How much do you pay to open and close your pool

[Scout101]

Mine costs around 250 each for opening and closing. Closing takes them 45 min or so, close to an hour, whereas opening I’ve had them take as little as 20 min. I remove my own cover, as they take $50 off the bill if it’s already uncovered. Going to try and open myself this year, save the money. Nothing they do looks hard or requires tools. Closing at least takes extra stuff, plus the risk of messing up is big money. Worst case on opening, I have to call them to fix something that broke over the winter, which is where I’d be if I had them open it anyway.

 

[Pool_Medic]

If going it your own route, invest in a cyclone then you will have no worries of blowing out any lines.

 

[outbacktommy]

Past years, $225 to close including chems and antifreeze (2 returns, no features). I think it's cheaper because of the autocover. They don't touch the heater, SWG or filter except to drain. All mechanicals stay connected, just blown out, available drain plugs removed then antifreeze added. Gizzmos and plugs in the submerged skimmers and returns (blown out but no draining). It seems risky to leave water in the skimmers, but after 12 years in MN, no problems yet. I do have some cracks in the skimmers that need re-sealing every couple of years. We like the peace of mind that if we encounter freeze issues we can blame someone else. We close Oct 31.

This year since our pool company was bought out, it looks like it will be closer to $400 (ouch). It looks like they have a different process that involves partial draining before capping things, then refilling. Sounds excessive compared to the previous company. We will have a discussion before I commit.

To pay anyone to open the pool is a waste of money. Just pull the gizzmos and return plugs, replace the drain plugs, add some water if it needs it and let 'er fly. It takes me about an hour including inspections for leaks and tweaks. Do this early (Mother's Day, before water is 60 degrees) and you can catch up on the chems as you have time later- algea won't grow this cold.

 

[BMK]

So far, I've been using the PB's crew to open and close. The solid cover is big, awkward and heavy, with the grotto area making it even a little more challenging. They do all the normal stuff like blowing out lines, plugs, antifreeze, clean and winterize the filter and the 3 pumps, remove and store ladder, handrail and basketball goal, shut down and winterize water lines feeding the poolhouse and pad. They drain the slide and waterfall runs and clean the salt cell if needed. If they see some minor things that need attention, they just take care of it. When they open in the spring, they also clean the waterline. I pay $500 on both ends, but as someone said previously, that buys me peace of mind that everything was done right, and someone responsible (other than me) if it wasn't.

I'm sure at some point down the road I'll take over (though will still need a few extra hands for the cover), but for now I'm content to let them do it.

 

[Wobblerlorri]

Well actually you do.

If you're honest.