Pool Opening Checklist Australia: Complete Spring Startup Guide
Follow this comprehensive checklist to safely open your pool for spring and summer. Perfect for Australian pool owners.
When to Open Your Pool
In Australia, open your pool in late September to early October (spring). This timing:
- Gives you time before peak swimming season
- Allows water chemistry to balance properly
- Ensures equipment is ready for summer
Note: In warmer regions like Queensland, pools may stay open year-round.
Complete Pool Opening Checklist
Step 1: Remove Pool Cover
- Carefully remove cover to avoid dropping debris into pool
- Clean cover before storing (hose down, let dry)
- Store cover in dry, protected area
- Remove any large debris from pool surface
Step 2: Inspect Equipment
- Pump: Check for cracks, leaks, proper connections
- Filter: Inspect for damage, check pressure gauge
- Heater: Check for leaks, test controls
- Electrical: Test all connections, check GFCI outlets
- Skimmer: Check for cracks, ensure weir door works
- Returns: Ensure all jets are clear
Step 3: Fill Pool to Proper Level
- Fill to middle of skimmer opening
- Check for leaks while filling
- Monitor water level during first 24 hours
Step 4: Start Pool Pump and Filter
- Prime pump (fill with water if needed)
- Start circulation system
- Run pump continuously for 24-48 hours initially
- Check for proper water flow
- Listen for unusual noises
- Check filter pressure
Step 5: Test and Balance Water Chemistry
Test these parameters:
- pH (ideal: 7.2-7.6)
- Free Chlorine (ideal: 1-3 ppm)
- Total Alkalinity (ideal: 80-120 ppm)
- Calcium Hardness (ideal: 200-400 ppm)
- Cyanuric Acid/CYA (ideal: 30-50 ppm for chlorinated pools)
Chemical Addition Order:
- Total Alkalinity first (wait 4-6 hours)
- pH second (wait 4-6 hours)
- Calcium Hardness third (wait 4-6 hours)
- Chlorine last
Use PoolCalculator.com.au to calculate exact dosages.
Step 6: Shock Pool
- Add 3-5x normal chlorine dose
- For 50,000L pool: 500g-1kg chlorine granules
- Run pump during shock treatment
- Don't swim until chlorine returns to 1-3 ppm
- This kills any bacteria or algae
Step 7: Clean Pool
- Vacuum pool floor thoroughly
- Brush walls and steps
- Clean skimmer baskets
- Clean pump basket
- Backwash filter if pressure is high
- Skim surface debris
Step 8: Final Check (After 24 Hours)
- Retest water chemistry
- Ensure all equipment running properly
- Check water clarity
- Verify chlorine levels are safe (1-3 ppm)
- Pool is ready when chemistry balanced and water clear
Essential Chemicals Needed
| Chemical | Purpose | When Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Chlorine | Shocking and sanitization | Always |
| pH Increaser | Raise pH if too low | If pH < 7.2 |
| pH Decreaser | Lower pH if too high | If pH > 7.6 |
| TA Increaser | Raise Total Alkalinity | If TA < 80 ppm |
| Calcium Hardness | Raise hardness if low | If CH < 200 ppm |
| Stabilizer (CYA) | Protect chlorine from UV | Chlorinated pools only |
Freshwater / Naked System?
If your pool runs the Naked System, summer prep is a little different (think: copper, TDS, winter mode, and the right at-home tests).
Freshwater Pool Ready for Summer (10-Step Checklist) →Calculate Your Pool Chemistry
Use our free calculator to get exact chemical dosages for opening your pool.
Use Pool Calculator →Was this checklist helpful?