Pool Opening Checklist for Arlington TX: Spring 2026

Spring is here! Use this comprehensive checklist to open your Arlington pool safely and efficiently. Following these steps will ensure crystal clear water all summer long. In North Texas, most homeowners open their pools sometime in March as overnight temperatures stop dropping near freezing — waiting until it's already hot outside just means more time fighting algae that got a head start.

Step 1: Remove Pool Cover

• Clean off debris before removing cover — sweep or hose off leaves and dirt first so they don't fall into the pool the moment you pull the cover back.
• Pump off standing water using a cover pump or wet/dry vac. A cover full of winter rainwater can weigh hundreds of pounds and is easy to tear if you try to drag it off full.
• Let cover dry completely before storing — packing away a damp cover is the most common cause of mildew and cracking by next winter.
• Store in cool, dry place, loosely folded rather than tightly rolled, to reduce creasing that weakens the material over time.

Step 2: Reconnect Equipment

• Reconnect pump and filter hoses that were disconnected for winterizing.
• Reinstall drain plugs in the pump, filter, and heater — this is the single most commonly forgotten step, and running equipment with a plug missing can flood the pad or damage the pump.
• Check for cracks or damage on all equipment and visible plumbing before you fill the pool — much easier to spot and fix now than after the pool is full.
• Lubricate o-rings on pump lids and unions with pool-safe lubricant so they seal properly and are easier to remove next time.

Step 3: Fill Pool

• Fill to middle of skimmer opening — too low and the pump will suck air; too high and the skimmer door can't work properly.
• Check for leaks as water rises, especially around the pad and any repaired plumbing.
• Top off if needed after equipment starts, since the level typically drops a bit once circulation is running and skimming begins.

Step 4: Start Equipment

• Prime pump if necessary by filling the pump basket with water before starting, so it can pull suction instead of running dry.
• Start pump and check for leaks at every union and fitting while it's running.
• Run filter for 24 hours straight for the initial opening cycle to turn over the full volume of water at least once.
• Backwash or clean filter once pressure rises noticeably above its clean starting point.

Step 5: Test and Balance Water

• Test pH, alkalinity, and chlorine before adding any chemicals — you can't balance what you haven't measured.
• Adjust pH to 7.2–7.6, the range where chlorine works effectively without irritating skin and eyes.
• Balance alkalinity to 80–120 ppm so pH doesn't swing wildly with every chemical addition.
• Shock pool with chlorine to clear out anything that grew over the winter before you rely on normal daily dosing.

Step 6: Clean Thoroughly

• Skim surface debris daily for the first week or so as things settle after opening.
• Brush walls and floor to knock loose any early algae growth before it has a chance to establish.
• Vacuum to waste if water is dirty rather than through the filter, so you're not just re-circulating fine debris.
• Clean tile line where scale and residue tend to build up most over winter.

FAQ

When should I open my pool in Arlington?
Most North Texas homeowners open in March, once nighttime lows stop dropping near freezing. Opening earlier rather than later means less algae to fight since it hasn't had warm weather to establish yet.

How long does a full pool opening take?
A DIY opening typically takes a few hours spread across the steps above, plus the 24-hour initial filter run. A professional opening is usually a same-visit service.

My water is green after opening. What now?
That's common after a winter of little to no circulation. See our guide to SLAMming a green pool, or call us for green pool recovery — starting at $299.