Opening your pool for the season might feel routine, but rushing through the process or skipping key steps can lead to problems that ruin the start of your swim season. From cloudy water to damaged equipment, even small mistakes can become costly. Here are some of the most common pool opening mistakes homeowners make—and how to avoid them.
Not Cleaning the Pool Cover First
One of the most common mistakes is removing the pool cover without cleaning it off first. Leaves, dirt, and standing water often collect on top over the winter. If you pull the cover off without clearing it, that mess ends up in your pool, making cleanup harder and throwing off your water chemistry. Take the time to remove debris with a broom or blower and pump off any excess water with a cover pump. Let the cover dry before folding and storing it away.
Skipping Equipment Checks
Another common mistake is starting up your pool system without inspecting the pump, filter, heater, or chlorinator. Over the winter, parts can crack, corrode, or loosen. If you run the system with a problem in the line, you risk bigger damage or even safety issues. Before powering anything up, look over your equipment. Check for leaks, tighten any loose connections, and replace worn gaskets or seals. It’s also a good time to schedule a professional inspection if your equipment is getting older.
Reconnecting Plumbing Incorrectly
It’s surprisingly easy to forget to reconnect all your pool plumbing—or worse, connect it incorrectly. If valves or hoses are out of place, you could end up with poor circulation, air in the system, or a pump that won’t prime. Take a few extra minutes to make sure everything is hooked up properly. If you labeled your plumbing during winterization, great—if not, now’s a good time to start that habit for next year.
Not Testing and Balancing Water Properly
Many pool owners guess when it comes to chemicals or use old test strips that may not be accurate. The result? Water that looks fine but is way out of balance. This can lead to corrosion, scale buildup, skin irritation, or algae blooms. Always start the season by testing your water with a reliable kit or bringing a sample to a pool store. Adjust your pH, chlorine, alkalinity, and calcium hardness before swimming.
Starting the Filter With Dirty Water
It might seem smart to turn on your pump and filter right away, but if the pool is full of debris, you’re just clogging the system. Running your filter before cleaning out leaves, dirt, and algae can reduce efficiency and even damage the filter. First, skim the surface, vacuum the floor, and brush the walls. Once the water is clear of large debris, then fire up the system and clean or backwash your filter to start fresh.
Forgetting to Shock the Pool
Finally, a lot of people skip shocking the pool because the water looks clear. But appearances can be deceiving. Bacteria, contaminants, and algae spores can linger even in clean-looking water. Start the season with a strong chlorine shock to sanitize the pool and wipe the slate clean. Make sure to follow instructions for dosage based on your pool’s size, and wait for chlorine levels to return to safe levels before letting anyone swim.
Avoid the Rush, Enjoy the Season
Most pool opening mistakes come down to speed—trying to get everything done in a single afternoon. But taking a little extra time to clean, inspect, and prep your system properly will set you up for a stress-free, crystal-clear season. Avoid these common missteps, and you’ll spend less time fixing problems—and more time enjoying your pool.
