWorld carries quality vinyl liners and a plethora of other pool opening and liner installation must-haves.

Ready to Open Your Pool this Spring?

Great! We hope this guide helps you prepare to open your pool and sets you up for a quick, easy experience when opening your pool this spring. When the time comes, be sure to check out our pool opening guide and other great swimming pool opening resources.

Updated March 10, 2025

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