Opening Your Pool? Let's Make It Easy!

Whether you’re a new pool owner or getting ready to open your pool after a long winter, knowing how to properly start and maintain your pool is key to a summer full of splash-worthy memories. This step-by-step guide takes the guesswork out of the process—so you can spend less time stressing and more time swimming.

Step 1: Pool Start-Up 🏡

Clean and Prep Your Pool

• Remove the cover and clean off any debris
• Skim leaves or dirt from the water surface
• Vacuum the floor and walls
• Brush the sides to loosen up algae or buildup

Pro Tip: Use a multi-purpose cleaning solution for your waterline tiles and steps.

Fill the Water

• Add water until it reaches the middle of the skimmer opening
• Avoid overfilling—it can reduce the efficiency of your skimmer

Start Circulation

• Turn on your pump and filter system
• Let the water circulate for 24–48 hours before adding chemicals

Add Opening Kit (Optional but Recommended)

Most pool opening kits include:

• Shock to kill bacteria
• Algaecide to prevent green pool water
• Stain and scale preventer for long-term protection

Ask your local Great Escape store for the kit that best fits your pool size and water type.

Test and Balance Your Water

Using a test strip or test kit, adjust in this order:

1. Total Alkalinity – Stabilizes pH (ideal range: 80–120 ppm)
2. pH Level – Protects swimmers and equipment (ideal range: 7.2–7.6)
3. Chlorine or Sanitizer – Keeps water clean (1–3 ppm)
4. Calcium Hardness – Prevents corrosion (200–400 ppm)

Bring in a water sample to your nearest Great Escape for free in-store testing.

Weekly Pool Maintenance 🧼

Test Water Regularly

• Use strips 2–3 times per week
• Maintain chlorine or sanitizer levels
• Adjust pH and alkalinity as needed

Add Shock Weekly

• Shock your pool once a week or after heavy usage/rain
• This breaks down oils, lotions, and organic waste

Clean Skimmer and Pump Baskets

• Empty baskets to keep water circulating properly

Brush and Vacuum

• Brush walls and floor once a week to prevent buildup
• Use an automatic or manual vacuum to keep things crystal clear

Backwash Your Filter

• For sand and DE filters, backwash when pressure rises 8–10 psi over baseline
• Cartridge filters should be rinsed weekly and deep cleaned monthly

Watch for Signs of Algae or Cloudiness

• Address issues early with targeted algaecides or clarifiers

Bonus Tools to Help 💡

The Great Escape offers free in-store water testing and product support. We also have a growing YouTube video library with tutorials on pool openings, equipment, and water chemistry—perfect for visual learners.

You're Ready to Dive In

Starting and maintaining your pool doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few simple steps and regular attention, you’ll create the clean, safe, sparkling space your family will love all summer long.