How do I open my pool for the season after winter?
After a long winter, pools often contain large debris, fine particles, and algae. Opening your pool for the season usually requires deep cleaning and chemical balancing before regular maintenance can begin.
Start by preparing the pool and surrounding area. Remove the winter cover carefully, clear debris from the water surface with a skimmer or a pool net, and inspect the pool area and equipment. Check that the pool pumps and filters are in good condition, reconnect any disconnected systems, and adjust the water level to the proper skimmer height for circulation.
Next, clean and balance the pool water. Scrub the pool walls and floor, and remove any heavy debris that could clog the filter. Test and balance the water chemistry, then shock the pool to eliminate bacteria and algae. Click here to read about our recommended pool chemical levels
If your test results show the water is out of balance, you can click here to shop the exact pool chemicals you need—such as chlorine, pH increasers or decreasers, water balancers, or shock—depending on what your pool is missing.
Run the filtration system to circulate the treated water, clear cloudiness, and retest the water to ensure it is properly balanced. If you do a chemical shock, wait 24 hours before putting the robot into the pool.
If algae is present, it’s important to address it before relying only on your robotic cleaner. Robotic pool cleaners are designed for day-to-day maintenance, not heavy algae removal. We recommend treating algae chemically and consulting a professional pool technician if needed. You can read more about algae removal here.
Once the pool is clean and chemically balanced, prepare your robotic pool cleaner. Inspect brushes, tracks, filters, seals, and replace any worn parts if needed. Make sure the robot charges properly and runs a test cycle before regular use. Click here to shop for spare parts.
For best results, begin with a full cleaning cycle using the fine (net) filter to capture larger debris, clean the filter afterward, and then run additional cycles as needed. Click here to purchase new filter panels
Once the pool is clear, your robot can maintain cleanliness throughout the season with regular cleaning.
Proper preparation at the start of the season helps ensure a smooth transition into summer swimming!
Click here to read in more detail about opening your pool!
