Memorial Day is the unofficial start of pool season, and it sneaks up on you every year. One day you are thinking about it and the next day you are scrambling to get the pool open with guests arriving in 48 hours.
This checklist breaks everything down by timeline so you can get ahead of it. Start six weeks out and you will be relaxing poolside while your neighbors are still wrestling with green water and broken equipment.
6 Weeks Out: Equipment Inspection
This is when you take stock of what you have and what needs fixing. Give yourself time to order parts or schedule a repair if something is wrong.
Pump and Motor
- Inspect the pump for visible damage, corrosion, or leaks
- Check that the motor spins freely by turning the shaft by hand (with power off)
- Look for cracked or brittle wiring at the motor connections
- Verify the pump basket is intact with no cracks
- Check the pump lid o-ring for cracks or flatness (replace if questionable)
- Confirm the pump timer is working and set correctly
If your pump gave you trouble last season, our pool pump troubleshooting guide covers the most common issues and fixes.
Filter
- Sand filter: Check the pressure gauge, inspect the multiport valve, and verify you have backwash hose or drainage ready
- Cartridge filter: Inspect the cartridge for tears, excessive wear, or calcification. Order a replacement if needed (these can take a week to ship)
- DE filter: Check the grids for tears, and make sure you have DE powder on hand
Heater
- Inspect for visible damage, rust, or nests inside the unit
- Check the gas line connections for corrosion (gas heaters)
- Verify the electrical connections and breaker (heat pump or electric)
- If your heater has not run in months, plan to test it during the opening process
For a full comparison of heating options, check our how to heat a pool guide.
Lights
- Test all pool and landscape lights
- Replace any burned-out bulbs
- Check light lenses for cracks or water intrusion
- Inspect GFCI protection for all pool lights
Our best pool lights guide covers replacement options if yours need upgrading.
Automation and Controls
- Check your pool automation system, timer, or smart controller
- Replace backup batteries in timers and controls
- Verify Wi-Fi connectivity for smart pool systems
- Test any remote controls or app connections
4 Weeks Out: Order Supplies
Now that you know what works and what does not, order everything you need. This is also the time to buy chemicals before the seasonal rush drives up prices and causes stockouts.
Chemical Supplies to Stock
- Chlorine (liquid, tablets, or shock depending on your system)
- Pool shock (calcium hypochlorite or non-chlorine shock)
- pH increaser (soda ash / sodium carbonate)
- pH decreaser (muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate)
- Alkalinity increaser (sodium bicarbonate / baking soda)
- Cyanuric acid (stabilizer)
- Calcium hardness increaser (calcium chloride)
- Algaecide (preventive dose)
- Pool salt (if you have a saltwater system)
Buy enough for at least the first month. Running out of chlorine on a hot weekend when the pool store is packed is no fun. Check our best pool deals for summer guide to find the best prices on supplies and equipment before the seasonal rush.
Cleaning Supplies
- Pool test kit or test strips (check expiration dates on old ones)
- Telescoping pole
- Skimmer net
- Pool brush (stainless steel for plaster, nylon for vinyl/fiberglass)
- Vacuum head and hose (if you manually vacuum)
- Leaf rake
- Tile cleaner for the waterline
Invest in a reliable pool test kit. Accurate water testing is the foundation of everything else. Expired test reagents give bad readings that lead to wrong chemical additions.
Replacement Parts
- Spare pump lid o-ring
- Spare drain plugs with Teflon tape
- Filter cartridge or DE powder
- Skimmer weir door (the flap in the skimmer) if yours is missing or broken
- Backup float valve or auto-fill parts
- Extra hose clamps and unions
2 Weeks Out: Safety Checks
This is the time for the stuff that protects people. Do not skip any of this.
Pool Barrier and Fencing
- Walk the entire pool fence and check for damage, gaps, or missing sections
- Test the self-closing and self-latching gate mechanism
- Make sure the gate opens outward (away from the pool)
- Verify the fence meets local code (typically 48 inches minimum with no climbable footholds)
- Trim any plants or branches that could serve as a climbing aid near the fence
Pool Alarms
- Test your pool alarm(s) and replace batteries
- Check door alarms on any house door that opens to the pool area
- Test your gate alarm if you have one
If you do not have pool alarms yet, our best pool alarms guide covers the options.
Drain Covers
- Inspect all main drain covers for compliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Act
- Make sure covers are secure, not cracked, and anti-entrapment rated
- Replace any damaged or non-compliant covers immediately
Safety Equipment
- Confirm you have a Coast Guard-approved ring buoy or throw rope near the pool
- Check that your telescoping pole is in good condition (it doubles as a rescue reach tool)
- Verify your first aid kit is stocked and accessible
- Post CPR instructions in a visible location
- Make sure house numbers are clearly visible from the street (for emergency responders)
Electrical Safety
- Test all GFCI outlets at the equipment pad and near the pool
- Check that no electrical cords cross wet areas
- Verify that all pool electrical work is up to code
1 Week Out: Open the Pool
This is when you actually get the pool running. Follow the full process in our how to open your pool for summer guide, but here is the summary:
- Remove, clean, and store the pool cover
- Remove winterizing plugs from returns, skimmers, and equipment
- Reinstall ladders, handrails, diving board, and other accessories
- Fill the pool to the proper water level
- Reconnect and start the pump and filter
- Test and balance water chemistry (alkalinity, pH, calcium, stabilizer)
- Shock the pool
- Run the filter 24 hours a day until the water is clear
- Retest and adjust chemistry
Give yourself a full week because chemistry may need multiple rounds of adjustment, and if you discover equipment problems, you still have time to fix them.
3 Days Out: Fun Gear
With the pool open and the water clear, now is the time to set up the fun stuff.
Pool Toys and Games
For fresh ideas, check our roundups of best pool toys for adults and pool game ideas.
Deck and Patio Setup
- Clean and arrange pool furniture
- Set out towels and sunscreen
- Set up your outdoor speaker system
- Test and position any landscape or deck lighting
- Arrange the grill and outdoor dining area
Refreshment Station
- Stock a cooler or outdoor fridge
- Set up a drink station near the pool
- Plan your pool party menu (burgers, grilled veggies, cold drinks)
- Buy sunscreen, bug spray, and extra towels for guests
Day Of: Final Walkthrough
The morning of your first big pool day, run through this quick checklist:
- Test the water one more time (chlorine 1-3 ppm, pH 7.2-7.6)
- Skim any debris from the surface
- Check that all safety equipment is in place
- Make sure the gate alarm and pool alarm are armed
- Verify the pump is running and returns are flowing
- Set out towels, sunscreen, and pool rules for guests
- Enjoy the pool
Seasonal Maintenance Reminder
Opening the pool is just the beginning. Staying on top of maintenance all season is what keeps the water clear and the equipment running. Follow our pool maintenance schedule for the weekly, monthly, and seasonal tasks that prevent problems before they start.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start prepping my pool for summer?
Start six weeks before your target opening date. In most areas, that means beginning equipment inspection in early to mid-April for a Memorial Day opening. Southern states that open earlier should start in March. Starting early gives you time to order parts, schedule repairs, and avoid the rush at the pool supply store.
How much does it cost to open a pool for the season?
If you do it yourself, expect to spend $100 to $300 on chemicals and supplies. A professional pool opening service costs $200 to $400 and typically includes removing the cover, starting equipment, adding chemicals, and a basic water balance. Add the cost of any replacement parts or repairs needed.
What chemicals do I need to open my pool?
At minimum you need pool shock, pH adjuster (both increaser and decreaser), alkalinity increaser, stabilizer (cyanuric acid), and a test kit. If your calcium hardness is low, add calcium chloride to the list. If you have a saltwater pool, you may need to add salt. Buy algaecide as a preventive measure. The total chemical cost for opening is typically $75 to $200.
How long before Memorial Day should I open the pool?
Open at least one to two weeks before Memorial Day. This gives you time to balance the chemistry, clear any algae or cloudiness, and deal with any equipment surprises. If you wait until the weekend before, you risk being stuck with a pool that is not swim-ready when your guests arrive.
What is the most important safety check for pool season?
The pool barrier (fence and gate) is the most critical safety element. Make sure the fence is intact, at least 48 inches high, with no climbable footholds. The gate must be self-closing and self-latching, opening away from the pool. After that, check drain covers for anti-entrapment compliance, test all GFCI outlets, and make sure you have rescue equipment accessible near the pool.