Arizona's warm climate means pool season arrives earlier than most of the country — and with temperatures climbing fast, getting your pool ready in March or April is essential. Whether your pool sat idle all winter or you kept it running at a reduced pace, this step-by-step checklist will help you open your pool safely and efficiently.
Step 1: Remove and Clean Your Pool Cover
Start by removing any debris from the top of your pool cover before pulling it off. Use a cover pump to remove standing water, then carefully fold and store the cover. Rinse it with a garden hose and allow it to dry completely before storing to prevent mold and mildew.
Step 2: Inspect Pool Equipment
Before turning anything on, do a thorough visual inspection:
- Check the pump for cracks, leaks, or worn seals
- Inspect filter housing and O-rings
- Look for cracks in the skimmer basket and return jets
- Examine all hoses and fittings for wear
- Test your pool heater if applicable
Arizona's intense summer heat can accelerate wear on equipment, so catching issues early saves costly mid-season repairs.
Step 3: Reinstall Pool Equipment
Reinstall any equipment you removed for the off-season — return jet fittings, skimmer baskets, ladders, handrails, and diving boards. Make sure all fittings are hand-tight and properly seated.
Step 4: Fill the Pool to the Proper Water Level
The water level should be at the midpoint of your skimmer opening — typically halfway up the skimmer faceplate. Use your garden hose to top off the pool if needed. In Arizona, evaporation during summer can drop water levels quickly, so starting at the right level is important.
Step 5: Start Up the Pump and Filter
Prime the pump and start the filtration system. Run it for at least 24 hours before testing water chemistry. Listen for unusual noises and check for leaks at all connections. If you have a variable-speed pump, set it to a higher speed initially to circulate and filter the water thoroughly.
Step 6: Test and Balance Your Water Chemistry
This is the most critical step. Use a reliable test kit or take a water sample to your local pool supply store. Here are the target ranges for Arizona pools:
- pH: 7.4 – 7.6
- Total Alkalinity: 80 – 120 ppm
- Calcium Hardness: 200 – 400 ppm
- Cyanuric Acid (Stabilizer): 30 – 50 ppm
- Free Chlorine: 1 – 3 ppm
Arizona's hard water and intense UV exposure make stabilizer levels especially important — without adequate cyanuric acid, chlorine burns off rapidly in direct sunlight.
Step 7: Shock the Pool
After balancing your water chemistry, shock the pool to eliminate any bacteria, algae spores, or organic contaminants that built up over the off-season. Use a quality pool shock product and follow the label directions based on your pool's volume. For best results, shock in the evening to prevent UV degradation.
👉 Shop Pool Shock Products at Ever-Klear Pool Supply
Step 8: Clean the Pool
Brush the walls and floor of the pool to loosen any algae or scale deposits, then vacuum thoroughly. Clean out the skimmer and pump baskets. If you have a cartridge filter, this is a great time to clean or replace the cartridge.
Step 9: Add Algaecide
As a preventive measure, add an algaecide after shocking and circulating the water. Arizona's heat creates ideal conditions for algae growth, especially in pools with high bather loads or inconsistent chemical maintenance. A weekly algaecide treatment through the summer can save you significant time and money.
👉 Shop Algaecide at Ever-Klear Pool Supply
Step 10: Establish a Maintenance Schedule
Set a weekly routine for the season:
- Test water chemistry 2–3 times per week (daily during peak heat)
- Skim the surface daily
- Brush walls and vacuum weekly
- Clean filter as needed
- Shock weekly or after heavy use/rain
Pool Opening Products Available at Ever-Klear
We stock everything you need for a successful pool opening in the Phoenix and greater Arizona area — from shock and algaecide to replacement filters, test kits, and cleaning equipment. Browse our full catalog or contact us for personalized recommendations.
Have questions about opening your specific pool? Our team is here to help. Visit us or reach out online — we're your local Arizona pool supply experts.