In The Swim Pool Opening Kits Review: Basic, Deluxe & Super Kits Compared
- AboveGroundSplash
- May 22
- 13 min read
Updated: Jun 4
Opening your pool for the season is much easier when you have the right chemicals ready before the cover comes off. The In The Swim Pool Opening Kits are designed to bundle the main opening chemicals into one package, with different kit sizes for different pool volumes.
This page compares the In The Swim Basic, Deluxe, and Super Pool Opening Kits so you can choose the right option for your pool size. The Basic kit is for pools up to 7,500 gallons, the Deluxe kit is for pools up to 15,000 gallons, and the Super kit is for pools up to 35,000 gallons.
The main benefit is convenience. Instead of buying shock, clarifier, algaecide, stain control, test strips, and oil/scum control separately, you can choose the kit that matches your pool volume and start the opening process with the main products already grouped together.
These kits are not magic fixes for badly neglected pools. If your pool is dark green, full of debris, or chemically out of balance, you may still need extra shock, brushing, vacuuming, filtration time, and water balancing.
Quick verdict: which In The Swim Pool Opening Kit should you buy?
Choose the In The Swim Basic Pool Opening Kit if your pool is up to 7,500 gallons and you want a simple start-up bundle for a small above-ground pool.
Choose the In The Swim Deluxe Pool Opening Kit if your pool is up to 15,000 gallons and you need a larger opening kit for a medium above-ground pool.
Choose the In The Swim Super Pool Opening Kit if your pool is up to 35,000 gallons and you need a larger seasonal start-up kit for a big pool.
The most important thing is to match the kit to your actual pool volume. Buying a kit that is too small can leave you short on shock, clarifier, or algae support. Buying a kit that is too large may waste chemicals if your pool does not need that much treatment.
Best for: above-ground pool owners who want a bundled spring opening chemical kit.
Skip it if: your pool is already swampy, badly green, full of leaves, or needs a custom recovery plan.
In The Swim Pool Opening Kits at a glance
The simple rule is this: choose the kit based on gallons, not pool shape alone. A deep rectangular pool can hold much more water than a shallow round pool, even if the footprint looks similar. If you are not sure how many gallons your pool holds, use our pool volume calculator before choosing a kit.
What comes in the In The Swim Pool Opening Kits?
The exact bundle and optional add-ons can vary by listing and kit size, so always check the current product page before ordering. In general, the In The Swim pool opening kits are built around the same opening tasks: shocking, clarifying, algae prevention, stain and scale control, surface oil absorption, and water testing.
Pool shock
Pool shock helps raise chlorine quickly and oxidize contaminants that may have built up while the pool was closed. This is one of the most important parts of opening a pool because winter water often contains organic waste, low sanitizer, and early algae pressure.
Larger kits include more shock than the Basic kit because bigger pools need more chemical treatment.
Clarifier
Clarifier helps small suspended particles clump together so the filter can catch them more easily. This is useful when your pool opens dull, hazy, or slightly cloudy.
Clarifier does not sanitize the water and does not kill algae. It works best after the pool is circulating, the filter is clean, and the sanitizer level is being corrected.
Algaecide
Algaecide helps prevent algae from taking hold during opening. It can be useful when the pool has been covered for months, exposed to organic debris, or is starting the season with weak chlorine levels.
Algaecide should be viewed as a support product. It does not replace shock, brushing, filtration, or proper chlorine levels.
Stain and scale treatment
Stain and scale products help reduce the chance of staining, discoloration, and scale issues as the water begins circulating again. This can be especially useful if your source water contains metals or if the pool has been sitting closed for a long time.
Sun-Sorb oil and scum absorber
Sun-Sorb helps absorb oils, lotions, grime, and surface scum. It is usually placed in the skimmer or water flow area so it can collect oily residue as the pool circulates.
This is a small item, but it is useful during opening because water can collect body oils, sunscreen residue, and organic buildup over time.
Test strips
Test strips help you check basic water chemistry before and after adding opening chemicals. Testing matters because an opening kit does not automatically balance pH, alkalinity, stabilizer, or chlorine perfectly.
Use the strips as a quick check, then adjust based on the results.
Optional AquaPill / SpringPill add-on
Some kit options may include or allow you to add an AquaPill or SpringPill. This type of enzyme-based pill is usually used to help break down non-living organic buildup, reduce scum lines, and support filter performance during opening.
It can be a helpful add-on, but it should not replace shock, chlorine, pH balancing, brushing, or filtration.
Optional chlorine tablet add-on
Some kit options may also offer a bucket of 3-inch stabilized chlorine tablets. This can be useful if you need to stock up for weekly maintenance after opening.
Chlorine tablets are for ongoing slow-release sanitation. They are not a replacement for pool shock during opening.
Which In The Swim Pool Opening Kit size do you need?
The correct kit depends on your actual pool volume in gallons. Do not choose based only on pool length or diameter. Water depth and fill level matter.
Basic kit: up to 7,500 gallons
The Basic kit is best for smaller above-ground pools up to 7,500 gallons. This is the right choice for many smaller round pools, small rectangular frame pools, and compact backyard pools.
Choose the Basic kit if:
Your pool is up to 7,500 gallons.
You have a smaller above-ground pool.
You want a simple opening bundle.
Your pool has normal spring opening issues.
Your water is not badly green or swampy.
You do not need a larger 15,000 or 35,000 gallon kit.
Suitable for typical smaller above-ground pools. Example above-ground sizes people commonly pair with the 7,500-gal kit:
Round: up to 18 ft × 52 in (diameter × depth)
Rectangular: up to 18 ft × 9 ft × 52 in (L × W × depth).
Oval: up to 20 ft × 12 ft × 48 in (L × W × depth).
In The Swim also offers the Basic Start-up Kit with a 10 pound bucket of 3 inch stabilized chlorine tablets (approx. 20 pucks). See below:
In The Swim Basic Start-up Kit with 10 Pound Bucket of 3-Inch Stabilized Chlorine Tablets
If your pool is close to or above 7,500 gallons, do not stretch the Basic kit too far. Use the larger kit or buy extra chemicals based on your test results.
For the full product-specific review, see our In The Swim Basic Pool Opening Kit review.
Deluxe kit: up to 15,000 gallons
The Deluxe kit is the better choice for medium above-ground pools up to 15,000 gallons. It gives you more opening chemical support than the Basic kit and is a better fit for pools that are too large for a 7,500-gallon bundle.
Choose the Deluxe kit if:
Your pool is up to 15,000 gallons.
Your pool is larger than a small starter pool.
You want a stronger opening bundle.
You need more chemical coverage than the Basic kit.
You have a medium above-ground pool with normal winter contamination.
Step up to this if you have a medium above-ground pool or a larger shape:
Round: up to 24 ft × 52 in (≈ 14,600 gallons at full 52" depth).
Rectangular: up to 24 ft × 18 ft × 52 in (≈ 14,000 gallons).
Oval: up to 30 ft × 20 ft × 52 in (≈ 15,300 gallons).
These dimension examples map to the Deluxe kit’s treatment capacity — use them as a guide to pick the right kit size!
The Deluxe Start-up Kit also has an option to add a 25 pound bucket of individually wrapped 3 inch stabilized chlorine tablets (approx. 50 tablets). See below:
In The Swim Deluxe Start-up Kit with 25 Pound Bucket of 3-Inch Stabilized Chlorine Tablets
This is likely the best fit for many family-size above-ground pools, especially larger round or rectangular frame pools.
Super kit: up to 35,000 gallons
The Super kit is designed for pools up to 35,000 gallons. This is a much larger kit and is usually more than many small above-ground pool owners need.
Choose the Super kit if:
Your pool is very large.
Your pool volume is closer to 35,000 gallons.
You want the largest opening chemical bundle.
You need more shock, clarifier, algaecide, and opening support.
Your pool is too large for the Basic or Deluxe kit.
Large pool examples that may approach this capacity include:
Round: up to 36 ft × 56 in (diameter × depth) — roughly ~35,000 gallons, depending on actual water depth.
Rectangular: up to 45 ft × 24 ft × 52 in — roughly ~35,000 gallons.
Oval: up to 55 ft × 25 ft × 52 in — roughly ~35,000 gallons.
These large examples demonstrate the scale the Super kit covers — many very large pools of this capacity are in-ground; if you have a very large above-ground pool, double-check the gallonage to confirm if this large pool opening kit is what you need to open your pool.
The Super Start-up Kit also has an option to add a 50 pound bucket of individually wrapped 3 inch stabilized chlorine tablets (approx. 100 tablets). See below:
In The Swim Super Start-up Kit with 50 Pound Bucket of 3-Inch Stabilized Chlorine Tablets
For many above-ground pool owners, the Super kit may be overkill unless the pool is genuinely large. Always confirm your gallons before choosing this size.
In The Swim Basic vs Deluxe vs Super opening kits
The Basic kit is for smaller pools, the Deluxe kit is for medium pools, and the Super kit is for large pools. The main mistake is buying based on price alone instead of pool volume. A cheap kit that is too small can leave you needing extra shock, clarifier, or algaecide anyway.
How to use an In The Swim Pool Opening Kit
Always follow the product label and kit instructions first. The steps below are a practical order for thinking through your pool opening routine.
Step 1: Remove the cover and clear debris
Take off the pool cover and remove leaves, bugs, dirt, and large debris from the water. Empty the skimmer basket and clean around the waterline.
Chemicals work better when they are not fighting a pool full of physical debris.
Step 2: Start the pump and check filtration
Reconnect the pump and filter if they were winterized. Start circulation and make sure water is moving through the skimmer, filter, and return.
A dirty or weak filter can ruin the opening process. Opening chemicals need circulation and filtration to spread through the pool and remove particles.
Step 3: Test the water first
Test chlorine, pH, total alkalinity, and stabilizer before adding opening chemicals.
This step matters because shock, algaecide, and clarifier all work better when the water is balanced. If pH is badly out of range, correct it before expecting the kit to perform well.
Step 4: Add stain and scale treatment
If your kit includes a stain and scale product, add it according to the label. This is usually done early in the opening process to help protect pool surfaces from staining or mineral issues.
Step 5: Add clarifier
Add clarifier as directed if your kit includes it. This helps fine suspended particles become easier for the filter to catch.
Keep the pump running so the filter can do its job.
Step 6: Shock the pool
Add the included shock according to the label directions. Shock helps raise sanitizer levels and oxidize contaminants left behind after winter.
Do not mix shock directly with other chemicals. Add products separately and allow circulation time.
Step 7: Add algaecide and Sun-Sorb
Use the algaecide according to the label to help prevent algae during the opening process. Place the Sun-Sorb where the product instructions recommend so it can absorb oils and scum.
Step 8: Run the pump and retest
Run the pump long enough for the water to circulate and filter properly. Retest before swimming.
Do not swim until the water is clear, chlorine is in the safe range, and the pool floor is visible.
Where the AquaPill or SpringPill fits in
The AquaPill or SpringPill is an optional add-on for some pool opening routines. It is usually used to help reduce scum lines, break down non-living organic buildup, and support filtration during opening.
Use it as an extra helper, not as your main treatment.
The AquaPill does not replace:
Pool shock
Chlorine
pH balancing
Algaecide
Brushing
Vacuuming
Filtration
It can make sense if your pool often opens with scum lines, organic residue, or cloudy-looking water. But if the pool is already green or badly contaminated, treat the water properly first.
Should you add the chlorine tablet bucket?
Some In The Swim kit options may include a chlorine tablet add-on. This can be useful if you need a supply of 3-inch tablets for ongoing weekly maintenance after the opening process.
Choose the chlorine tablet add-on if:
You use tablets for weekly maintenance.
You already have a floater, feeder, or chlorinator.
You need to stock up for the season.
Your stabilizer level is not already high.
You understand that tablets are for maintenance, not fast cleanup.
Skip the tablet add-on if:
Your cyanuric acid level is already high.
You prefer liquid chlorine.
You already have enough tablets.
You have a very small pool where 3-inch tablets are harder to control.
You need fast chlorine correction rather than slow-release maintenance.
Chlorine tablets can be useful, but they add stabilizer over time. Test your water regularly.
When an opening kit is a good choice
An In The Swim opening kit is a good choice if you want a simpler start to the pool season and your water has normal opening problems.
It is a strong fit if:
Your pool was covered over winter.
Your water is dull, hazy, or lightly contaminated.
You want bundled start-up chemicals.
You want fewer separate product decisions.
You are opening a pool for the first time.
You know your pool volume.
Your pool is not badly green or full of heavy debris.
The kit is mainly about convenience and structure. It gives you the main opening products in one place so you can start the season with less guesswork.
When you should skip the kit or buy extra chemicals
Skip the kit, or expect to buy extra products, if your pool has serious water problems.
You may need a different plan if:
Your pool is dark green or swampy.
The floor is covered in leaves, sludge, or dead algae.
Your pH and alkalinity are badly out of range.
Your filter is dirty, undersized, or not working.
Your pool has heavy metal staining.
Your pool size is larger than the kit rating.
You already own most of the included products.
You need a custom cleanup process.
A pool opening kit is not a substitute for a full green pool recovery process. If the pool is already green, treat the algae problem directly before relying on a standard opening bundle.
What you may still need alongside an opening kit
Even the right opening kit may not include everything your pool needs.
You may still need:
A pool brush for scrubbing walls, seams, steps, and the floor.
A skimmer net for removing leaves and floating debris.
A pool vacuum for removing settled dirt and dead algae.
Extra shock if your pool is very dirty or larger than expected.
pH increaser or pH decreaser if pH is out of range.
Alkalinity increaser if total alkalinity is low.
Chlorine tablets or liquid chlorine for ongoing sanitation after opening.
A floating chlorine dispenser if you use tablets.
Replacement filter cartridges or clean sand if filtration is weak.
The blunt truth: no opening kit can compensate for a dirty filter, weak circulation, or a pool full of leaves.
In The Swim opening kit vs buying chemicals separately
The kit is the easier option. Buying separately is the more flexible option.
Choose a kit if you want convenience, structure, and fewer decisions. Buy separately if you already know exactly what your water needs or already own some of the included products.
Related pool opening and water care guides
If you are opening your pool for the season or trying to fix cloudy or algae-prone water, these guides can help you choose the right next step:
👉 Pool Opening Guide for Above-Ground Pools — use this if you want a full step-by-step opening process before adding chemicals.
👉 Pool Volume & Chlorine Dosage Calculator — use this to estimate your pool gallons before choosing a kit or adding shock.
👉 How to Clear Cloudy Pool Water — helpful if your pool opens dull, hazy, or milky after winter.
👉 How to Clear a Green Above-Ground Pool — use this if the water has visible algae or has turned green before opening.
👉 Pool Shock 101 — explains when to shock, how shock works, and the mistakes to avoid.
👉 Chemicals & Water Care — browse more chlorine, shock, algaecide, clarifier, test strip, and water-care product guides.
Final verdict: which In The Swim opening kit should you choose?
The In The Swim Pool Opening Kits are a good option if you want a simpler, more organized way to open your pool for the season.
Choose the Basic kit for pools up to 7,500 gallons. Choose the Deluxe kit for pools up to 15,000 gallons. Choose the Super kit for pools up to 35,000 gallons.
The main benefit is convenience. These kits bundle the major opening products into one package so you do not have to buy every chemical separately.
The main limitation is that no kit can solve every water problem. If your pool is badly green, full of debris, chemically unbalanced, or larger than the kit rating, you may need extra products and a more targeted cleanup plan.
For a normal spring opening, the right In The Swim kit can save time, reduce guesswork, and give you a clearer start to the swimming season.
The questions below cover kit sizing, contents, chlorine tablet add-ons, AquaPill/SpringPill options, and when a pool opening kit is enough.
FAQ: In The Swim Pool Opening Kits
Which In The Swim Pool Opening Kit should I buy?
Choose the Basic kit for pools up to 7,500 gallons, the Deluxe kit for pools up to 15,000 gallons, and the Super kit for pools up to 35,000 gallons. The right kit depends on your actual pool volume.
What comes in the In The Swim Pool Opening Kits?
The exact contents can vary by kit size and listing, but the kits commonly include opening products such as pool shock, clarifier, algaecide, stain and scale treatment, Sun-Sorb oil absorber, and test strips.
Does the In The Swim opening kit include chlorine tablets?
Some kit options may offer a chlorine tablet add-on, but this depends on the product option selected. Chlorine tablets are for ongoing weekly maintenance after opening, not for replacing pool shock.
Is the AquaPill or SpringPill included?
Some listings may offer an AquaPill or SpringPill add-on. It is usually used to help with scum lines, non-living organics, and filter support during opening, but it does not replace shock, chlorine, or water balancing.
Can an In The Swim opening kit clear a green pool?
It may help with mild algae or normal seasonal opening, but a badly green pool usually needs a full cleanup process that includes testing, balancing, brushing, shock, filtration, and vacuuming.
Do I still need to test the water before using the kit?
Yes. Always test the water before using opening chemicals. Testing helps you choose the right kit size, correct pH and alkalinity, and avoid wasting chemicals.
Can I swim right after using a pool opening kit?
No. Wait until the chemicals have circulated, the water is clear, the pool floor is visible, and free chlorine is back in the safe swimming range according to your test kit and product labels.
Is it better to buy a pool opening kit or separate chemicals?
A kit is better if you want convenience and a guided opening routine. Buying separately is better if you already know exactly what your water needs or already own some of the included products.
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