What’s your first step when opening your pool?

The first thing I do is clean off the cover before removing it so all that junk doesn’t fall into the pool. Then I reconnect the pump and filter, make sure all the plugs and drain caps are back in place, and start filling it up if the water level dropped over winter. After that, I run the pump for a few hours to circulate the water before testing and adjusting chemicals. Getting the equipment set up and running smoothly first makes everything else easier.
 
For me, it’s all about getting the water circulating first. I clear the skimmers and returns, check for leaks, and prime the pump. Once water is moving, I scoop out leaves and debris, then do my first chemical test. I usually need to adjust pH and chlorine right away. I shock the pool that first night and clean the filters the next day. Writing down a checklist before opening day helped me stop forgetting steps.
 
I totally get it! I used to forget something every time, too. Now I’ve made it a habit to do a quick walk-around first, like checking the cover, pumps, and skimmers before diving into the chemicals. I make sure everything’s running for a few hours to get the water moving before I start testing. It’s like a pre-checklist that’s saved me from missing steps. The trick is just to slow down for a second before jumping in!
 
The first thing I always do now is check the water level before touching anything else. One year, I went through half the setup before realising the water had dropped too low over the winter, and the pump ended up running dry for a bit; lesson learned. Now I top it off first if it’s low, just so everything runs smoothly when I start the system.

Once that’s done, I give the area around the pool a quick cleanup, clear out leaves, and trim back anything overhanging. It sounds unrelated, but keeping the area clean right away helps avoid stuff constantly falling into the water while you’re trying to get it balanced. I used to skip that and regret it every time.

Also, not sure if anyone else does this, but I toss in an old sock with a few chlorine tabs near the steps as a kind of soft start while I’m getting everything running. Seems to help take the edge off any early algae or murky water before the main shock treatment.
 
Honestly, I start by mentally preparing for a pool season filled with high hopes and low chances of remembering everything. 😅 Once the water’s circulating and the pump’s running, I treat myself to a victory lap around the yard, like I’ve already solved world peace. Anyone else feel like a pool-opening superhero for a minute?
 
  • Clean the cover to keep debris out.
  • Check water level is at mid-skimmer.
  • Reconnect & prime pump; inspect for leaks.
  • Run pump 1–2 hrs to circulate before testing.
  • Test & balance pH and chlorine.
 
I like to call it my ‘cover whisperer’ move before anything else, I spray down the cover, fold it back neat as origami, and give it a quick hose-off. Suddenly the rest of the day feels five times easier!
 
I’ve been guilty of forgetting something too! Now, I try to mentally walk through the steps before I start. I usually start by checking the pump and filter, then I go through a mental checklist for chemicals and other stuff. It’s become a routine, but sometimes I still feel like I’ve missed something! Anyone else do a last-minute double-check before diving in?
 
My first step is a quick ‘pre-flight’ lap with coffee listen for odd pump noises, double-check drain plugs, then crack the cover and leaf-blow debris so it doesn’t cannonball into the water. Five minutes now saves an hour later. Anyone else do a pre-flight?
 
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