Getting your pool ready for summer in Lexington is all about cleaning, balancing the water, and making sure your equipment survived the winter.

Pool Opening Checklist

1. Remove and Clean the Cover

• Pump off standing water
• Remove leaves and debris
• Clean and dry the cover before storing it

2. Inspect Equipment

Check:

• Pump
• Filter
• Heater
• Skimmer baskets
• Pool lights
• Plumbing connections

Look for cracks, leaks, or damaged O-rings.

3. Fill the Pool

Bring the water level to the middle of the skimmer opening. - Make sure you call your Utility Company, so they do not check for leaks, some may even offer to exclude the sewage charge.  

4. Start the Circulation System

• Prime the pump
• Run the filter continuously for 24–48 hours initially
• Check for leaks and proper water flow

5. Brush and Vacuum

• Brush walls, steps, and floor
• Vacuum debris
• Empty skimmer and pump baskets

6. Test and Balance Water

Test:

• Free chlorine
• pH (target 7.2–7.6)
• Total alkalinity
• Calcium hardness
• Stabilizer (CYA)

Many local pool stores offer free water testing.

7. Shock the Pool

A shock treatment helps eliminate contaminants that accumulated during winter.

Common Supplies You'll Need

• Chlorine or liquid chlorine
• Shock treatment
• Algaecide
• pH increaser/decreaser
• Test strips or test kit
• Pool brush
• Vacuum head
• Skimmer net
• Filter cleaner

Lexington Tip

Because Kentucky pollen season can be heavy in late spring, expect to clean your skimmer baskets and vacuum more frequently during the first few weeks after opening. Running the filter longer during pollen season can help keep the water clear.