Spring in the Portland-Vancouver metro area means one thing: pool season is just around the corner. Whether you’re in a leafy Portland neighborhood like Laurelhurst or tucked away across the river in Vancouver’s Felida district, it’s time to peel off the pool cover and get your backyard centerpiece ready for action.
But before your first cannonball, your pool needs a little TLC to make sure it’s clean, safe, and running at peak performance. A smooth season starts with a solid opening—and that means more than just skimming leaves.
At Rose City Pool & Spa, we help homeowners all across the metro area—from Beaverton to Battle Ground—get their pools in top shape. From tackling stubborn algae to checking that your pump isn’t guzzling electricity, here’s what to do now for a hassle-free swim season.
Your May Pool Opening Checklist
Before you flip the switch on your system, walk through this essential checklist to avoid mid-season headaches—and impress every guest who drops by:
- Remove debris from the cover and surrounding area. Portland pollen and Vancouver’s wind gusts mean plenty of organic debris. Clear it out before it lands in your water.
- Inspect for winter damage. Cracked tiles, warped liners, or broken equipment? Now’s the time to repair.
- Top off the water. Make sure your pool’s water level is halfway up the skimmer before powering up your system.
- Test your pool chemistry. Balance your pH (7.4–7.6), total alkalinity (80–120 ppm), and sanitizer levels.
- Check and clean the filter. A dirty filter is one of the biggest culprits of cloudy water. Give it a proper cleaning or backwash.
Need help with any of this? Schedule a professional pool opening and filter clean with our expert team. We handle everything from Lake Oswego to Camas, making sure your system is safe, clean, and summer-ready.
Why Early-Season Maintenance Matters
May is prime time to open your pool in the Portland-Vancouver area. Spring temps are warming up, but algae and bacteria are also on the rise—especially in pools that sat dormant all winter. Tackling maintenance now can:
- Prevent costly algae blooms
- Protect your equipment from early wear
- Beat the June rush for service appointments
- Give you more swim days (and less stress)
- Deliver sparkling, photo-worthy results
Want stress-free care all summer? Our weekly and biweekly pool maintenance plans are tailored to the conditions in Portland, Vancouver, and nearby suburbs. Schedule a call with our team and we’ll customize a plan for your specific system and location.
Make a Splash This May
Whether you’re opening a saltwater system in Eastmoreland, a vintage tile-lined pool in Hazel Dell, or a modern spa in Happy Valley, getting your prep done in early May puts you way ahead of the game. Rose City Pool & Spa is here to help you kick off the season right—with crystal-clear water, quiet-running equipment, and a pool that turns heads.
Book your pool opening or set up weekly maintenance** today and get swim-season ready.**
