Pool Care /
How to Open an Inground Pool Safely and Efficiently
Open an inground pool by removing the cover, clearing debris, restarting circulation, and checking the water and equipment before anyone swims.
Archive date: this article was written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 23, 2026 and given the earlier archive date of Jul 9, 2026 so the blog reads as an organized archive. It was not published on that date.
The safest way to open your pool
There is a proper order to opening the pool: remove the cover, get rid of debris, put the circulation back in place and have a look at the water and equipment before any swimming takes place. Always defer to the equipment manual and chemical labels for guidance. And remember to shut off the pump prior to putting your hands on the skimmer basket or anything else that requires service. Should you come across a leak, a crack or an electrical issue, put a stop to it and put in a call to a pool professional.
Pre-cover removal inspection
Before you even think about taking the cover off, do a walk around the pool area and the equipment pad. It is a good way to prevent damage and ensure the process goes without a hitch.
- Make sure ladders, rails and the like are secure.
- See if there are any loose lids, broken fittings or hoses with visible leaks.
- Verify the water is at a level that will allow for proper skimming.
- Assess the cover itself; if it is waterlogged or too heavy, you may want to have someone else help you so as not to tear it or drag it in the water.
A checklist for opening
Sticking to a practical set of steps will keep debris from the system and be kind to your pump and filter.
1. Take off the cover with care, sweeping up leaves and standing water before you put it away. 2. Skim the surface to keep floating matter from settling on the bottom. 3. Give the walls, steps and fixtures a brush to work up any algae or dirt. 4. You must turn off the pump before you go to the skimmer basket. 5. Do your cleaning of the skimmer, filter and pump strainer as the manufacturer would have it done. 6. Once the valves are in the right position, you can get the circulation running again. 7. Put the water through a test kit or strips and make any chemistry adjustments only as the label and manual dictate.
Is the pump and filter in working order?
When the pump is on, pay attention to what the system is telling you. Weak return flow might be an indication of air in the lines or a clog in the basket. If you hear odd noises or feel vibration, the pump is likely in need of some service. The same applies to a filter that has seen no attention since winter. For those with a saltwater setup, the process is much the same, but consult the salt system manual for the startup procedure. There is no reason to guess at settings or forgo safety checks.
Water quality after opening
Just because the water looks clear does not mean it is safe. Before you get in, have a good look for cloudiness or green tinges and run the numbers on pH, chlorine and alkalinity. Follow the chemical label for any changes you make; do not mix products or add things by feel. In the event the water is badly contaminated or green, leave the diagnosis and correction to a pro.
Mistakes to avoid
Some of the things that slow down an opening are all too common. Do not rush and dump debris in the pool with the cover, nor should you start the pump with closed valves or blocked baskets. Turning the pump on while cleaning the skimmer is another error to be avoided. And do not try your hand at electrical or structural repairs yourself.
Time to call in an expert?
If you are faced with a broken drain cover, missing hardware, or a pump that simply will not start, a qualified professional is the one to call. The same goes for electrical faults near the controls or lights, or water that remains foul and cloudy despite your best efforts. Taking the time to open the pool properly now means you will have cleaner water and safer equipment when the season gets under way.
Sources and further reading
- [Hayward: Weekly pool maintenance](https://www.hayward.com/maintenance/weekly-pool-maintenance)