Your Treasure Valley Pool Opening Checklist: DIY Steps and When to Call the Pros

A Step-by-Step Guide for Treasure Valley Pool Owners

After a long Idaho winter, there’s nothing quite like that first cannonball into a crystal-clear pool. But what stands between you and that moment?

Pool opening season!

If you’ve never opened a pool yourself, the process can feel overwhelming. At Briva Pool and Spa, we've handled thousands of pool openings across the Treasure Valley. Some pools fire right up without a glitch. Others… well, let's just say they need a little extra TLC.

Here’s what you need to know to open your pool this spring, whether you're tackling it yourself or calling in the pros.

We've been in the pool service business for a long time, and we’ve seen just about every opening scenario imaginable. From perfectly maintained pools that fire right up without a glitch to ones that... well, let's just say they needed some extra TLC. Here's what you need to know to open your pool this spring, whether you're tackling it yourself or calling in the pros.

When Should You Open Your Pool in the Treasure Valley?

In the Treasure Valley, we typically recommend opening pools mid-to-late April. Why?

Our spring temperatures can be unpredictable, but once daytime highs consistently reach 60–65°F, it’s time to start thinking about pool season.

Opening too early means running equipment and adding chemicals while temperatures are still too cold. Opening too late can allow algae to start growing under the cover, which makes the opening process much harder.

Tip: Watch the 10-day forecast. When temperatures are consistently warming and hard freezes are behind us, that’s your window.

The DIY Pool Opening Checklist

If you're planning to open your pool yourself, set aside 4-6 hours and gather your supplies. Here's the step-by-step process we have refined over thousands of openings:

STEP 1: Remove and Clean the Pool Cover

Start by removing any standing water, leaves, and debris from the top of your cover using a cover pump or leaf blower.

This step is critical because whatever sits on top of the cover can easily fall into the pool when it’s removed. Once the surface is clear:

• Carefully remove the cover

• Avoid dragging it across your deck

• Clean it with a cover cleaner

• Allow it to dry completely before storage

  
  

A properly maintained winter cover can last 10+ years.

Pro insight: If your cover has tears, significant wear, or the water bags failed over winter, replace it before next season. A failed cover means algae, debris, and a much harder opening next year.

STEP 2: Remove Winterization Plugs and Reinstall Equipment

Next, reinstall any drain plugs that were removed during winterization from your:

• Pump

• Filter

• Heater

• Other equipment

  
  

You’ll also remove winter plugs from your return jets and skimmer.

When to Call a Professional: If your pool was professionally winterized and you’re unsure what was removed or how it goes back together, this is where DIY mistakes can get expensive. Improperly installed plugs or O-rings can cause equipment leaks or system damage.

STEP 3: Refill to Proper Level

Your water level likely dropped over the winter. Use a garden hose to refill the pool to:

• The middle of the skimmer opening

• Or the tile line (depending on your pool design)

  
  

Treasure Valley Tip: Municipal water in our area tends to be hard and alkaline. If you're adding more than a few inches of water, test your water chemistry afterward. You may need to adjust pH and alkalinity before adding sanitizer.

STEP 4: Power Up and Prime Your System

Reconnect power to your pump and filtration system. Before starting your pump, you must prime it:

1. Open the pump lid

2. Fill the basket chamber with water

3. Replace and seal the lid

4. Open skimmer and return valves

5. Turn on the pump

   
   

You should hear water moving within 30–60 seconds. Your pump should never run dry.

When to Call a Professional: Turn the pump off immediately if:

• It won't prime

• It's making unusual noises

• You see leaking around equipment

Running a pump dry can cause serious equipment damage that may cost hundreds or even thousands to repair.

STEP 5: Test and Balance Your Water Chemistry

After your system has circulated for several hours, test your water. Key levels to check:

• pH: 7.4 – 7.6

• Total Alkalinity: 80 – 120 ppm

• Calcium Hardness: 200 – 400 ppm

• Sanitizer (Chlorine): 1 – 3 ppm

  
  

Balance chemicals in this order:

1. Alkalinity

2. pH

3. Calcium hardness

4. Sanitizer

   
   

Treasure Valley Water Consideration: Local water often runs high in calcium. If your hardness exceeds 400 ppm, scaling can occur on pool surfaces and equipment.

Professional water testing can help prevent long-term damage.

STEP 6: Shock and Sanitize

Even if your water appears clear, it’s best practice to shock your pool during opening. Pool shock oxidizes organic contaminants and helps reset your water chemistry. After shocking:

Run your filter continuously for 24–48 hours.

STEP 7: Clean and Maintain

Finish the opening process with a full cleaning. This includes:

• Brushing pool walls and floor

• Vacuuming debris

• Emptying skimmer and pump baskets

• Cleaning or backwashing the filter

Once clean, establish a regular maintenance routine:

• Skim daily

• Test water 2–3 times per week

• Brush and vacuum weekly

When DIY Becomes "Time to Call Briva"

We support homeowners who want to maintain their own pools. But there are situations where calling a professional can prevent bigger problems.

Consider professional help if:

• Equipment won't start or sounds unusual

• You notice cracks in the pool surface or deck

• Your water is green or black (significant algae)

• The water stays cloudy after multiple shocks

• Filter pressure is abnormal

• You suspect leaks

• Electrical components are compromised

• You simply don’t have the time

Your Pool Opening Questions, Answered:

How much does professional pool opening cost in the Treasure Valley?

Most pool openings range between $300–$500, depending on pool size and condition.

At Briva Pool and Spa, our opening service includes:

• Equipment inspection

• Water balancing

• Initial cleaning

Can I swim immediately after opening?

Not immediately. After shocking and balancing the water, wait 24–48 hours and retest before swimming. Chlorine should be 1–3 ppm before entering the pool.

What if I discover damage during opening?

Document the issue with photos and contact a professional. Some issues, like equipment wear, may be manageable temporarily. Others, like surface cracks or leaks, should be addressed quickly before they worsen.

Ready for Pool Season?

Whether you choose to open your pool yourself or hire a professional, the most important thing is getting the opening done correctly.

When pools are opened properly, homeowners enjoy clean, safe water all season. When shortcuts are taken, algae growth and equipment problems can follow.

If you'd rather spend your spring swimming instead of troubleshooting, Briva Pool and Spa is here to help!

Briva Pool and Spa proudly serves the entire Treasure Valley with:

• Pool openings

• Weekly maintenance

• Equipment inspections

• Spa and hot tub care

  
  

👉 Schedule your spring pool opening at brivapools.com