Pool opened. Next year I'll open it myself.

[pb4uswim]

This is the first year of my inground pool. In fall of last year I had someone close it. It was part of the pool contract and I didn't feel comfortable doing it so it got done and all was good. I did prep the pool per TFP instructions and opened to a very clear pool. I just used chlorine - no algicide. Fast forward to today. I hired the same company that closed to pool to come and open it. Let me get right to the punch line - $414. Four Hundred Dollars. Suffices to say that I'll be opening it next year. A lot of what they did I could have done with no problem. I didn't need them to remove the safety cover. I didn't need them to vacuum the pool or clean it in any way. I didn't need them to swap out the plugs for the outlet eyes in the pool. I didn't need them to take the pipe out of the skimmer. About all I was uncomfortable with was re-starting the equipment. For $400, I think I can figure that out.

One observation. When I closed the pool, I didn't let them put in any chemicals. They came out with pool shock and algicide. Then, to open the pool, they came out with pool shock and algicide again. I told them they can leave the shock since it was part of the price, but that I didn't even want the algicide. How much dang algicide do these companies use? I'm good with none unless I have a problem later on down the road.

On closing - I'm still not sure how to handle. The basic process is straight forward enough but my concern will be whether or not I do anything that will break something and void the warranty. I might have them come out and close until the warranty is done. Thankfully, I have a entire season to figure that out. One thing is for sure, if closing costs anything close to what opening costs, springing for the proper equipment will be a no brainer. A quick look for a Cyclone shows them at about $350. That will pay for itself in one season.

Anyway, I did a quick check on the chlorine and ph and it looks pretty good. I'll do a full test tomorrow after the pump has run for several hours (overnight). Bottom line - still appreciating the assistance/information from this forum. Thanks!

 

[Pool_Medic]

Companies need to hire staff, pay for vehicles, pay for repairs and fuel. costs for openings and closings are based on general pricing amongst all their competitors. Profit isn’t a bad word and I’m sure where you work anyone could criticize your costs as well.

That being said it’s a fairly straightforward job for any medium skilled DIY’er. Check out the pool closing sticky to familiarize yourself with the process.

 

[Newdude]

For $400, I think I can figure that out.

Shoot. We can teach you for nothing more than an Internet high-five.

How much dang algicide do these companies use?

As much as they can sucker the owner into buying. And as often as possible too.

 

[fezzer0014]

opening is definitely the easy part. getting the equipment going is mostly about making sure that you have enough water in the pool and you've primed the pump sufficiently. When starting up the equipment, it's hard to do much damage. Ie if the pump is dry, running it like that for 30 seconds or so won't break it. Running overnight, that would be an issue. I don't have an issue with how much the pool companies charge to open and close, but agree you can do it yourself for much less expensive.

Closing is definitely more difficult, but not too bad. I had been opening our pool for a few years myself but paying to have a company come and close for fear that I would mess it up and end up with a burst line. Last year I bought a cyclone and did it myself. It was a very straightforward process and the 'hardest' part was thinking through how to blow out the lines. You have to have an understanding of your system and how you can get the main drain and everything else clear as well as air lock them off so no water can get back in. It's not terrible, but look at some posts and videos and come up with your plan to blow out your lines. If you try and it doesn't work, you can always hire a company and watch how they blow out your lines and be ready for next year. Everything else with closing is pretty straight forward

 

[pb4uswim]

I'll watch closer when they close and make sure I figure it out before I try it. I figure I'll go a couple more years with the closing, but I'll open it myself next year.

 

[V___25]

I'm nervous about the closing part and making sure all the water is out of the lines and for that we also paid someone to close it last year, being our first year. But this year, we will try it ourselves and I plan to make sure the water level is much lower, as the company didn't drain it below the return lines.

 

[Pool_Medic]

Companies don’t drain pools below returns for two reasons, no pump required and it save 20-30 mins. That savings means more jobs completed every day.

 

[Kjp300]

Paid a company for three years to open my pool. Didn’t mind paying them and certainly don’t begrudge anyone earning a profit. I hire out my grass cutting landscaping etc. Things I can do but just don’t want to be bothered with.

That being said my son in law talked me into opening the pool myself with his help this year. So we did it Saturday. Wow. Piece of cake. That is $400 I will be saving annually.

Not sure about closing. But seriously thinking about it.

 

[Pool_Medic]

Just make sure you have an adequate blower for closing!

 

[bmoreswim]

After 8 years I still pay to have it closed. But never to open.

 

[Snoobug]

This thread is relevent to my interests! Our pool dig is this week but we are having the pool company close this year. My husband & I both agree that we want to open & close our pool next year. My husband is pretty handy but pools are new to us. I think the pool company takes off all the handrails for the winter... that part looks like a pain but I have no idea (yet). We definitely will be following the closing pool chemistry of TFP!

 

[Winger 03]

After 8 years I still pay to have it closed. But never to open.

Same here, I consider it "broken pipe insurance" and money well spent.

 

[Pool_Medic]

There are a lot of reputable pool companies out there that do great reasonably priced work, you just have to find them. My business model is based on TFP methods and treating every pool as if it’s my own.