Pool season · State index
Kansas Pool Season 2026: Opening & Closing Dates by City
Last updated: July 25, 2026 · 6 cities covered
Both halves of the pool year for all 6 covered Kansas cities. The median calendar runs April 21 to October 16. Every row links to a one-page season overview with the live water-temperature model; the opening and closing hubs carry the full checklists.
Kansas: a moderate-season pool state| City | Open by | Close by | 80°F+ days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City | Apr 16 | Oct 20 | 114 |
| Lawrence | Apr 22 | Oct 16 | 105 |
| Olathe | Apr 21 | Oct 16 | 103 |
| Overland Park | Apr 22 | Oct 15 | 100 |
| Topeka | Apr 22 | Oct 15 | 114 |
| Wichita | Apr 17 | Oct 21 | 125 |
What the columns mean
"Open by" is the recommended spring date — two weeks before the city's 7-day mean temperature crosses 61°F, the model's proxy for water approaching the 65°F algae-growth zone. "Close by" is the fall deadline — ten days after the water leaves that zone, capped a week ahead of the local 50% first-freeze date. "80°F+ days" counts days whose normal high reaches 80°F: the length of the true warm-swim season, and the fairest single number for comparing Kansas cities against each other.
Every figure comes from each city's own NOAA 1991–2020 normals station (named in its guide's footer), so neighboring cities can legitimately differ by a few days. The season overview linked from each row adds the live water-temperature model and the full-year season bar; the state hubs above carry the step-by-step checklists.
Swim-season length across Kansas
The fairest way to compare Kansas cities is the number of days with 80°F+ normal highs — the practical warm-swim season. Every bar links to that city's one-page season overview with the live water model.
Kansas pool climate at a glance
Scorching Plains summers make Kansas pools popular from late May onward, but the state's famous spring severe weather (hail, high winds, tornadoes) makes sturdy covers and flexible openings wise. In model terms that makes Kansas a moderate-season state. The spread shows up clearly on the local pages: compare Wichita's pool season with Lawrence's and the difference is measured in weeks, not days. Neighbors in the index run on their own normals too — see Iowa and Kentucky for the adjacent calendars.
Kansas pool season FAQ
When do pools open in Kansas?
Model openings in Kansas run from April 16 in Kansas City to April 22 in Topeka, with the statewide median on April 22. Each date is two weeks before that city's 7-day mean temperature crosses 61°F — early enough to start up in algae-cold water.
When should you close a pool in Kansas?
The median Kansas closing deadline is October 16, and every city's own deadline is capped a week ahead of its NOAA 50% first-freeze date. Closing late and cold beats closing early and warm — cool water holds its winter chemistry far better.
Which Kansas city has the longest swim season?
Wichita leads with 125 days of 80°F+ highs per year, while Overland Park brings up the rear at 100 days. The chart above ranks every covered city by the same metric.