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The first swim of the year is worth a little preparation
There’s something special about that first warm day of the year. The garden wakes up, the evenings stretch out, and suddenly everyone is asking the same question. When can we swim?
Getting your pool ready for summer doesn’t have to be a big job. With a clear plan and a free weekend, most owners can take their pool from winter mode to sparkling in a few days. A little care now also helps you avoid problems later in the season.
In this guide we’ll walk you through each step in order, from choosing the right time to balancing the water and checking your safety features. We’ll keep it simple and practical.
Prefer to hand it over?
That’s absolutely fine. Plenty of owners would rather let a professional handle the spring start up. We offer servicing, aftercare and repairs, and we’re always happy to help.
Timing makes the whole job easier
The best time to start is before the weather gets properly warm. As water temperatures rise, algae grows more quickly. If you open your pool early, you’ll have clean, balanced water ready for the first sunny spell, instead of chasing a green pool.
A good rule of thumb
Many owners in the UK start in spring, once the risk of hard frosts has passed. Keep an eye on the forecast and plan for a period of settled weather. It’s also easier to work outside when it isn’t pouring with rain.
Give yourself enough time
Opening a pool isn’t usually a one day job. The water needs time to circulate, filter and settle after you’ve added any chemicals. Allow a few days between starting and your first swim, and don’t rush the final checks.
Gather what you’ll need
Before you begin, it helps to have everything in one place. A typical kit includes:
- A leaf net and a pool brush
- A vacuum or automatic cleaner
- A reliable water test kit or strips
- Gloves and eye protection
- Your usual pool chemicals, stored safely
- A hose for topping up the water
- Your equipment manuals or service notes
Having it all ready means you won’t be dashing off halfway through.
Getting your pool ready for summer starts with the cover
Your cover has spent the winter protecting the water. Now it’s time to clean it and put it away carefully, so it’s in good condition for next winter.
Clear the top first
Remove leaves, twigs and standing water from the surface of the cover. A soft broom, a leaf net or a small cover pump can help. The aim is to stop dirty water and debris sliding into the pool as you take the cover off.
Remove and clean the cover
Take the cover off gently, following the maker’s guidance if it’s an automatic or slatted type. Clean it with water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh cleaners that could damage the material.
Dry it before storing
Let the cover dry fully before folding or storing it. Storing it damp can lead to mould and unpleasant smells. Keep it somewhere cool, dry and away from rodents.
Look for wear and tear
This is a good moment to check for tears, loose straps or damaged fittings. It’s much easier to sort small issues now than in the autumn when you need the cover again.
Check the water level and clear the debris
Once the cover is off, take a good look at the water. It may look a little dull or green after winter. Don’t worry. That’s normal and usually straightforward to fix.
Skim and scoop
Use a leaf net to remove leaves and floating debris. If there’s a lot at the bottom, scoop out as much as you can before running the pump. This protects your equipment and makes cleaning easier.
Top up the water
Many pools have their water level lowered for winter. Bring it back up to the correct level, usually around the middle of the skimmer opening. Check your own pool‘s guidance if you’re not sure. Filling slowly with a hose is fine. If the level dropped a lot more than you expected over winter, make a note of it. A pool that keeps losing water could have a leak, and it’s worth getting it checked before the season gets going.
Look over the surfaces
With the water clearer, check the pool shell, steps and waterline for marks, staining or anything that looks different from last year. Most marks come off with a good brush. If you spot cracks, bulges or anything unusual, take a photo and ask a professional to take a look.
Refit anything you removed
Put back any ladders, handrails, skimmer baskets and fittings that were taken out for winter. Check that everything is secure and in good condition.
Wake your equipment up gently
Your pump, filter and heater have been resting over the winter. They need to be switched back on with care. This is the stage where getting your pool ready for summer can reveal small faults, so take your time and look closely.
Reconnect and inspect
If you drained any pipework or removed plugs as part of winterising, refit them first. Our guide to winterising your pool explains the usual steps, which you’re now reversing. Check hoses, unions and seals for cracks or leaks.
Start the pump
Prime the pump if needed, then switch it on. Listen for unusual noises and look for leaks around the pump and filter. Check that water is flowing well through the system and returning to the pool.
Clean or backwash the filter
Depending on your filter type, you may need to backwash it or clean the cartridge. A clean filter is essential for clearing the water quickly.
Test the heating and lights
Switch on your heater or heat pump and check it’s working as expected. Test your pool lights too. If anything doesn’t behave as it should, switch it off and call a qualified engineer rather than trying to fix electrical items yourself.
A clean, balanced pool ready for summer comes down to water care
With the equipment running, it’s time to get the water clean and balanced.
Brush and vacuum
Brush the floor, walls, steps and waterline to loosen dirt and early algae. Then vacuum the pool, or run your automatic cleaner if you have one. You may need to repeat this over a couple of days.
Test the water
Use a reliable test kit or test strips, or take a sample to your pool professional. Check pH, total alkalinity and sanitiser levels as a minimum. Most pools aim for a pH somewhere around 7.2 to 7.6, but always follow the guidance for your own pool and system.
Balance in the right order
It usually makes sense to adjust total alkalinity first, then pH, then sanitiser. Make small changes, let the water circulate, then test again. Chasing big adjustments can leave you going round in circles.
Check the other readings too
Calcium hardness and, for outdoor pools that use stabilised chlorine, stabiliser levels are also worth checking at the start of the season. They don’t change as quickly as pH, but getting them right helps protect your pool and equipment. If you’re unsure what your readings mean, a professional can help.
Shock if needed
If the water is green or cloudy after winter, a shock treatment can help clear it. Our guides to pool chemicals and cloudy pool water explain more about what’s involved.
Chemical safety matters
Whenever you handle pool chemicals, please:
- Read and follow the label every time.
- Wear gloves and eye protection.
- Never mix different chemicals together.
- Always add chemical to water, never water to chemical.
- Keep swimmers out until the water is balanced again.
- Store chemicals safely, away from children and pets.
Let it run
Keep the pump running while the water clears and settles. Test again before anyone swims. Patience at this stage really pays off.
Keeping your pool ready for summer all season long
Once the pool is open, a simple routine keeps it looking lovely until autumn. A few minutes a day and a slightly longer check each week is usually enough.
Little and often
- Skim the surface to remove leaves and insects.
- Empty the skimmer baskets regularly.
- Keep an eye on the water level, especially in hot, dry spells.
- Put the cover on when the pool isn’t in use, to keep heat in and debris out.
Weekly checks
- Test and adjust the water balance.
- Brush the walls, steps and waterline.
- Vacuum the floor or check your automatic cleaner.
- Check the filter pressure and clean or backwash when needed.
After busy days and storms
Heavy use, hot weather and summer storms can all upset the water balance. Test the water after a pool party or a big downpour and adjust as needed. Catching changes early keeps the water clear and comfortable.
Safety checks come before the first swim
Once the water looks good, run through a quick safety check. No pool ready for summer is complete without one. It only takes a few minutes and it’s well worth doing every year.
- Check that gates, fences and locks around the pool work properly.
- Make sure steps, ladders and handrails are secure.
- Look for slippery or uneven areas on the paving around the pool.
- Check that your cover and any cover controls work safely.
- Remind children of the pool rules before the season starts.
It’s also a good time to make sure everyone knows where the first aid kit is and to agree simple rules for supervising younger swimmers. Nobody should swim alone, and children should always be watched by a responsible adult.
If you’re unsure about current safety guidance, it’s worth checking with your local council or a professional.
Questions we get asked a lot
How long does it take to open a pool?
The hands-on work can often be done in a day or two. The water may then need a few more days to clear and balance fully before swimming.
Why is my pool green after winter?
It’s common. Algae can grow when the water warms up and sanitiser levels fall. Cleaning, balancing and shocking the water usually sorts it out.
Should I drain my pool before summer?
Usually not. Draining a pool can cause problems and isn’t normally needed. If you think your pool needs draining, talk to us first.
Can I swim straight after adding chemicals?
No. Wait until the water has circulated and your test results are back within the right range. Always follow the product label.
What if my pump or heater won’t start?
Check the power supply and any isolator switches first. If it still won’t run, switch it off and call a qualified engineer rather than taking it apart yourself.
Is it a good time to upgrade anything?
Spring is a great moment to think about improvements, such as a new cover, better lighting or smarter controls. Talk to us about what might suit your pool.
Is it worth booking a spring service?
Many owners find it very worthwhile. A professional can check your equipment, spot small issues early and get your water balanced quickly.
Your pool ready for summer means more time enjoying it
A little effort in spring makes the whole season easier. Clean the cover, top up the water, wake up the equipment, then balance the water carefully. Finish with a quick safety check, and you’re ready to swim.
After that, it’s simply a case of a steady routine. Skim, test, brush and cover, and the water will reward you all season long. Those first warm evenings by the pool, with family and friends around you, make every bit of it worthwhile.
If you’d rather not do it yourself, or you’d like a professional to check everything over, we’re here to help with servicing, aftercare and repairs. You can also explore our full range of pools if you’re dreaming of something new.
Call us on 01483 323 676 or email hello@hilifepools.co.uk for a friendly, no-pressure chat, or get in touch online and we’ll come back to you.
