Open your pool like this.

Honestly, it’s not as complicated as the pool supply stores want you to believe. You’re basically cleaning, filling, and shocking. Do it in that order.

Start by skimming off the winter cover crud, then pump off any standing water. Pull the cover off, clean it, and store it somewhere dry. Reinstall the plugs, fittings, and ladder. Fill the water to the right level. Then vacuum, brush, and skim until it looks like a pool again.

Now chemistry. Test the water. Balance alkalinity first, then pH, then shock it (non-chlorine shock if you’re impatient). Run the filter for 24 hours, then test again. If it’s cloudy, keep filtering and add a clarifier. Algae? Use algaecide after the shock.

That’s it. The only real mistake is skipping the balancing before you shock. Future you will be swimming in two days.