May: Pool Season Prep & Full Outdoor Living
Pool Season Prep & Full Outdoor Living
This Month's Tasks
Open the pool
IntermediateRemove the winter cover, reconnect equipment, shock the water, and balance chemistry before Memorial Day. Starting early avoids green water.
Clean AC condenser unit
BeginnerClear debris from around the outdoor unit, straighten bent fins, and clean the condenser coils before the first hot day.
Check exterior paint and siding
AdvancedInspect for peeling, cracking, or bubbling paint. Address caulk gaps at trim and window frames to prevent moisture intrusion over summer.
Inspect and treat wood structures
IntermediateCheck fences, pergolas, and wood siding for rot, insect damage, and weathering. Apply stain or sealant before summer sun and rain accelerate deterioration.
Clean window screens and tracks
BeginnerWash screens, clear debris from window tracks, and check that storm windows are swapped for screens before bug season.
Test irrigation system coverage
AdvancedRun each zone and check that all heads pop up, rotate correctly, and cover their area without overshooting onto pavement.
This Month's Maintenance Kit
Everything you might need for your may tasks.
Affiliate disclosure: Hello Home Reminders may earn a small commission from purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep our guides free and up to date.
Pool opening chemical kit
A bundled kit includes shock, algaecide, and clarifier sized for your pool volume. Check the label—most kits are sized for 15,000–20,000 gallon pools.
AC condenser coil cleaner
A foaming no-rinse coil cleaner penetrates bent fins and lifts grime without requiring rinsing. Apply with the power off and wait 10 minutes before turning the unit back on.
Exterior caulk
Use paintable siliconized latex caulk for window and door perimeters—it adheres well, remains flexible, and accepts paint. Pure silicone can't be painted.
Wood stain / sealant
Oil-based penetrating stains offer the best long-term protection for raw wood. Water-based formulas are lower VOC and easier to clean up, but may require more frequent reapplication.
Screen repair kit
A kit with replacement screen mesh, spline, and a spline roller lets you rescreen a window for $5–$10 instead of buying a replacement screen.
Sprinkler heads (replacement)
Keep a few spare heads matching your installed brand on hand. Replacing a cracked or clogged head takes 5 minutes if you have the right part.
Fin comb
Straighten bent condenser fins to restore airflow. Fins bent more than 30° restrict efficiency significantly—a fin comb costs $10 and takes 15 minutes.
Pool cover pump
Pump accumulated water off the winter cover before removing it to avoid dumping debris into the pool. A submersible pump with an auto-shutoff works best.
Paint sprayer or brush
An airless sprayer dramatically speeds up large fence or deck projects. For detailed trim, a 2.5" sash brush gives better control than a roller.
Window track cleaning brush
A narrow detail brush or old toothbrush clears compacted debris from window tracks. Follow with a damp cloth and a light coat of silicone spray lubricant.
Touch-up exterior paint
For small repairs, match your existing paint at the paint counter using a chip. Ask for a "historic match" if your home is older—color formulas change over time.
Pool test strips
Test chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and stabilizer. 4-in-1 or 6-in-1 strips give you a quick baseline before adding any chemistry at opening.
Stay on top of home maintenance
Get personalized reminders sent to your inbox before it's too late. Free for homeowners, no credit card required.
Get My Free Reminders