Pool Closing: The Preparation Guide
This is a complete guide to pool closing preparation.
In this in-depth guide, you’ll learn:
- What we do
- What we do not do
- What you need to do before we arrive
- What you need to do after we leave
So if you’re ready to close your pool, this guide is for you.
Let’s dive right in.
Table of Contents
Above Ground Pool Opening
What We Do
During your pool opening, the following items are included:
- Pool cover removal and storage
- Reinstall ladder and handrails
- Remove suction and return line plugs
- Initial chlorine shock treatment with up to 2 gallons of liquid chlorine
- Setup and check the filtration system
- Test water chemistry
What We Do Not Do
The following is NOT included in our pool opening service:
- Moving equipment up or downstairs
- Our technicians will not be moving equipment up or down stairs (i.e. out of attics or basements)
- If your equipment is stored up or downstairs, please ensure it has been moved to the top/bottom of the stairs before our arrival
Opening Extras
The following items are additional items or services we can provide at your pool opening and their associated cost:
Filter Cleaning for DE or Cartridge Filters ($69)
- If your filter was not cleaned at the closing, it is recommended to be cleaned at the start of the season. Depending on the condition of the pool at the opening, the technicians may suggest delaying a filter cleaning until after initial chemical treatments.
Saltwater Chemical Bundle ($175 + 15% discount= $149)
- 2 x 1 lb of GLB Fast Dissolving Shock
- 1/2 qt of Preventative Algae 60
- 15 lbs of Sodium Bicarbonate (Alkalinity)
- 15 lbs of Calcium Chloride (Hardness)
- 2 x 40 lb bags of Pool Salt
- 1 gal of Cyanuric Acid (Stabilizer)
Standard Chemical Bundle ($98 + 15% discount= $83)
- 2 x 1 lb of GLB Fast Dissolving Shock
- 1/2 qt of Preventative Algae 60
- 15 lbs of Sodium Bicarbonate (Alkalinity)
- 15 lbs of Calcium Chloride (Hardness)
Salt Cell Cleaning ($49)
- Manufacturers recommend regular salt cell cleanings to improve cell performance and prolong the life of the cell. We will soak the cell in acid to remove the mineral buildup.
Cover Rinsing ($75)
- We will lay out the cover on the lawn and use a water hose to wash off the debris. Then we will fold and put it away.
What You Need To Do Before We Arrive
Add water to the pool
The pool will need to be filled up to the middle of the skimmer so that we can start up the system and test for any issues or leaks
Turn on electricity
Be sure the electricity is turned on to the system, again so we can start the system and test for any problems.
Be sure we have access to stored equipment and the equipment pad
The technicians will need to be able to access any stored equipment so sheds or garages will need to be unlocked and equipment is accessible. Also make sure that the filter area is free of debris and overgrowth
Be sure solid covers are free of water and debris
Use a cover pump to remove standing water on the cover and clear off as much debris as possible. Any water left on the cover will likely end up in the pool resulting in more time before the pool is swim ready.
⚠️If any of the above items are not done and result in the opening not being completed, we will charge a $75 return visit fee to come back and finish the opening.
What You Need To Do After We Leave
Most pools have more work to do after the opening before they are ready for the first swim of the season. Depending on your experience, comfort level, and available time, you may take on this task on your own. But just know that if you want us to handle it all, we are happy to help.
Maintain your chemical levels
You need to carefully watch your chlorine levels because the levels will quickly drop, especially if there is any algae in the pool. Some pools will require additional shock treatments to clear up the algae. So be sure to check the chemicals daily.
Backwash your filter
The more algae there is in the pool the more crucial this step is. Frequent backwashing helps to keep a good flow of water through the pool and clear it quicker.
Vacuum the Pool
Most pools will require a vacuum after opening. If you choose to do this on your own just be warned that most residential vacuums won’t have the power necessary to remove stuck debris and algae. And you will be running everything through your filter. If you opt to have us power vac for you we will bypass your filter and be able to get off even the most stubborn dirt.
Have a maintenance plan for the season
If you don’t use us for maintenance you will need to have a plan for how you will maintain the pool. This includes regular testing of the water, balancing chemicals as needed, backwashing your filter, brushing your pool surface, netting out debris, and vacuuming.
Above Ground Pool Closing
What We Do
During your pool closing the following items are included in your closing booking:
- Securing an air pillow in place for solid covers (air pillows are sold separately)
- Removing steps or ladders from the pool and placing in your winter storage area
- Placing the cover on the pool and securing with water tubes and/or cable and winch
- If you do not need us to place a cover on the pool we will apply a $35 discount to your closing
- Winterizing the skimmer with a gizmo or another type of plug and freeze protection
- Draining the filter of water (and storing small DE or cartridge filters)
- Sand filters cannot be moved from their current location due to their weight
- Removing the pump and placing it in you winter storage area
- Storing filter hoses with the filter and pump
- Blowing out and winterizing your heater
The following items are add-on services which we can perform in addition to the above items:
- Filter cleaning for DE or cartridge filters ($79)
- This is highly recommended to prolong the life of your filter. DE, dirt, and buildup left on the grids of the filter are heavy. If left through the winter this can lead to rips or damage to internal components. The grids or filter cartridge will be harder to clean in the spring with caked on dirt and debris.
- Chemical Bundles
- Above ground solid cover chem kit – ($53 with 25% off)
- 1/2 qt stain remover – $15
- 1 qts algae 60 – $40
- 2 lbs non-chlorine shock – $16
- $71
- Above ground mesh cover chem kit – ($66 with 25% off)
- 1/2 liter spring + fall enzymes – $15
- 1 qts algae 60 – $40
- 4 lbs non-chlorine shock – $32
- $87
- Above ground solid cover chem kit – ($53 with 25% off)
- Pre-closing power vacuum / water level lowering ($119 per hour)
- If you want to close the pool in the best condition and let us worry about lowering the water level we can do it all in one visit typically 2 days before your closing. This will ensure we close the pool with the water level at the correct level and reduce the risk of staining to your pool liner from leaves and other debris left sitting over the entire off-season.
🚫 What We DON’T Do:
The following is NOT included in our pool closing service:
- Remove weights from pool steps
- If your steps are weighted down please know that we will not be able to remove the weights for you.
- If you want the entire steps removed you must remove the weights prior to our arrival, otherwise we will only remove the railings so that we can secure the cover on the pool.
- Tie objects to the cable to weigh it down (e.g. gallon jugs filled with water)
- If the cover is the appropriate size for your pool and the cable and winch are in good condition there is no need for this.
- Secure the cover with anything other than a cable and winch or water tubes
- Bricks, cinderblocks, boards, or patio furniture can fall into the pool over the winter and damage the pool. We will sell water tubes to secure the cover if needed
- Move and store large cartridge (more than one cartridge) or DE filters sized for inground pools
- These filter are designed to be left outside year round and it is not recommended to move them. By removing them from the plumbing there is a risk that the plumbing can shift over the winter and not line back up in the spring. There is also a risk that the filter can be damaged during the move and while in storage.
- If this is something you still want to do, we will charge an additional $50 to place the filter in storage
⬅️ What you need to do before we arrive:
Prior to our arrival take these steps at least one day before your closing.
By following these steps you will avoid additional charges and delays to your closing and make your closing go as smooth as possible.
What You Need To Do Before We Arrive
Lower the water level to the correct level if needed
- For solid tarp covers the water does not need to be lowered
- For mesh safety covers the water should be lowered to (at least) 3 inches below the skimmer level
If the water is not at the appropriate level when we arrive we will charge $50 for every extra 30 minutes we need to spend at the job to lower the water level in the pool to the proper level for closing
Ensure all of your winter equipment is accessible and in one place
- This includes your cover, air pillow, water bags, cable and winch, plugs, and gizmos
If these items are damaged or missing we have to provide replacements as they are essential to your closing: new cable ($18), winch ($15), 8 ft water tubes ($12 ea.), air pillow ($17), Blow Out Gizmos for skimmers ($15 ea), Threaded Construction Plugs for returns ($3 ea)
What You Need to Do After We Leave ➡️
After closing the pool your job as a pool owner is not done. Especially if you have a solid cover you will need to ensure that the water is removed from the cover throughout the winter. By leaving water on the cover you can damage the cover, void any warranty you may have, and potentially lead to the cover falling into the pool.
For any pool with a solid cover we recommend a cover pump that will help to manage the water throughout the winter months. We offer 2 different types of cover pump options:
- Manual cover pump ($169)
- Manual cover pump kit ($259 – comes with a 100 ft extension cord and 25 ft garden hose with pump adapter)
Manual pumps need to be plugged in to work and unplugged after the water has been removed from the cover so they don’t burn out. If you’re interested in an automatic cover pump that can stay plugged in all winter long, let us know!
⚠️ We also offer winter checkups! If you need us to check your cover, drain the water for you, or remove the leaves just let us know by calling or texting us at 631-472-6275 any time!
Inground Pool Closings
☑️ What We Do:
During your pool closing, the following items are included:
- Remove equipment such as ladders and handrails and place them in your winter storage
- Please note that this year we are NO LONGER removing diving boards. Jump below for more details.
- Add 1-2 gallons of winterizing chemicals depending on the volume of your pool
- Place cover on the pool and secure with water bags or safety cover anchors
- See below for more info about why we will not secure covers with anything else
- See below for information about replacement anchors
- If you do not need us to place a cover on the pool we will apply a $35 discount to your closing
- Blow out the plumbing lines and add up to 2 gallons of antifreeze
- Additional gallons of antifreeze will be invoiced as needed
- More antifreeze is required for additional suction or return plumbing lines and long distances from the filter system to the pool
- Plug lines and place gizmos (plugs) in skimmers
- Drain the filter of water
- Remove your pump(s) and place in you winter storage area ($35 for each additional pump after the first)
- Blow out and winterizing the heater if applicable
- Winterize the spa – drain spa, blow out and plug suction and return lines with antifreeze
- Please note that the following items are charged extra at the following costs:
- Raised walls with cable attachments ($35 per 10 ft)
- Additional pumps for automatic cleaners, waterfalls, or spas ($35 each)
The following items are add on services which we can perform in addition to the above items
- Filter cleaning for DE or cartridge filters ($79)
- This is highly recommended to prolong the life of your filter. DE, dirt, and buildup left on the grids of the filter are heavy. If left through the winter this can lead to rips or damage to internal components. The grids or filter cartridge will be harder to clean in the spring with caked on dirt and debris.
- Chemical Bundles:
- In ground solid cover chem kit – ($103 with 25% off)
- 1 qt stain remover – $25
- 2 qts algae 60 – $80
- 4 lbs non-chlorine shock – $32
- $137
- Above ground mesh cover chem kit – ($127 with 25% off)
- 1 liter spring + fall enzymes – $25
- 2 qts algae 60 – $80
- 8 lbs non-chlorine shock – $64
- $169
- Replacement safety cover anchors (approximately $15-$30 per anchor depending on patio and anchor type)
- We need to make sure the cover is properly secured with ALL anchors in order to maintain the cover warranty, stuck anchors must be extracted and replaced ($30 ea). Anchors installed in pavers will be secured with 9 inch or 15 inch pipe by default ($15 ea).
- If less than 5 anchors need to be extracted we will complete the work at the time of your closing
- If more than 5 anchors need to be extracted we will return for a separate visit due to the need for additional time
- Pre-closing power vacuum / water level lowering ($119 per hour)
- If you want to close the pool in the best condition and let us worry about lowering the water level we can do it all in one visit typically 2 days before your closing. This will ensure we close the pool with the water level at the correct level and reduce the risk of staining to your pool liner from leaves and other debris left sitting over the entire off-season.
🚫 What We DON’T Do:
The following is NOT included in our pool closing service:
- Remove and store diving boards: this season we will not be removing diving boards or installing them at openings.
- Due to increased liability risks we have decided to no longer offer this service
- There is no structural risk to your diving board when left in place over the off-season
- If you are concerned about cosmetic wear we can provide a diving board cover for approximately $60.
- Move and store large multi-cartridge filters or DE filters
- These filter are designed to be left outside year round and it is not recommended to move them. By removing them from the plumbing there is a risk that the plumbing can shift over the winter and not line back up in the spring, There is also a risk that the filter can be damaged during the move and while in storage as you move yard furniture into the storage area.
- If this is something you still want to do despite the risks, we will charge an additional $50 to place the filter in storage – and another $50 to re-connect it to system in the spring
- Secure the cover with anything other than water tubes or water blocks (buckets are discouraged)
- Bricks, cinderblocks, boards, or patio furniture can fall into the pool over the winter and damage the pool. We will sell additional water tubes to secure the cover if needed.
- Moving equipment up or down stairs
- Our technicians will not be moving equipment up or down stairs (i.e. into attics or basements)
- If you need to store your equipment up or down stairs, we will place the equipment as close as possible to the steps for you
⬅️ What You Need to Do Before We Arrive:
Prior to our arrival take these steps at least one day before your closing.
By following these steps you will avoid additional charges and delays to your closing and make your closing go as smooth as possible.
What You Need To Do Before We Arrive
Lower the water level to the correct level:
Vinyl Pools
- For solid covers on vinyl lined pools the water does not need to be lowered
- For mesh safety covers on vinyl lined pools the water should be lowered to (at least) 3 inches below the skimmer level
Gunite Pools
- For solid covers on gunite pools the water should be lowered to (at most)1 inch below the tile line
- For mesh safety covers on gunite pools the water should be (at least) 3 inches below the tile line
Spas
All spas should be drained of all water prior to our arrival
If the water is not at the appropriate level when we arrive we will charge $50 for every extra 30 minutes we need to spend at the job to lower the water level in the pool to the proper level for closing
⚠️ The best way to drain your pool is to run filter on backwash mode (for DE and sand filters) so the filter gets a good cleaning while the water level in the pool is lowering. If you are not comfortable lowering the water level in your pool, we can do it for you as part of our Power Vac and Water Level Lowering service.
- Ensure all your winter equipment is easily accessible and in one place
- This includes your cover, water bags, plugs, and gizmos
If these items are damages or missing we will provide new ones as they are essential parts of closing: 8 ft water tubes ($12 ea.), air pillow ($14), Blow Out Gizmos for skimmers ($15 ea), Threaded Construction Plugs for returns ($3 ea)
Spa items: Some spas use unusual sized plugs we don’t keep in stock. If the plugs are missing or damaged we’ll need to special order new ones and bill you for a return visit ($75) to properly winterize the spa
What You Need to Do After We Leave ➡️
After closing the pool your job as a pool owner is not done, especially if you have a solid cover.
You will need to ensure that the water is removed from the cover throughout the winter. By leaving water on the cover you can damage the cover, void any warranty you may have, and potentially lead to the cover falling into the pool and a very messy and expensive opening in the spring.
For any pool with a solid cover we recommend a cover pump that will help to manage the water on the cover throughout the winter months. We offer two automatic cover pump options:
- Automatic cover pump ($260)
- Automatic cover pump kit ($350 – comes with a 100 ft extension cord and 25 ft garden hose with pump adapter)
Automatic cover pumps can remain plugged in all winter and will not burn out if there is no water on the cover!
⚠️We also offer winter checkups! If you need us to check your cover, drain the water for you, or remove the leaves just let us know by calling or texting us at 631-472-6275 any time!
Select the Industry Leaders
For over two decades, Paul Romanelli & Son Pool Service has established a loyal customer base thanks to our high-quality service. As a family-owned local pool service company, our goal is to deliver the best possible customer experience. To see what our satisfied clients have to say about us, check out our reviews on Google.
To schedule your pool closing, give us a call at 631-472-6275.
