From Prep to Party: Open Your Above Ground Pool the Right Way

Spring's in the air, and you know what that means! It's time to shake off the winter chill, dust off the patio furniture, and get your above ground pool ready for some serious warm-weather fun. 

But before the cannonballs and pool noodles make an appearance, there's some essential prep work to do. Opening your above ground pool the right way not only gets things off to a smooth start, it also sets you up for a season of clean, low-maintenance swimming. And trust us, a little extra effort now means fewer headaches (and algae) later.

So grab your skimmer and favorite playlist; we're walking you through everything you need to know to get your pool party ready. 

Let's dive in.

Step 1: Uncover and Clean Like a Pro

If your pool's been hibernating under a winter cover, you'll want to take care to remove it, because how you handle this first step can set the tone for your entire pool-opening experience.

Start by clearing off any debris; fallen leaves, twigs, and standing water have likely made themselves at home on the cover. A soft broom or a pool cover pump makes quick work of this. 

Pro tip: the less you let slide into the pool now, the less you'll have to clean up later. 

Once the surface is clear, it's time to remove the cover. Try not to drag it over rough surfaces or sharp edges. Slowly and evenly pull it off, folding as you go to prevent debris from slipping into the water. Expect to find some murky water underneath – that's normal, and you'll deal with it shortly.

Now, don't just toss the cover aside and call it a day. 

Give it a good cleaning with mild soap and water (skip anything too harsh that could degrade the material), and let it fully dry before storing it. Once it's dry, store it in a sealed bin or storage bag in a dry spot.

Step 2: Reconnect and Inspect Your Above Ground Pool Equipment

With the cover off and your pool breathing in that fresh spring air, it's time to give your pool equipment some love. Think of this step as the "wake-up stretch" for your pool's systems. You're helping everything get back into gear after a long winter's nap.

Start by removing any winterizing plugs, skimmer guards, or ice compensators you installed last fall. They've done their job; now it's your turn.

Next, reconnect your pump, filter, and any extras like heaters or chlorinators. As you go, take a moment to inspect O-rings, hoses, and fittings for cracks or wear, and tighten everything up for a leak-free start. A dab of pool-safe lubricant on seals helps keep things smooth and watertight.

Before firing up the system, do a quick once-over for leaks or loose connections. It's a small step that can save you big headaches later.

Step 3: Give That Pool a Clean Sweep

Even with the cover on, some debris and cloudy water are bound to show up.

Start by skimming the surface with a leaf skimmer to remove any leaves, twigs, or bugs. It's quick, satisfying, and clears the way for deeper cleaning.

Next, brush down the walls and floor to loosen dirt and algae. 

Then it's time to vacuum. 

Whether you go manual, automatic, or robotic, the goal is the same: remove all the debris and give your pool a fresh start.

Pro Tip: After cleaning, check your filter pressure. If it's running high, give it a quick backwash or cartridge rinse to keep things flowing smoothly.

Step 4: Fill 'Er Up

Now that your pool's clean and prepped, it's time to top off the water. Getting it to the right level is key for your filter and skimmer to work correctly.

For most above ground pools, aim for the water to reach midway up the skimmer opening. 

Too low? Your pump could suck in air. 

Too high? The skimmer can't do its job.

Let your hose do the work – depending on how low the water was, this might take a while. Use the time to double-check your connections and equipment.

Once you hit that skimmer sweet spot, you're ready for testing and balancing, where your water goes from "meh" to "ready to party."

Step 5: Test the Waters

With your pool filled up, it's time to see what's going on under the surface. Testing your water is essential for clear, safe swimming.

Key Levels to Check:

• pH (ideal: 7.4–7.6): Affects comfort and chlorine efficiency.
• Alkalinity (ideal: 80–120 ppm): Keeps pH stable.
• Chlorine (ideal: 1–3 ppm): Sanitizes your water.
• Calcium Hardness (ideal: 200–400 ppm): Helps prevent corrosion or scaling.

Strips or Kits?

• Test strips are fast and easy for quick checks.
• Liquid test kits offer more precise readings if you want more detail.

For best results, test from elbow depth, away from jets or skimmers, 

Balance as Needed:

• Low pH? Add a pH increaser.
• High pH? Use a reducer.
• Alkalinity off? Fix that first before adjusting pH.
• Low chlorine? Time to shock the pool.

Pro Tip: Test daily during your first week after opening, then 2–3 times weekly to maintain your pool water balance.

Step 6: Filter Like a Pro

With your pool cleaned, filled, and balanced, it's time to let your filter take over. It's the heart of your system, quietly working to keep water clean and swim-ready.

Start by running your pump and filter for 24–48 hours straight after opening to circulate chemicals and clear lingering debris. After that, plan on filtering 8–12 hours daily, depending on pool size and usage.

Know Your Filter:

• Sand Filter: Backwash when pressure rises 8–10 PSI.
• Cartridge Filter: Rinse regularly; deep clean monthly.

Keep an Eye on Pressure

A rising pressure gauge means it's time for cleaning. Regular checks help your filter run efficiently and extend its lifespan.

Step 7: Final Touches Before the First Cannonball

You've done the prep — now it's time to make your pool area safe, fun, and ready to enjoy.

Safety First

Before the swimming starts, double-check:

• Ladders and handrails — secure and rust-free?
• Fencing and barriers — properly in place if required?
• Rescue gear and safety signs — everything where it should be?

Think Beyond the Pool

Your above ground pool is the star, but don't forget about the surrounding area. Potted plants, outdoor rugs, or lounge chairs can turn your space into a mini resort. Add a grill or fire pit nearby, and you have the ultimate backyard hangout.

Ready to Open Your Above Ground Pool the Right Way?

Opening your pool properly is the key to a low-stress, high-fun summer. A little effort now means less maintenance, cleaner water, and more time enjoying the sun with friends and family.

Whether planning quiet mornings with a cup of coffee by the pool or big weekend get-togethers, a well-prepped pool makes it all possible.

Explore our collection of above ground pool essentials and get everything you need to make this pool season the best one yet. Let's make some splash-worthy memories!