Pool Care /
How to Prep an Above Ground Pool Before Opening It
Prep an above ground pool by checking the liner, rails, skimmer, pump, and filter, then clean, circulate, and test the water before anyone swims.
Archive date: this article was written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 24, 2026 and given the earlier archive date of Oct 23, 2025 so the blog reads as an organized archive. It was not published on that date.
Preparing an above ground pool The first order of business is to make sure the ground is sound and give the entire structure, liner and equipment a once over before anyone is in the water. Make a circuit of the pool area to check for any damage and verify the water is at a level where the skimmer can do its job. Should you come across electrical or structural issues, put a stop to it and have a qualified pool professional look at it.
First things to check around the pool Put the chemicals aside and start with the exterior and the wall itself. You are looking for anything that might compromise the support or safe running of the pool: - Any tears, wrinkles or leaks in the liner - Rail parts that are bent, rusted or have come loose - Upright supports, bottom or stabilizer rails that are missing or in poor shape - Deck connections or fittings near the pool that are cracked or not tight - The condition of the landscape; standing water or soft soil is a concern
If the wall has been displaced or the pool seems unlevel and unstable, resist the urge to force a repair while it is in use. It is not worth the cost or the risk.
Getting it clean for opening It is much easier to test and circulate the water when the pool is clean. Debris left in will only sink and clog things up, so get rid of it first by way of a good brush and vacuum.
Here is a sensible way to go about it: 1. Skim off the leaves, insects and what is floating on top. 2. Give the wall, floor, rim, ladder and accessories a thorough brushing. 3. Shut the pump down to open the skimmer basket. 4. Empty the basket and have a look for blockages or cracks. 5. Take your time and vacuum any settled debris in an even manner.
Should you be using a manual vacuum, set it up as the instructions say. Never put your hand into suction equipment that is running.
A look at the equipment Before you put the system into normal circulation, see that the pump, filter and skimmer are put together right and in working order per the manual. Hoses, clamps and all visible connections should be secure.
Keep an eye out for trouble in the form of weak return flow, odd noises from the pump, or any leaks at the filter. If you see pressure or flow that is not as it should be, or if the system will not prime, there is no point in trying to fix an electrical fault on your own. Get a professional to handle it.
Sand or some other base? Whether sand is called for or a different type of pad depends on the manufacturer’s specifications for the kit and liner. The installation manual will tell you what is needed for level ground, approved materials and any patio blocks or support points. Heed any warnings regarding backfilling or stone. Do not put your own spin on the structure or base without that kind of guidance.
Time to test the water This is done before the first swimmer gets in, and again later in the season after a heavy rain or when there has been a lot of use. Stick to the treatment and testing procedures laid out in the chemical label and equipment manual.
Some rules of thumb: - No mixing chemicals - Measure properly, do not guess - Use the appropriate PPE - Store products as the label says
If the water refuses to clear or has an off smell despite your best efforts with the cleaner and circulation, the problem could be of a mechanical or chemical nature.
When to put in a call There is no need to troubleshoot on your own if you are dealing with a leaning wall, a cord or breaker issue, or persistent water loss. The same goes for a pump or filter you cannot make headway with, or if you find soft spots and drainage issues in the ground. A methodical prep routine is the best way to ensure proper filtration and open with fewer surprises.
Sources and further reading
- [Hayward: Weekly pool maintenance](https://www.hayward.com/maintenance/weekly-pool-maintenance)
- [Pentair U-3 skimmer manual: suction safety warnings](https://www.pentair.com/content/dam/extranet/nam/pentair-pool/pool-manuals/u-3-skimmers/395010028C.pdf)
- [SwimmingPool.com: Cleaning the skimmer basket](https://www.swimmingpool.com/maintenance/pump&filter/cleaning-the-skimmer&pump-basket)
- [CDC: Use pool chemicals safely](https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-swimming/media/pdfs/Pool-Chemical-Safety-USE-poster-p.pdf)
- [CPSC: Electrical safety in and around pools](https://www.cpsc.gov/safety-education/safety-guides/pools-and-spas/dont-swim-shocks-electrical-safety-and-around-pools)