What’s Your Go-To Checklist for Opening and Closing Your Pool Each Season?

[Richard Thomas]

I’m trying to fine-tune my pool opening and closing routine and would love to hear what’s worked for others. What steps do you always follow to make sure your pool opens clean and closes without issues? Any must-do tasks, products you swear by, or lessons you’ve learned the hard way? Looking to build a reliable checklist and avoid the usual headaches each season.

 

[Charlotte Robinson]

I started treating opening day like a mini sunrise yoga session at first light I peel back the cover, sweep out debris, test pH, and roll into the day. Then come closing season, I hold a little ‘sunset ceremony’ with hot cocoa in hand while I winterize. Turns both chores into self-care moments, and I never miss a step now! Anyone else pair pool prep with a fun ritual?

 

[Andrew Cooper]

I tend to keep it simple for opening and closing after all, the pool's just part of the backyard vibe. I check the filters, adjust chemicals, and take a quick skim for debris. After closing, I just make sure everything’s shut tight, so I can leave it to the weather. No rituals here, just getting it done and enjoying the pool when it’s ready

 

[Nia Thompson]

Yeah, I don’t really have a perfect system, but here’s what I do. For opening, I usually just pull the cover off (not fun), clean it up a bit, and then start reconnecting stuff — pump, filter, hoses. I let it run for a while to clear out anything that might be sitting there, then I check the water. If it looks gross, I’ll shock it right away. Then I wait a day, test again, and adjust the chlorine, pH, etc. I just go by what the test says, nothing fancy.

Closing’s kinda the same deal in reverse. Clean the pool really well, vacuum everything, balance the water best I can, and drop the water level a bit. I use a cheap winter kit and blow out the lines with a shop vac (probably not the best method, but it works for me). Cover goes on, and that’s about it.

Main thing I learned is don’t rush it. Skipping stuff always makes more work later.