Pool Opening Kit: Wake Your Pool Up Right! In The Swim Pool Super Opening Start-Up Kit (Up to 35,000 gal)

If you want an easy, no-guesswork way to get your pool swim-ready fast, the right pool opening Kit makes all the difference! The In The Swim pool start-up kits come in multiple sizes (right-sized for different gallonages) and are built to simplify opening day: stain & scale preventer, clarifier, shock, algaecide, test strips and an oil-absorbing Sun-Sorb are included in the various kit sizes (the amount of each product will depend on the kit size).

What’s in each kit (the essentials)

The pool start-up kits from In The Swim include the same core items (amounts scaled to the kit size):

• Stain, rust & scale preventer (Spring Stain Away or similar)

• Clarifier (helps the filter grab tiny particles)

• Chlorine shock (Di-Zap / powdered shock — multiple bags in bigger kits)

• Algaecide (non-metallic)

• Sun-Sorb (oil/lotions sponge for the skimmer)

• Test strips (free chlorine, pH, total alkalinity, CYA)

  
  

   Big kits simply contain larger quantities (e.g., the Basic kit includes 1 lb shock; Deluxe includes ~2 lb; Super kits include more bags/bottles).

The pool opening kits also have an option to add enzyme “spring pills” — aka AquaPill / SpringPill — that can be added to the kit to help reduce scum lines and non-living organics during your spring opening.

Need to stock up on chlorine tablets for new season? Each kit also has the option to add a bucket of 3 inch chloring tabs (individually wrapped!). The bucket size will depend on the kit size selected. For example, the 15,000 gallon kit has an option to add a 25 pound bucket of 3 inch stabilized chlorine tablets (approx. 50 tablets).

Which kit size do you need? (and the above-ground pool sizes they commonly cover)

Below are the three common start-up kit sizes people buy and examples of above-ground pool dimensions those kits will generally cover. These are practical, real-world examples, but they’ll help you choose the correct kit. Actual gallons depend on your pool’s exact shape, depth, and fill level — use the examples below as practical sizing guides

Basic — Up to 7,500 gallons

In The Swim Basic Start-up Kit

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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

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Next up is the Deluxe Start-up Kit, which is recommended for pools up to 15,000 gallons. Lets take a look at the pool sizes most suitable for this kit and also the chlorine tablets add-on available.

Deluxe — Up to 15,000 gallons

In The Swim Deluxe Start-up Kit

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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

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Last up is the the Super Start-Up Kit pool opening kit. This is sized to treat pools up to 35,000 gallons. Example above-ground sizes that approximate this capacity:

• Round: up to 36 ft × 56 in (diameter × depth) — roughly ~35,500 gallons.

• 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.

Large / Super — Up to 35,000 gallons

In The Swim Super Start-up Kit

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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

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Where the AquaPill / SpringPill fits in

The optional AquaPill / SpringPill is a one-dose, enzyme-enhanced “spring pill” you drop into the skimmer that helps reduce scum lines, clear organics, and improve filter performance during openings. It can be used with a start-up kit or sometimes is sold in bundle packs with certain start-up kits at retailers — but it’s also commonly sold as a separate add-on that many pool owners add to their start-up routine, especially on larger pools (single AquaPill products often treat up to 30,000 gal). If you want the pill included in your kit, simply select the option "Kit + Pill" — it pairs well with the kit chemicals.

How to use your pool opening Kit (order matters)

Follow the kit’s printed instructions — but here’s the general, reliable sequence used by many retailers and installers:

1. Remove cover, reconnect pump/filter and turn filtration on.

2. Add stain & scale preventer; let circulate ~2 hours.

3. Add clarifier; circulate ~2 hours.

4. Add chlorine shock (Di-Zap / shock bags) per kit directions; circulate ~2 hours.

5. Add algaecide, place Sun-Sorb in skimmer. If you’re using an AquaPill / SpringPill, place it in the skimmer at this point (or follow its directions).

6. Run the filter continuously for 24–48 hours, brush walls and vacuum as the clarifier/shock do their work.

7. Test and adjust pH and alkalinity before you swim.

Pros, cons & pro tips (short & useful)

Pros

• Pre-measured kits simplify opening day and reduce measuring errors.

• Kits bundle oil sorb and test strips (so you get the basics in one box).

Cons

• Unusual water problems (heavy metals, severe algae blooms, very old water) may need specialty products beyond the kit.

• AquaPill/SpringPill is a great add-on but not a substitute for proper shocking and pH balancing.

Pro tips

• Balance pH and total alkalinity before shocking — chlorine is far more effective at the right pH.

• If you add an AquaPill/SpringPill, remember it’s enzyme-based — it helps organics but won’t replace shock for sanitizing.

Bottom line

If you want a straightforward, low-stress spring opening, pick the start-up kit sized for your pool (Basic = up to 7,500 gal, Deluxe = up to 15,000 gal, Large/Super = up to 35,000 gal), and consider adding an AquaPill / SpringPill if you want extra help clearing scum lines and organics. The bucket of individually wrapped chlorine tablets is a nice add-on if you are needing to stock up for the pool season ahead!