As an owner, you probably know a thing or two about getting your favourite swimming spot ready for the summer season. But do you know what to avoid when opening your pool? It can save you from a whole lot of hassle!

From cloudy water to damaged equipment, spring pool openings can go sideways fast when small steps get skipped or rushed. So, if you’re eager to get your pool in shape without the headaches, here are a few common pool opening mistakes to keep off your checklist.

1. Ignoring a Pre-Opening Inspection

One of the most common pool opening mistakes is assuming everything looks the same as it did last fall. In reality, cold weather and off-season inactivity can cause wear and tear that’s easy to miss. At least, until it becomes a major issue.

Here’s what a quick inspection should include:

• Look for cracks or loose tiles around the pool’s edge and interior.
• Check equipment connections (pumps, filters, heaters) for signs of leaks or rust.
• Inspect fittings, o-rings, and seals for brittleness or damage from freezing temperatures.
• Test your safety features, including fencing, gates, and pool alarms, if applicable.

Catching problems now means you’ll avoid mid-season breakdowns and those frustrating “closed for maintenance” days.

2. Starting Equipment Before Cleaning

It’s tempting to turn on the system and let it do the heavy lifting. But turning on your pump or heater without clearing out debris can quickly turn into a worst-case scenario.

To keep your equipment in top shape, make sure to:

• Remove leaves, twigs, and other debris from the cover before taking it off.
• Skim the pool surface and vacuum any settled debris from the bottom.
• Clean out skimmer baskets and pump strainers before starting anything up.

Starting your system without a proper cleanout can clog lines, damage impellers, and put unnecessary strain on the motor. Sure, it seems like a shortcut at the time, but it can end up costing more time in the long run.

3. Adding Chemicals Before Testing the Water

When it comes to chemical balancing, intuition alone won’t cut it. Guessing at what your pool needs—or worse, blindly following last year’s routine—can lead to poor water quality or even damage to your pool surface and equipment.

Avoid this by:

• Using a fresh test kit or test strips to assess chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness.
• Only adding what’s needed based on current readings, not habit.
• Brushing and circulating the water for a full 24 hours before retesting and fine-tuning.

This step is especially important for avoiding pool damage during opening. Over-chlorination or improper pH levels can corrode ladders, liners, and filter parts, and nobody wants that surprise after a long winter.

4. Rushing the Reopening Process

We know that once the cover’s off, it’s hard not to fast-track things. But rushing the process is one of those spring pool maintenance errors that tends to snowball.

Here’s what to take your time with:

• Allowing water to fully circulate before retesting.
• Giving filters time to clear out any lingering winter gunk.
• Brushing walls and steps to help stir up settled debris and algae.

Think of this as resetting the water’s “system”. The more thorough your process now, the easier your pool will be to maintain in the weeks ahead.

5. Forgetting About the Cover (Yes, Really)

It’s not glamorous, but what you do with your pool cover after removal matters more than most people think. Mishandling it can lead to mold, mildew, or premature wear, meaning you’ll be shopping for a new one sooner than expected.

Here’s how to store it right:

• Rinse off any dirt or debris.
• Let it dry completely to prevent mildew.
• Fold it neatly and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Skipping this step is one of those overlooked pool preparation pitfalls that can circle back come fall. So, do future-you a favor and wrap this up properly.

6. Not Priming the Pump

This one trips up even experienced pool owners. Starting a pump “dry” without priming it first can cause overheating and internal damage, especially if it sat unused all winter.

Before flipping the switch:

• Make sure the pump housing is filled with water.
• Check all valves to confirm they’re open and ready for flow.
• Listen for unusual sounds after starting—anything clunky or dry-sounding may be a sign it’s not pulling water properly.

Avoiding this small but critical error helps protect your equipment and ensures your pool system gets up and running smoothly.

What to Avoid When Opening Your Pool: Not Letting the Pros Help (If You Need It)

So, as tempting as it is to breeze through your spring pool prep, being mindful about what to avoid when opening your pool can make all the difference. A little patience now saves a whole lot of time and money later, not to mention a better season of clear, swimmable water.

If you’d rather skip the guesswork altogether, Clark Pools and Spas offers professional pool opening services to get your backyard retreat up and running the right way. With expert care and a sharp eye for detail, we’ll handle the entire process so you can focus on enjoying that first cannonball of the season. Contact us today to get started.