DIY Pool Opening vs. Hiring a Pro: Pros and Cons
Monday, June 8, 2026 | Your Happy Dolphin Pool & Spa Team
Images are AI generated and do not depict an actual pool or Dolphin Pool & Spa location.
Spring is here, the ice is gone, and your pool is calling. But before you grab the hose or pick up the phone, there's one question every Minnesota pool owner faces each May: should I open it myself, or hire a pro?
Both options have real merit — and real trade-offs. The right answer depends on your experience level, your equipment, your budget, and frankly, how much of your Saturday you want to spend kneeling next to a pump. Let's break it down honestly so you can make the call that's right for you.
1 The Case for Doing It Yourself
DIY pool opening is absolutely doable — thousands of Minnesota homeowners do it every year. If you've opened your pool before and know your equipment, you can save money and work on your own schedule.
DIY Advantages:
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DIY Challenges:
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💧 Pro Tip: Start with a Water Test
Whether you open the pool yourself or hire someone, always bring a water sample into Dolphin Pool & Spa for a computerized water test. The test is $7, or free with $50 or more in chemical purchases — and we'll tell you exactly what your water needs. With BioGuard products, you can add chemicals just 15 minutes apart instead of waiting up to 4 hours like with generic brands. That turns a half-day chemistry project into a quick morning task.
2 The Case for Hiring a Professional
A professional pool opening isn't just about convenience — it's about having a trained set of eyes on your equipment at the start of every season. After a Minnesota winter, a lot can go wrong that isn't obvious until the water is running.
Pro Service Advantages:
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Pro Service Challenges:
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3 What Does a Professional Opening Cost?
At Dolphin Pool & Spa, our spring pool opening service pricing is straightforward:
📅 Book Early — Spring Fills Up Fast
Our opening schedule fills up quickly every May and June. If you're planning to use our service, don't wait until the weather warms up to call — by then, spots are gone. Call us now to get on the calendar: 763-542-9000.
4 Which Option Is Right for You?
Here's a simple way to think through it:
⚠️ Heads Up: DIY Doesn't Mean You're on Your Own
Even if you open the pool yourself, Dolphin Pool & Spa is here to help. Bring in your water sample for a computerized water test — $7, or free with $50 or more in chemical purchases. Our staff will walk you through exactly what to add and in what order. You'll leave the store with a clear plan — and the right BioGuard products to get it done fast.
⚠️ Important: "Open" Does Not Mean "Swimmable"
Opening your pool means it's running — not that it's ready to swim in. Whether you DIY or hire a pro, the opening service gets your equipment back online and your water circulating. What comes next — balancing chemistry, shocking, clearing up any cloudiness or algae, and waiting for the water to warm up — is a separate process that can take anywhere from a day to a week depending on what your water needs. Don't plan a pool party for opening day. Plan it for a week later.
5 DIY Opening: What You'll Need to Do
If you decide to go the DIY route, here's the basic order of operations for a Minnesota pool opening:
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⏱️ The BioGuard Advantage: 15 Minutes Between Doses
Generic pool chemicals often require you to wait up to 4 hours between adding each product. With BioGuard products from Dolphin Pool & Spa, that wait shrinks to just 15 minutes. That means you can balance your entire pool chemistry in a single morning — not a whole weekend.
Ready to Get Your Pool Open?
Whether you're rolling up your sleeves or ready to hand off the job, Dolphin Pool & Spa has you covered. Stop in for a computerized water test ($7, or free with $50 in chemical purchases), ask our staff anything, or call to book a professional opening. We've been helping Twin Cities pool owners since 1988 — we're here to make sure your season starts right.
Call Us Now — 763-542-9000
Your Happy Dolphin Pool & Spa Team
3405 Hwy 169 N, Plymouth MN 55441 | 763-542-9000 | dolphinpool-spa.com