Skip the Stress, Not the Splash: How to Prep Your Pool Like a Pro (Or Hire One!)

It’s happening. The sun’s coming out, the snow’s finally gone (mostly), and patio season is peeking around the corner. If you’re lucky enough to have a backyard pool, that means one thing: the countdown to cannonballs is ON.

But before you crank up the playlist and schedule that first pool party, there’s a little spring ritual you can’t skip—getting your pool ready for the season.

We know, it sounds like a chore. But whether you’re a proud DIYer or thinking about letting someone else do the dirty work (hi, Leisure Aquatic Products!), we’ve got your no-fluff, super-chill guide to making your pool sparkle without losing your weekend (or your mind).

🌞 Step 1: Set the Scene

Before you even touch the pool, start with the space around it.

• Clear out debris like leaves, sticks, and whatever else winter threw at your backyard.
• Trim bushes and overhanging trees that are plotting to drop stuff in your water.
• If you’ve got patio furniture, give it a quick wipe-down. No one wants to lounge on a dusty chair.

Small effort, big vibes.

🛠 Step 2: The Great Cover Reveal

Removing the pool cover is kind of like opening a mystery box. What’s under there? Pure magic? A swamp? You’ll never know until you lift it off.

• Use a leaf blower or broom to clear off anything sitting on top.
• Carefully pull the cover off (grab a friend—it’s awkward solo).
• Clean it, let it dry, and store it in a cool, dry place.

Pro move: Sprinkle some talc powder on it before folding to keep it fresh for next winter.

🧰 Step 3: Reconnect Your Pool’s Vital Organs

It’s been a while since your pump, filter, and hoses did anything useful. Time to plug everything back in.

• Remove any winter plugs or gizmos you installed last fall.
• Reconnect all the hoses, pumps, and filters—tighten things up and double-check connections.
• Turn on the system and listen. If it sounds like a baby goat screaming… yeah, something’s wrong.

💧 Step 4: Top Off That Water

Over the winter, your water probably dipped a bit. Fill it back to mid-skimmer level with a garden hose. While it’s filling, go full lifeguard and walk the perimeter to look for cracks, leaks, or loose tiles.

Pro tip: If you’re using well water, fill slowly and test for iron—it can turn your pool a groovy shade of green.

🧽 Step 5: Scrub Like It’s Spa Day

Let’s be honest. After sitting all winter, your pool is gonna be a little gross. That’s okay. It just needs a little TLC.

• Skim the surface with your net.
• Brush the walls, floor, and steps—especially corners and shady spots where algae love to hang out.
• Vacuum up the dirt at the bottom (you can use your own or borrow a robot vacuum if you’re feeling bougie).

Pro move: Play your favorite hype playlist and pretend you’re filming a cleaning montage. Works every time.

🧪 Step 6: Time for a Water Chemistry Remix

This is where the magic happens—and where many people start Googling things like “why does my pool smell like a science fair project?”

You need to test your water’s:

• pH
• Chlorine or sanitizer levels
• Alkalinity
• Calcium hardness

Then adjust with the right chemicals. If you’re not confident, most local pool shops can test it for free and tell you exactly what to add. Just bring in a water sample and act like you totally understood what they just said.

⚡️ Step 7: Shock It Like It’s Hot

After a long nap, your pool needs a wake-up call. That’s where pool shock comes in.

• Dump in a shock treatment to kill off any bacteria, algae, or gunk leftover from winter.
• Do this at night or on a cloudy day so the sun doesn’t burn it off too fast.
• Run the pump for 24 hours to circulate everything.

The next morning? Pure, sparkly bliss.

🎯 Step 8: Accessorize + Final Touches

Now it’s time for the fun stuff.

• Reinstall ladders, slides, or diving boards.
• Set up floaties, umbrellas, and patio furniture.
• Add in your pool toys, string lights, and maybe even a Bluetooth speaker situation.

Double-check your safety gear while you’re at it. Life rings, pool covers, gate locks—future you (and your guests) will thank you.

🧘‍♀️ Bonus Round: Should You DIY or Call in the Pros?

Look, if all of this sounds like a fun weekend project—go for it. There’s something satisfying about doing it yourself and knowing exactly what’s happening in your pool.

But if this list made you want to run back inside and pretend summer isn’t coming? No shame. This is exactly what Leisure Aquatic Products is for.

They’re local, family-owned, and they’ve been doing this pool stuff since before most of us could swim. They’ll come in, open your pool, balance your chemicals, clean up your equipment, and be out before you can say “Marco Polo.”

The best part? No pushy sales vibes. Just real people who care about getting you in the water as soon as possible.

💦 Final Splash

Pool season is coming in hot—and now, you’re ready.

Whether you clean it up yourself or tag in the pros, your backyard is about to be the chill zone of the summer. So go ahead: send out that group text, dig out your favorite swimsuit, and fire up the grill. Because a stress-free pool is the best kind of pool.

And if you want to make it all way easier? Call Leisure Aquatic Products @ (507) 288-6289

They’ve got the floaties, you just bring the vibes.