Opening Your Above-Ground Pool: 5 Ways to Make It Less Stressful

Owning a pool is one of life’s great joys—until it’s time to open it for the season. Whether you’ve got an above-ground setup or an inground oasis, the first day back can feel more like a chore than a celebration. Will the water be clear or cloudy? Will the pump fire up or sputter? Did winter leave behind surprises you’d rather not discover?

If you’re itching to dive in and play some pool games instead of wrestling with hoses and filters, you’re not alone. Here are five smart ways to make pool opening day smoother, faster, and a whole lot less stressful.

1. Start Filling Before You Remove the Tarp

Don’t wait until opening day to start filling your pool. Slide the hose under the tarp a few days early and let it run for a couple hours each day. This way, you’ll have a decent water level by the time you’re ready to remove the cover—and less sludge to deal with. Bonus: the water helps lift the tarp, making it easier to remove without dumping winter grime into the pool.

2. Keep Spare Parts Handy

Ever seen a Jet Ski shoot a rooster tail of water into the air? Cool on the lake—not so cool when it’s your pool hose doing the same thing. Above-ground pools are especially prone to hose blowouts, so keep an extra hose and clamps nearby. It’s always better to have backups for the parts that tend to fail when you need them most.

3. Don’t Overreact to Minor Leaks

A few drips around the pump or heater? Give it a minute. Not every leak needs a full teardown. Sometimes a small twist or repositioning is all it takes. Unless it’s a full-blown spray, let the system settle before you start dismantling things. You’ll save time—and possibly avoid creating a bigger problem.

4. Make Pool Time Fun from Day One

You’ve invested time and money into your pool—make sure it gets used and loved all season long. One way to guarantee smiles is with a swimming pool game that’s built to last. Squire Pool Game is designed for both inground and above-ground pools, with versions tailored to different skill levels. It’s fun for kids, competitive for adults, and versatile enough to double as floating drink holders when the game’s over. That’s what we call a win-win.

Want to see how it works? Check out the full lineup at Squire Pool Game and find the version that fits your pool and your crew.

5. Clean Your Filter After the First Week

Even if your water looks clear, the first week of brushing and skimming stirs up a lot of hidden debris. Spray out your filter after those first few days to prevent all that gunk from cycling back into the pool. A clean filter means cleaner water—and fewer headaches down the line.

Enjoy Opening Day Again

Pool ownership should be about fun, not frustration. With a little planning and a few smart moves, you can turn opening day into something you actually look forward to. Here’s your quick recap:

• Fill the pool before removing the tarp—it’s a game changer.
• Keep spare parts like hoses on hand to avoid last-minute store runs.
• Let minor leaks settle before jumping into repairs.
• Invest in a pool game that brings people together and lasts for seasons. Squire Pool Game is that game.
• Clean your filter after the first week to keep your water sparkling.

Here’s to a stress-free start and a swim season full of fun. Happy opening day!