Spring Pool Opening – How to Get Ready for the Season?

The first warmer days are a clear signal for pool owners: it is time to bring the pool back to life. After several months of winter hibernation, the pool needs attention and proper preparation before we can enjoy the first swim of the season. From our experience, the earlier we start this work, the fewer surprises await us. It is worth setting aside a quiet weekend in March or April, before everyone starts looking for service technicians and pool chemicals. Below, I share a proven action plan that I have been using for years.

Post-winter inspection – the first and most important step

Before we start anything, it is worth taking a close look at the entire pool. We check the condition of the basin, looking for any cracks, scratches, or discolouration. We pay particular attention to places where water or ice could have accumulated during winter – around the skimmer, jets, and stairs. These are critical points that are most often damaged by freezing.

If the pool was covered, we remove the cover carefully so that debris from its surface does not fall into the water. We assess the water condition – with proper winterisation, it should be at most slightly greenish, without an intense smell. If the water is dark, cloudy, and has an unpleasant odour, it is better to replace it completely. There is no point in fighting something that will consume more chemicals than the cost of fresh water. Sometimes clients try to save the water at all costs – this is a mistake that later costs more nerves and money.

Technical inspection – the heart of the entire system

The pump, filter, skimmer, return jets – all of this stood idle for several months and now must get back to work. Before turning on the pump, we make sure all valves are open and the system is properly vented. Dry pump operation is a direct path to its damage, so before starting I always check if there is water in the system. It is also worth inspecting seals and fittings – after winter they can harden or crack.

The filter itself also needs attention. If we use sand filtration, the filter bed should be replaced every three to five seasons. Old sand loses its ability to catch fine impurities and instead of filtering, it starts letting dirt back into the pool. With cartridge filtration, we check the condition of the insert – cracks, permanent discolouration, or compacted structure should be treated as a signal for replacement. A new cartridge costs just a few pounds, but the difference in water quality is enormous.

Let us not forget about pool lighting and other electrical accessories. After winter, it is worth checking if everything works properly and if there are no signs of moisture in the fixtures.

Pool chemicals – no panic, but use your head

Starting the filtration is only half the battle. Now comes the time to adjust the water parameters. First, we measure the pH – it should be between 7.0 and 7.4. This is absolutely fundamental, because with incorrect pH even the best chemicals will not work properly. Chlorine will decompose too quickly, and the water despite regular dosing will remain cloudy or green.

Only at the correct pH do we add chlorine or another disinfectant. At the start of the season, I use so-called shock chlorination, a one-time higher dose that effectively eliminates bacteria and algae spores accumulated during winter. After 24-48 hours of continuous filtration, we check the parameters again and adjust if necessary.

Let us also remember about regular cleaning of the waterline and pool bottom. A pool brush and vacuum cleaner are our allies in the fight for crystal clear water. Some people skip this step, hoping that chemicals alone will do the job – unfortunately, it does not work that way.

Plan ahead – avoid queues and stress

Spring is also the ideal time for those who are just thinking about building a pool. An order placed earlier allows you to avoid production queues and stress related to completion at the peak of the season. Pool companies in May and June are swamped with orders, deadlines extend, and prices tend to rise along with the temperature.

Planning a pool for summer? Act now. Schedule a site visit, discuss project details, choose the model and basin colour. The sooner you start, the greater the chance that you will take your first jump into the water before the holidays. And if you already have a pool – do not postpone the opening until the last moment. Calm, systematic preparation is the guarantee of a trouble-free season.