The sun is shining, the air is warming up, and you can practically hear the water calling your name. But before you grab your pool float and sunscreen, there’s one big question—when do above ground pools open near me? Open your swimming pool too soon, and you might battle chilly water and extra maintenance. Wait too long, and you could have an algae bloom that makes you miss out on precious swim days.
Let’s break down the perfect timing so you know when your area of the country is making a splash.
What Month Should I Open My Above Ground Pool?
When searching for the right month for pool opening procedures, it truly depends on the weather and climate where you live. If you’ve been searching for “pools open near me” or “open swimming pools near me,” you probably know that Memorial Day is often the unofficial start of pool season.
But why wait when you could and should have your pool open before then? As the end of the school year approaches, everyone looks forward to swim season, and much of the country can get a jump start on your favorite sun-and-splash season. Here’s a regional guide to help you know when to get your pool opening started.
- Southern U.S. (Texas, Florida, Arizona, etc.) – If you closed your pool for winter, March is a great time to open pools. If you’re in the south, your swim season is already knocking on the door. Get that above ground pool opened before the heat cranks up!
- Midwestern & Mid-Atlantic States (Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, etc.) – Late April to early May is ideal for a pool opening. Once the temperature stays above 65°F consistently, you’re in the clear.
- Northeastern U.S. (New York, Massachusetts, Maine, etc.) – Early to late May is just about right, depending on your location. Any earlier, and you might be doing a polar plunge!
- Western U.S. (California, Nevada, Oregon, etc.) – You can start opening your pool from early to mid-April, depending on how much sunshine you get.
- Northern States & Mountain Regions (Minnesota, South Dakota, Colorado, Montana, etc.) – Open your above ground pool in mid May to early June. You might have to be patient, but the wait is worth it!
Can You Open a Pool Too Early?
Worried about a late freeze? That’s a valid concern.
If you’re unsure of opening your pool because spring isn’t quite ready to send sunshine your way, check local weather patterns or search “open pools near me” to see if others in your area have already started their swim season.
If your area consistently stays above 65°F overnight with no more threat of freezing temps, it’s time to grab a pool opening kit and break out the pool noodles!
How Warm Does It Need to Be to Open a Pool?
65°F and rising is the ideal temperature for pools open near me. If you wait too long, algae can take over. The sooner you get your pool near me running, the easier your water chemistry will be to balance.
Even if you aren’t quite ready to use your pool each day, getting it open at the correct time will help you have clean, clear water throughout the rest of the swim season.
Should You Vacuum a Pool Before Opening?
Yes! Before starting your pool opening process, use a pool net to remove large debris like leaves, twigs, and other large contaminants from the water. This prevents clogging and reduces strain on your filtration system. For a hassle-free clean after the large debris is removed, a Dolphin™ pool cleaner from BrightWater Pools is a great option. Since it has its own filtration basket, it captures contaminants without sending them into your above ground pool filter, helping keep your system running efficiently from the start.
Should I Shock My Pool When I First Open It?
Yes, shocking your pool during pool opening is an important step in above ground pool maintenance. Over the winter, your pool water can accumulate bacteria, algae spores, and contaminants. A strong pool shock treatment helps eliminate these, restoring water clarity and ensuring your swimming pool is safe and ready for the season. Be sure to test your pool water and balance chemicals after shocking for the best results.
How Often Should I Backwash My Pool When Opening?
Backwash the sand or DE filter of your hard sided above ground pool daily when opening your pool to remove debris and improve water circulation. If you are trying to remove heavy dirt, leaves, algae, or other debris, use the manual pool vacuum-to-waste setting to bypass the filter and flush out contaminants more effectively. Monitor the filter pressure gauge—if it rises 8–10 PSI above normal, it’s time to backwash. Recharge DE filters with fresh diatomaceous earth to maintain efficiency. For cartridge filters, rinse or replace the cartridge as needed until the water is clear and balanced. Always refill the pool after backwashing or vacuuming to waste to maintain proper water levels.
How to Open an Above Ground Pool
Starting Out the Old-School Way
- Remove the Cover – Drain water off the top and carefully take off the cover to avoid spilling debris into the pool.
- Reconnect Equipment – Reinstall your pump, filter, and any hoses you disconnected for the winter.
- Fill the Pool – Add water to reach the halfway point of your skimmer opening.
- Shock & Balance Chemicals – Use shock, algaecide, and balancing chemicals, or check out our new smart chemical balance options below!
- Vacuum & Brush – Grab your Dolphin pool cleaner or manually use a pool vacuum to clean your above ground pool.
- Run the Pump – Let the filtration system work for at least 24 hours. Continue to get your water balanced and clear before swimming.
Finishing the Smart Way (With Pool FROG® + a Dolphin™ Pool Cleaner)
Why make life harder? The FROG pool system takes the guesswork out of keeping your pool clear and clean. Here’s how you can bring home the benefits of automatic water treatment during pool opening and all season long.
- Install the Pool FROG® Mineral System – This pool kit uses minerals to cut chlorine use by 50%, making water softer and silkier.
- Pop in a Pool FROG® Bac Pac® – This pre-filled chlorine pack keeps levels perfect without constant testing and adjusting.
- Use a Pool FROG® Bam® Pac – This 90-day algaecide prevents green pool nightmares.
- Insert a Dolphin™ Pool Cleaner – Sit back and relax while your automatic pool vacuum does all the hard work.
- Run Your Pool & Enjoy Your Free Time – With smart water maintenance choices from BrightWater Pools, gain less maintenance, fewer chemicals, and crystal-clear water!
Download your free FROG Water Care® app for even easier above ground pool maintenance!
Why Use Pool FROG®?
With the Pool FROG® Mineral System, it’s like having a pool opening kit that does all the chemical balance work for you. You’ll find:
- Easier maintenance – Spend less time balancing chemicals.
- Softer water – No more itchy skin or red eyes.
- Algae prevention – Stop the problem before it starts.
If you don’t have FROG® pool system for your above ground pool, you can find everything you need at BrightWater Pools. Or, bundle your Pool FROG® cycler, Bac Pac®, and Bam® Pac with your new BrightWater above ground pool kit when you customize your pool package.
Perfect Pool Supplies & Kits to Get Pools Open Near Me
Don’t have the best above ground pool or pool opening supplies yet? BrightWater Pools has you covered.
It’s the perfect time to get ahead of the game, customize your beautiful Bright Classic™, Bright Hybrid™, Bright Icon™, or Bright Icon+ Salt™ above ground pool kit, grab your pool supplies, and enjoy that first perfect cannonball!
With made-in-the-USA hard sided above ground pools manufactured by H.I.I., the leader in above ground pool manufacturing and maker of Doughboy® pools, plus incredible pool supplies from Pool FROG® and more, you can be sure that your first pool opening will be amazing. Check out your options today to get started on a backyard paradise you never want to leave.
