Utah pool season typically kicks off between late April and mid-May, depending on the weather and how eager you are. Opening your pool properly after winter sets the tone for the entire season. Rush it or skip steps, and you'll be fighting problems all summer.
When to Open
We recommend opening when daytime temperatures are consistently above 65-70°F. In the Salt Lake Valley and Davis County, that's usually late April to early May. Utah County and especially Summit County (Park City, Heber) run a few weeks later. Opening too early isn't a problem — it just means heating costs. Opening too late means algae may have already started growing under the cover.
The Full Opening Checklist
1. Clean and Remove the Cover
Sweep off debris and standing water from the cover before removing it. Once off, clean both sides, let it dry completely, and store it properly. A cover that sits folded and wet all summer will be moldy by fall.
2. Inspect the Pool
Walk around the pool and check for any visible damage from winter — cracked tile, shifted coping, stains, or liner damage. Check the deck for trip hazards from frost heave. Look inside skimmer boxes for cracks.
3. Reconnect Equipment
Reinstall any drain plugs that were removed during winterization. Reconnect the pump, filter, heater, and any other equipment. Check all connections for tightness. If you have a salt system, reinstall the salt cell.
4. Fill the Pool
Top off the water to the middle of the skimmer opening. Remember: Utah's fill water comes with high calcium, so test it before adding any chemicals. Knowing your starting point matters.
5. Prime and Start the Pump
Open all valves, prime the pump if needed, and turn it on. Watch for good flow and listen for unusual noises. Check the filter pressure gauge and note the starting (clean) pressure — you'll use this as your baseline all season.
6. Shock and Balance Chemistry
Test pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and cyanuric acid. Adjust as needed and then shock the pool with a heavy dose of chlorine. Run the pump 24 hours straight after shocking. Don't swim until chlorine drops back to 1-3 ppm.
7. Brush, Vacuum, and Clean
Brush the walls, floor, and tile line. Vacuum up any settled debris. Clean out skimmer and pump baskets. If the water is green, you may need to vacuum to waste (bypassing the filter) to remove heavy debris.
Want us to handle the opening? We do full spring startups — equipment inspection, chemistry, cleaning, everything. Text or call (385) 228-2374 to book before the rush.
Need Help With Your Pool or Hot Tub?
We offer free quotes for all pool and hot tub services across Davis, Salt Lake, Utah, and Summit Counties.
