Before your scheduled pool opening, a little preparation helps ensure our team can work efficiently and get your pool up and running without delays. Here’s what to have ready before Valley Pools & Spas arrives.

 

What to Do Before We Arrive

Clear the pool cover & surrounding area Remove leaves, branches, and standing water from the cover. Clear snow or ice if present, and make sure the pool deck and access paths are unobstructed.

Have removed pool components available If ladders, handrails, steps, return fittings, or skimmer baskets were removed during closing, place them near the pool so they’re easy to reinstall.

Equipment is easily accessible Make sure the equipment pad is clear and accessible. Trim back landscaping if needed so pumps, filters, heaters, and valves can be reached safely.

Confirm power & water access Verify that electrical breakers to pool equipment are turned on, and water is available and working.

Fill your pool to normal operating level - do this before we arrive If the pool is not filled when our team arrives, additional service time may be required and billed while the pool fills.

Note visible issues If you notice cracked pipes, loose fittings, or anything that looks damaged after winter, then it’s best to let us know ahead of time. At a minimum, point it out when we arrive.

What to Expect Some cloudiness or discoloration is normal at startup. It typically takes a few days of circulation and balancing after opening before the water is fully swim ready.

Not Included With Pool Opening Service The following items are not included in the base pool opening service:

• Waiting for pools to fill. Pools must be filled to normal operating level prior to arrival.

• Cleaning. This includes debris removal, brushing, vacuuming, or water clarity cleanup.

• Cover pumping or cover cleaning

• Additional service or repair work. Any repairs, troubleshooting, or extra labor beyond the standard opening will be billed separately following the completion of your pool opening.

• Chemicals. Chemicals are not included in the base service price.

• Chemical application. Initial chemical application is provided only when chemicals are purchased directly from Valley Pools & Spas.

• Final water balancing. After your opening is completed, you are responsible for final balancing as water chemistry may continue to change after startup.

   

Optional On-Going Pool Maintenance Packages

For owners who prefer ongoing support, Valley Pools & Spas offers professional pool maintenance packages designed to make pool ownership simple, safe, and enjoyable. These maintenance packages are optional, and can be tailored based on how hands-on you want to be with your pool care. Contact a pool service specialist for more details on service packages.

If you’re opening your pool yourself, these general steps help get things moving in the right direction. This checklist is meant to guide the process, not replace professional service.

   

General Pool Opening Steps

1. Remove debris, water, and buildup from the pool cover, and store it properly
2. Reinstall ladders, rails, steps, return fittings, and skimmer baskets
3. Fill the pool to normal operating level
4. Open valves and reconnect equipment
5. Inspect visible plumbing, equipment, and fittings for cracks, leaks, or damage
6. Restore power to pool equipment
7. Prime and start the pump and filtration system
8. Inspect equipment operation and watch for leaks during startup
9. Begin initial water circulation
10. Test water chemistry and start balancing as needed

 

Helpful Reminders

Water chemistry often takes several days to stabilize after opening, especially in spring conditions. Ongoing testing and adjustment are part of the normal process.

We can’t stress the importance of remembering to inspect. Catching issues early may mitigate other problems, and repairs down the road.

For homeowners who prefer expert support, Valley Pools & Spas offers professional pool opening services and optional maintenance packages to make the season easier.

 

Common DIY Pool Opening Mistakes to Avoid

Opening your pool yourself is doable, but a few common missteps can lead to delays, water issues, or equipment damage.

 

Starting the pump before the pool is filled Running equipment without proper water level can damage pumps and seals.

Skipping inspection before startup Cracked pipes, loose fittings, or damaged valves can leak once the system is pressurized.

Overcorrecting water chemistry too quickly Adding too many chemicals at once can make balancing harder, not faster.

Letting debris fall into the pool during cover removal This can create extra cleanup and cloud the water early in the season.

Ignoring small leaks or unusual noises Minor issues often turn into larger repairs if left unaddressed.

 

If you notice leaks, damaged equipment, or anything that doesn’t look right during your DIY opening, contact us to schedule an inspection.

At a high level, the pool opening process is very similar for both above-ground and in-ground pools. In most cases, the same general DIY checklist applies.

 

Where In-Ground Pools May Differ

In-ground pools often include additional components such as heaters, automation systems, underground plumbing, or water features. Because of this, they may require extra inspection before startup and closer monitoring once circulation begins.

Where Above-Ground Pools May Differ

Above-ground pools typically have fewer components and exposed plumbing, making leaks easier to identify and startup more straightforward.

Do You Prefer a Professional Pool Opening?

If after reviewing our DIY pool opening guide you decide a hands-off approach is a better fit, we offer professional pool opening services designed to get your pool up and running efficiently and correctly.

This option is ideal for homeowners who want peace of mind, expert inspection, and a smooth start to the season.