When it’s time to dive into your pool, proper preparation of the water can make all the difference. Follow the simple steps below for an enjoyable pool experience.

1. Remove any water and debris that may have accumulated on your pool cover during the winter.
2. Take off the pool cover. Clean the cover to prevent mildew and premature deterioration.
3. Hook up the pool pump and filter. Reconnect any hoses and electrical connections that may have detached. (Be sure to follow the pool manufacturer’s instructions.)
4. Make sure your skimmer, filter, pumps, drains and other equipment are clean and free of winter debris.

1. Use a leaf skimmer to scoop up all surface and submerged debris.
2. Clean dirty pool walls immediately with a brush appropriate for your pool surface.
3. Bring the pool water up to the proper level.
4. Make sure all your hoses and electrical hookups are in order.
5. Turn on your filter pump.
6. Check the skimmers, drains and filters to make sure they’re functioning properly.
7. To remove any remaining debris, use a vacuum designed especially for pools.
8. Run the pool filter for three or four hours.

1. Test water balance.
2. Adjust:
   a. After testing total alkalinity, adjust to 60–120 parts per million (ppm).
   b. After testing pH, adjust to 7.2–7.8.
   c. After testing calcium hardness, adjust to 200–1,000 ppm.
   d. After testing free available chlorine, adjust to 1.0–4.0 ppm.
3. If needed, stabilize your water using a stabilizer product.
4. Shock-treat the pool water with a shock product.
5. Continue routine maintenance and keep water properly balanced.