Getting your pool ready for summer early means it’s ready to use when the warmer weather arrives, without green water, equipment faults or poor water quality getting in the way.
Even a pool that looks relatively clear can need some attention. Water chemistry can shift, debris can build up and equipment that hasn’t been running as often may need checking too.
In many cases, the preparation is straightforward. Starting early gives you time to deal with any problems you find before swimming picks up.
Key Takeaways
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Start in spring: Give yourself time to sort out water, equipment or algae problems before swimming picks up.
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Get circulation right first: Make sure the pump and filter are operating as they should before adjusting the water chemistry.
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Test before treating: Use your water test results to work out what needs adjusting and which chemicals are actually required.
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Don’t ignore recurring problems: Green or cloudy water that returns, unstable chemistry or poor circulation can point to an underlying issue.
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Expect more maintenance in summer: Heat, sunlight and heavier use put greater demand on sanitisation and filtration.
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Deal with faults early: Leaks, unusual noises, weak flow and unexplained water loss are worth investigating before the summer rush.
When Should You Start Getting Your Pool Ready for Summer?
As the water warms up, chlorine is used more quickly and algae can develop more easily. Pump run times, filtration and sanitiser settings may need adjusting as the pool returns to regular use.
Aim to have everything ready before the October to Easter swimming period begins. Pool servicing gets busier as temperatures rise, so discovering a repair at the last minute may mean a longer wait.
If you’re working out how to open a pool after winter, the order matters: clean the pool first, establish good circulation, then test and balance the water.
1. Remove and Check the Pool Cover
If the pool has been covered for an extended period, this is the first job to tackle.
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Clear the cover first: Remove leaves, dirt and standing water before taking it off.
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Clean it before storing: Give the cover a thorough clean and let it dry completely to help prevent mould and mildew in storage.
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Look for wear: Check for splitting, worn sections, damaged seams and any problems with the roller or attachment points.
If you plan to keep using the cover, make sure it is still in good condition. A well-fitted pool cover can help reduce evaporation and retain heat in a heated pool.
2. Clean and Inspect the Pool
With the cover off, you can get a proper look at the pool’s condition. Work from top to bottom, noting any signs of damage as you go.
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Clear out debris: Skim leaves from the surface, empty the skimmer and pump baskets, and vacuum anything that has settled on the floor.
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Brush the pool: Go over the walls, steps and waterline, paying particular attention to dirt, staining or algae build-up.
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Inspect the surface and surrounds: Look for cracks, loose tiles, movement or other visible damage. Keep an eye on the water level too, as an unexplained drop may indicate a leak or another problem.
If you find persistent staining, cracking or movement, have it inspected by a professional.
3. Check the Pump and Filter
With the pool clean, turn your attention to circulation and filtration. Both need to be in good order before you start adjusting the water chemistry.
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Prepare the filter: Backwash sand and DE filters as required. For cartridge filters, remove the cartridge and rinse it thoroughly. Higher than normal filter pressure can indicate restricted flow through the filter.
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Check connections: Reconnect any hoses, plugs or valves that were disconnected and make sure the fittings are secure.
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Prime and restart the pump: If the pump has lost its prime, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to restore it before restarting the system.
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Monitor the pump: Once running, look for leaks, air in the system, unusual grinding or whining noises, weak return flow or difficulty maintaining prime.
Don’t continue running equipment that is leaking, making unusual noises or struggling to circulate water. These are signs that pool equipment servicing may be needed before the fault becomes more expensive to repair.
4. Test and Balance the Water
Once you have good circulation, test the water before adding any chemicals. Rain and periods of reduced filtration can leave several readings outside their normal range.
Start with the main readings:
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pH: Aim for 7.2 to 7.6.
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Total alkalinity: Aim for 80 to 120 ppm.
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Calcium hardness: Aim for 200 to 400 ppm.
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Chlorine: Make sure the level is appropriate for your pool and sanitation system.
Correct water balance helps chlorine work effectively while reducing the risk of corrosion and scale. If several readings are outside the recommended range, correct them in the right order rather than adding multiple products at once.
A shock or oxidation treatment may also be needed if contaminants have built up in the water. Follow the product directions and give the treatment enough filtration time to circulate.
If the water is significantly out of balance or the readings won’t stabilise, professional pool maintenance can help get it back under control.
What If the Pool is Green After Winter?
Green water usually means algae has taken hold, so balancing the water alone may not be enough. Sort out any circulation problems first, as good circulation and filtration are important for clearing the pool.
For a lightly green pool:
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Test the water: Bring the chemistry into the recommended range before addressing the algae.
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Treat and brush: Apply the appropriate algae treatment, then brush the walls, steps and floor to loosen the build-up.
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Keep the system running: Allow the filter to collect the dead algae, cleaning or backwashing it as required.
How to get a green pool ready for summer depends on how far the problem has progressed. Light algae caught early may be relatively straightforward to clear, while dark green or heavily contaminated water can take considerably more work.
If the water does not improve or quickly turns green again, poor circulation, filtration or water balance may still be contributing to the problem.
5. Clean and Check Pool Accessories
Clean ladders and handrails, and wash any pool toys or floats before putting them back in the water. Give the pool cleaner a once-over too, looking for wear on hoses, cables, tracks or brushes depending on the model.
If you have a pool heater, test it before you need it. Make sure it reaches the set temperature and runs without displaying any faults. If it isn’t heating as expected, have the system checked.
6. Complete the Final Safety Checks
Finish with a quick pool opening checklist for the area around the pool.
Start with the pool gate and barrier. The gate should close and latch correctly, with no visible damage or furniture, pot plants or other objects positioned where they could affect the barrier.
Make sure ladders and handrails are secure, pool lights are working, and any alarms, rescue equipment and first aid supplies are ready to use.
Pool barriers in WA need to meet specific safety requirements. If you have concerns about the condition or compliance of yours, contact your local authority or an appropriately qualified professional.
Continue these summer pool safety practices throughout the swimming season, particularly when children or guests are using the pool.
Summer Pool Maintenance
Once the initial preparation is done, the pool will generally need more attention as temperatures rise.
Monitor chlorine and pH, water clarity, filter pressure and the water level. Empty skimmer and pump baskets regularly, as a build-up of leaves and debris can restrict water flow.
During very hot weather or periods of heavy use, test the water more frequently rather than waiting for cloudiness or algae to appear.
If you would rather have the water testing, routine cleaning and equipment care handled for you, regular pool maintenance can keep the pool on track.
Get Your Pool Ready for Summer
If the water stays green or cloudy after treatment, the chemistry won’t stay balanced or the equipment isn’t running as it should, it’s worth having the pool checked. Cracks, movement or unexplained water loss should also be investigated.
Pool Assist can help with residential pool maintenance, water balancing and equipment servicing to get your pool ready to use.
Book a pool service before the summer rush, or bring a water sample into our Myaree store for testing, advice and the chemicals or parts you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do you get your pool ready for summer?
A. Knowing how to get your pool ready for summer is largely about allowing enough time. If the pool has an algae problem, the water is significantly out of balance or there is an equipment fault, treatment or repairs may be needed before it is ready to use.
Q.How long does it take to get a pool ready for summer?
A. A pool that has been maintained regularly may need relatively little preparation. A green pool, significant water imbalance or equipment problem can take longer because treatment, filtration or repairs may be required.
Q. Can you swim straight after adding pool chemicals?
A. Not necessarily. The safe waiting time depends on the chemical or treatment used, the dosage and the water conditions. Always follow the product directions and make sure the water has circulated properly and returned to appropriate levels before swimming. If you are unsure, have the water tested first.
Q. Why does my pool lose more water during summer?
A. Higher temperatures, dry conditions and wind can increase evaporation, particularly from an uncovered pool. More frequent swimming also means more water can be lost through splash-out. If the water level is dropping faster than expected, a leak or another problem may need investigating.
Q. Do I need to change my pool settings for summer?
A. Possibly. Warmer water, stronger sunlight and increased swimming put greater demand on sanitisation and filtration. Make smaller adjustments based on how the pool and equipment are performing, rather than changing several settings at once
Note: This post was originally published on Dec 11, 2024 and has been updated on September 25, 2026.