How to Open an Inground Pool? A Step-by-Step Guide

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The sun is out, and the excitement of the fast-approaching swimming season is in the air. Are you a bit anxious about how to open an inground pool? I get it. After all, there are too many things involved!

There is plumbing, equipment, pool chemicals, and step-by-step procedures. Everything must be done correctly.

But, do not worry! With my well-organized and easy-to-understand DIY pool opening guide you can open your pool yourself, saving money while ensuring it’s done right.

So let’s get started—your perfect backyard oasis is just a few steps away!

How to Open an Inground Pool: Key Takeaways

• Gather essential supplies for an easy inground pool opening.
• Remove and clean the pool cover carefully to avoid debris.
• Inspect and reconnect equipment. Test if they work or need repairs.
• Address leaks, filter issues, and pump problems, if any.
• Double shock the pool and add algaecide to prevent bacteria and algae.
• Balance pool water chemistry for a safe swimming experience.
• Prioritize safety with fences, alarms, and proper chemical storage.

Gear Up for Success: Tools and Supplies Required

Preparation is the key to an easy and efficient inground pool opening. Having everything ready before you start will save time and prevent unnecessary stress.

Here’s a checklist of what you’ll need, organized for simplicity.

Cleaning Supplies

• Pool Cover Pump – to remove standing water from your cover.
• Pool Cover Cleaner & Deodorizer – to extend life and store safely.
• Multi-surface Push Broom – for clearing off dirt and debris.
• Pool Leaf Skimmer Net – to scoop out leaves and floating debris.
• Pool Brush – for scrubbing the pool walls and floor.
• Vacuum (optional) – for a deeper clean.

Plumbing Supplies

• Winterizing plugs – remove these from the skimmer and returns.
• Drain plugs – reinstall these for proper operation.
• Teflon Tape and Teflon Lubricant – to ensure leak-free connections.
• A Phillips head screwdriver set or nut driver to reconnect equipment.
• Wrench (if needed) – for reassembling equipment.

Chemicals

Despite the pool cover, your inground pool has been collecting pathogens and contaminants for several months. Naturally, it will need to be dosed with all the right chemicals to ensure the water is safe, clean, and balanced.

Pro Tip: For new pool owners, HTH 91022 Swimming Pool Care Kit simplifies the process by bundling essential products.

Nonetheless, here’s a comprehensive list of chemicals you’ll need to open your pool and suggested products to make shopping easy.

1. Test Kit

• Purpose: Lets you test and monitor the pool water chemistry.
• Suggested Product: Taylor K-2005 Complete DPD 9-in-1 Test Kit

2. Chlorine (Regular Sanitation)

• Purpose: Sanitizes the water by killing bacteria and algae.
• Suggested Product: HTH 42055 Pool Care 3″ Chlorine Tabs Advanced

3. Clorine Stabilizer (Cyanuric Acid)

• Purpose: If you use the above Trichlor tablets, you won’t need this on a regular basis. However, you may need it when you open your pool and the CYA levels are low.
• Suggested Product: HTH 67061 Pool Care Stabilizer

3. Pool Shock

• Purpose: This is required on a weekly basis and certainly for pool opening to eliminate all the accumulated bacteria, algae, and other contaminants.
• Suggested Product: HTH 52037 Pool Care Shock Advanced

4. pH Increaser

• Purpose: To increase the water pH level, if low.
• Suggested Products: HTH 67041 pH Up

5. pH Decreaser

• Purpose: To increase the water pH level, if low.
• Suggested Products: HTH Pool Care pH Down

6. Alkalinity Increaser

• Purpose: To increase Total Alkalinity (TA). Helps stabilize pH levels and prevents “pH bounce.”
• Suggested Product: HTH 67060 Pool Care Alkalinity Up

7. Alkalinity Decreaser

• Purpose: To decrease Total Alkalinity (TA). Helps stabilize pH levels and prevents “pH bounce.”
• Suggested Product: Acid Blue Muriatic Acid by CPDI

8. Calcium Hardness Increaser

• Purpose: Prevents corrosion of equipment and scaling on surfaces.
• Suggested Product: HTH 67059 Pool Care Calcium Hardness Up

9. Algaecide

• Purpose: Assists chlorine in preventing algae growth.
• Suggested Product: HTH 67089 Swimming Pool Care Algae Guard Ultra

10. Water Clarifier & Pool Flocculant

• Purpose: Helps the filter remove fine particles that cloud water. Flocculant helps clump bigger particles so that they drop to the floor and can be vacuumed.
• Suggested Product: HTH 67023 Super Clarifier and HTH 67080 Pool Care Drop Out Flocculant

11. Metal Sequestrant

• Purpose: Prevents discoloration of pool water caused by excess metals.
• Suggested Product: Pool Mate Metal Out Stain and Mineral Inhibitor

Safety Equipment

• Safety goggles and chemical-resistant gloves – for handling chemicals safely.

Bookmark this page, or download my Free Printable PDF Checklist on “Tools and Supplies Required for Opening an Inground Pool” by clicking on the link below:

Step-by-Step Guide to Opening Your Inground Pool

Now that you’ve gathered your supplies, it’s time to bring your pool back to life. Follow these clear, actionable steps to make the process simple and successful.

Step 1: Prep the Area

Start by tidying up the space around your pool.

• Sweep the pool deck to remove leaves, dirt, and debris.
• After sweeping the deck, hose down the area if it’s particularly dirty or has stubborn stains.
• Trim any overhanging branches or shrubs to reduce future contamination possibilities.
• Ensure the area is free from tripping hazards like toys or tools. (keep them at least 10′ away from the work are)

A clean and safe workspace will make the next steps much easier.

Step 2: Remove the Pool Cover

Carefully remove your pool’s winter cover to avoid spilling debris into the water.

• Use a pool cover pump to remove any standing water.
• Brush off leaves and dirt with a broom or skimmer net.
• If debris falls into the pool, skim it out immediately to avoid clogging the filtration system later.
• Fold and lift the cover off the pool.

This step requires at least 2 persons to prevent any damage to the pool cover.

Step 3: Clean and Store the Cover

Properly cleaning your pool cover will help extend its lifespan.

• Lay the cover flat and rinse it thoroughly with a garden hose.
• Use mild soap or a pool cover cleaner for stubborn stains.
• Always use a soft bristled brush for cleaning to avoid damaging the pool cover.
• Allow it to dry completely before folding and storing it in a clean, dry place.
• Store the cover in a protective bag or container to shield it from pests and environmental damage.

By taking care of your cover now, you’ll save yourself time and money next season.

Step 4: Reconnect and Inspect Equipment

With the cover off, it’s time to reassemble your pool’s essential systems.

• Remove all winterizing plugs from returns and skimmers.
• Reinstall drain plugs and lubricate O-rings for a tight seal.
• Inspect the pump, filter, and heater for damage.
  • Look for visible cracks in the pump and filter housing.
  • Check electrical connections for wear or fraying.
  • Test equipment switches before starting up.
• Replace any worn-out or damaged parts.
• Reattach accessories like ladders, rails, and diving boards.

Inspecting your equipment and taking corrective action now ensures your pool operates efficiently all season.

Step 5: Top Up the Water and Prime the System

Now it’s time to top up your inground pool with water that it may have lost while it was closed. At this stage, you also need to ensure that the pool’s filtration system is running, without a problem.

• Use a garden hose to top up the pool until the water level reaches the middle of the skimmer.
• Before priming, ensure all valves are in the correct open or closed positions to avoid damaging the pump.
• Prime the pump by opening the valves and filling the pump basket with water.
• Turn on the filtration system and run it briefly to check for leaks or abnormal noises.
• If leaks or abnormal noises occur, troubleshoot the problem (eg: reseating the pump basket, checking for air leaks in the suction lines, etc.). If the problem persists, get professional help.

Step 6: Water Testing and Balancing

Balanced pool water chemistry is essential for safe and enjoyable swimming.

• Use a water testing kit or take a sample to a pool store for testing. Make sure to
  • Rinse the sample container three times with pool water before collecting the sample.
  • Collect water from elbow depth (around 12 inches below the surface).
• Focus on these key levels:
  • Alkalinity: Should be between 80 and 120 ppm.
  • pH: Ideal range is 7.4 to 7.6.
  • Calcium hardness: Aim for 200 to 400 ppm.
• Adjust levels as needed using the appropriate chemicals:
  • Use alkalinity increaser or decreaser to adjust alkalinity.
  • Raise pH with soda ash or lower it with muriatic acid.
  • Add calcium chloride to balance hardness.

Pro Tip: Always follow the sequence of adjusting Total Alkalinity (TA) first, followed by pH and then the Calcium Hardness (CH).

Step 7: Shock and Algaecide Treatment

Kickstart your pool’s cleanliness with a shock treatment and algae prevention.

• Calculate the shock dosage based on your pool’s volume (usually 1 lb of shock per 10,000 gallons).
• Wear chemical-resistant gloves and carefully dissolve the shock granules in a bucket of water before adding it to the pool.
• Distribute the solution evenly across the water surface.
• Let the pool filter run overnight.

Pro Tip: Repeat this process once again for a squeaky clean pool. Alternatively, you can double the shock dose.

Run the pool filter for a few hours before adding algaecide.

Step 8: Final Filtration and Cleaning

Give your pool the finishing touches for sparkling results.

• Run the filtration system for at least 24 hours to circulate chemicals and clear debris.
• Skim the surface, brush the walls, and vacuum the pool floor to remove any remaining dirt.
• Check the filter and clean or backwash it as needed.
• I recommend running the filtration system longer than 24 hours if the water appears cloudy or if excessive debris was present after winter.

Step 9: Retest Pool Water for 5 Key Parameters

Before you dive in, make sure to test the pool water chemistry once again for the 5 key parameters.

The infographic below gives the acceptable and ideal range for the 5 key pool chemistry parameters.

Adjust as required. Add Trichlor tablets in floaters or in the skimmer to keep your pool sanitized as you, your family and your friends start using the pool.

Bookmark this page, or download my Free Printable PDF Checklist on “Step-by-Step Guide to Opening Your Inground Pool” by clicking on the link below:

Troubleshooting Tips for Common Pool Opening Problems

Even with careful preparation, issues can arise when opening your inground pool. Don’t panic—most problems have straightforward solutions.

Here are some common challenges and how to address them.

Leaks

Problem: Water levels drop unexpectedly, indicating a leak.

Solution:

• Inspect the pool liner, plumbing connections, and equipment for visible damage.
• Use a leak detection dye to pinpoint the source.
• For small liner tears, patch them with an underwater repair kit. For plumbing issues, tighten connections or replace damaged parts.

Filter Problems

Problem: The filter isn’t cleaning effectively or shows high pressure on the gauge.

Solution:

• Check the filter media (sand, cartridge, or DE) and clean or replace it as necessary.
• Backwash the filter if it’s a sand or DE model, or clean it if it’s a cartridge to remove built-up debris.
• Ensure valves are fully open and inspect for blockages in the plumbing.

Pump Issues

Problem: The pump won’t prime or is making unusual noises.

Solution:

• Check for air leaks in the system, especially at the pump lid and hose connections.
• Ensure the pump basket is clean and properly seated.
• Fill the pump basket with water and restart the system.
• If the motor hums or won’t start, consult a professional to inspect the pump motor.

Water Chemistry Imbalances

Problem: The water is cloudy or has a green tint after adding chemicals.

Solution:

• Retest the pool water chemistry to ensure levels are within the ideal range.
• Add a metal sequestrant if the water looks green but clear.
• Shock the pool again if algae is present and run the filter for an extended period.
• Use a clarifier to help the filter remove fine particles causing cloudiness. If this does not work, use a flocculant and then vacuum the pool bottom.

Safety Tips for a Fun and Safe Swimming Season

As you prepare your inground pool for summer, it’s important to prioritize safety. A few simple measures can help ensure a worry-free swimming season for everyone.

Fencing and Alarms

• Install a pool fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate to prevent unsupervised access.
• Use gate alarms or pool alarms as an extra layer of protection, especially for children and pets.

Supervision

• Never leave children unattended near the pool, even for a moment.
• Designate a responsible adult as the “pool watcher” during gatherings.

CPR and First Aid

• Learn Basic CPR and keep a swimming pool first aid kit nearby for emergencies.
• Encourage all family members to know water safety basics.

Chemical Storage

• Store pool chemicals in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children and pets.
• Keep them in their original containers with labels intact to avoid accidents.

Diving Safety

• Make sure your pool is deep enough for diving (at least 8 feet) to prevent injuries.
• Post “No Diving” signs if your pool doesn’t meet safety requirements.

Taking these precautions will create a safe environment, allowing everyone to enjoy the pool with peace of mind.

Dive into a Summer of Poolside Fun

Congratulations! By following this step-by-step guide, you’ve successfully opened your inground pool and prepared it for an amazing swimming season.

To keep your pool in top condition:

• Test and balance your pool water chemistry regularly.
• Clean your pool and maintain your equipment weekly.
• Address any issues promptly to avoid costly repairs.

Thank you very much for reading the post. I do hope you found it informative and helpful.