Open an in-ground pool in spring with the correct startup water-chemistry sequence

Steps

1. Remove debris and standing water from the cover before pulling it, to avoid dumping contaminated water/debris into the pool
2. Reinstall/reconnect equipment removed for winter (pump, filter, heater, chlorinator, drain plugs) and restore the water level to normal operating height
3. Run the filtration system and circulate before adding significant chemicals, then test water chemistry as a baseline (pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, chlorine, CYA, and metals if staining is a concern)
4. Balance in the standard sequence: correct total alkalinity first, then pH, then calcium hardness, since alkalinity swings pH readings and should be stabilized before fine-tuning pH
5. Shock the pool with a dose based on measured chlorine demand/any algae present after balancing, and run filtration continuously until water clears
6. Retest after 24 hours and fine-tune sanitizer/CYA levels once the water has stabilized and cleared, before returning the pool to normal service