Let the pros handle your pool closure for the best results
It’s always a sad time of year when the temperatures drop, and you have to winterize your pool for the cold season, but getting the job done properly is a good way to get your pool back in business without issue once the weather warms up again. Hiring a dedicated pool closing company is your best option for closing your pool, as they can often get to your property faster than pool companies, and they have the experience needed to avoid damage to your pool equipment.
There are a few upsides to hiring a company that focuses solely on closing pools:
Affordable service: Since pool closing companies have extensive experience closing down pools, they can often get the job done faster, which could mean lower labor costs for you over hiring a pool company or a handyperson.
More flexible scheduling: Pool closing companies focus on pool closings, so, unlike with a general pool professional, you won’t be competing with homeowners who need repairs or installations for a spot on their schedule.
They won’t void pool equipment warranties: If your pool or equipment is still under warranty, having a non-licensed professional handle the closing could void your coverage.
Many offer a guarantee: Local pool closing companies sometimes offer a guarantee that your equipment won’t get damaged as temperatures dip below freezing. This isn’t necessary in many cases, but having that insurance is nice.
Lower risk of damage to equipment: Pool closing technicians are specialized, so there’s a low risk of anything going wrong. That means less of a risk that something will get damaged over the winter, which could save you on repair costs.
You might get a deal on future service: Some companies that focus on pool closings and openings will give you a discount on reopening services the following year if you schedule both at the same time.
It is absolutely possible to do your own pool closing, and many homeowners do exactly that to save on professional service. On average, pool closing costs around $250, so the savings can add up over the years.
Just be sure you know how to winterize your pool to avoid damaging equipment and plumbing. You also might have to invest in tools like an air compressor to blow water out of the plumbing lines. If you don’t handle the filter properly and get all of the water out of your lines, you risk expensive damage to your equipment, so be extra cautious if you plan on tackling this job yourself.
Closing a pool can take one to three hours if you do it yourself, so if you don’t have the time, contact a pool closing company near you to get the job done quickly.
Virtually all pool companies will be able to handle pool closings without any problems, and even those that focus on pool repairs or installations should be able to do the work without any risk of equipment damage.
However, pool service companies that mainly carry out repairs and other related jobs are less likely to be able to get to your property quickly as they deal with more customers who need repairs, pool removal services, and installations. Contacting a dedicated pool closing company should get you a quick turnaround.
A handyperson should also be able to handle a pool closing, as it’s not a very complicated job. However, there are two downsides to hiring a handyperson to close your pool.
First, they will often charge more for the service since they may take longer and don’t have teams of pool closers that get multiple jobs done in one day. The expediency pool closing companies can provide often leads to lower prices for you.
Second, handypeople who do a wide variety of jobs are less experienced with pool closings and are more likely to make mistakes. Ultimately, that could mean expensive pool repairs for you when you go to open your pool again in the early summer.
Pool closing companies go through a pool closing checklist to ensure that every aspect of your system is safe going into freezing temperatures. A typical pool closing checklist includes:
Performing a deep clean and checking water chemistry
Shocking the water and adding an algaecide
Backwashing, draining, and removing the filter
Bringing down your water level
Cleaning your drain pump
Using compressed air to blow water out of your plumbing lines
Setting up an air pillow and covering your pool
Some pool closing companies will also offer monitoring services throughout the winter to check water levels and add chemicals as needed to keep the pool in good shape for the next season.
