As the fall season transitions into winter, the inevitable task arises for pool owners—closing the pool for the cooler months. As idyllic as those summer days lounging poolside may have been, the change of seasons ushers in falling temperatures that make swimming impractical. Once the decision is made to shut down the pool for a few months, the next step is figuring out the pool closing service process.
I’ll be sharing the most important factors to consider when researching pool closing outfits, the key steps involved in properly securing your pool for cold weather, what kind of costs to expect, and the top warning signs of untrustworthy companies. Let’s dive in!
Choosing the Ideal Time for Pool Closing Service
Before starting the search for a closing crew, pinpointing the optimal timeframe for shutting down operations is paramount. Though this varies by region, most pools in temperate climates are unusable by late October or early November.
I usually aim to book my service during the final weeks of September or first half of October at the latest. This ensures I can squeeze out any potential lingering sunny weekends while also sealing things up before frigid weather and falling leaves take over.
Getting ahead of the game and having your pool winterized even earlier is fine too, though unnecessary in warmer zones. Customize your timeline based on historical climate data where you live. The earlier the closure date, the longer the covered season will last before next spring’s opening preparations commence.
Ask Around for Referrals from Neighbors
Checking whether nearby homeowners with pools have recommendations for service providers they’ve used before can be incredibly valuable market research. Some key questions to ask:
- How satisfied were you with the overall quality?
- Did they completely close everything properly in one visit?
- Were they responsive to calls and flexible if issues popped up afterward?
- Did they deliver services on a budget without surprise add-ons?
- Would you utilize them again in the future?
I’ve found that word-of-mouth referrals from actual customers in my immediate vicinity carry more weight than anonymous online reviews when vetting a company. There’s no guarantee the online praise even came from legitimate customers.
Nearby acquaintances also give me the opportunity to visually inspect their dormant pools in the offseason to assess the handiwork firsthand if I’m considering hiring the same outfit. This can provide peace of mind that I’ll be getting similarly tidy results.
Verifying Credentials & Insurance Coverage
Before allowing any strange company access to your property to meddle with expensive pool gear, double checking their credentials is a must. Legitimate outfits should proudly promote any professional affiliations, training certifications, or licensing rights on their websites and marketing materials.
Members of trade organizations like the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) have demonstrated knowledge of proper maintenance and operation procedures by passing certification exams. Taking these extra steps shows a vested interest in quality craftsmanship.
Ask for documentation confirming the company carries general liability policies too so that in the rare scenario accidental property damage occurred or safety guidelines weren’t followed, damages and medical bills wouldn’t come out of your own pocket.
I once made the nearly costly mistake of hiring a guy advertising pool closings on Craigslist who couldn’t provide any credentials or insurance paperwork when asked. Don’t let bargain prices or handyman-style operations lure you in if they can’t prove legitimate qualifications. The risk isn’t worth the temporary savings.
Evaluating Online Reviews
While positive word-of-mouth referrals from neighborhood acquaintances you trust should carry the most weight when assessing credibility, cross-checking online review profiles can still provide supplementary insight.
I usually search the company name first on trusted consumer reporting sites like Better Business Bureau and Angie’s List focusing on service professional vetting. This reveals any alarming patterns of customer disputes that might reveal systemic issues. One or two negative critiques amongst a sea of applause are inevitable over time in any service business—but pervasive criticism spanning months and years cannot be ignored.
General ratings and reviews left on Google Maps and Facebook pages should align with mostly favorable feedback seen elsewhere as well. I tend to ignore outlier glowing or scathing reviews when patterns clearly emerge showing things average out to positive overall. No company bats a thousand in satisfying every picky customer’s subjective expectations.
Watch out for review profiles with almost no ratings activity though. Spotty presence could signal they have few actual customers to speak of because they are just starting out or struggle retaining business. I prefer established companies boasting ample customer experience spanning at least five years.
Requesting an On-Site Assessment
Before finalizing your winterization contract, ask if the company provides initial on-site assessments by sending a representative to inspect the pool area in-person while still operational. These consultations accomplished a few things:
- Custom plan forming – They can devise a winter prep plan tailored to your unique pool layout, equipment, landscaping and regional climate considerations. No two situations are alike.
- Clarifying needs – Two-way dialogue allows you to explain specific concerns while they educate you on additional options. Perhaps raising water levels, installing freeze covers, applying algaecides or detached filtration cartridges are warranted depending on conditions.
- Building familiarity – Meeting a technician face-to-face lets you assess professionalism and makes you more comfortable allowing access later for the real job.
- Accuracy in quotes – Surprises are avoided by the representative witnessing the scope of demands firsthand instead of guesstimating over the phone. This prevents bait-and-switch tactics down the road.
I’ve found custom consultations provide tremendous value that more than justify the nominal fee some companies charge. Declining to pay and still expecting an exhaustive analysis tailored to your unique situation is rather presumptuous in my opinion. Pool pros must compensate staff adequately for time and expertise.
Pay Attention to Itemized Price Breakdowns
Reputable companies always provide clearly defined quotes listing exactly which tasks and materials are covered for the quoted closing price rather than hiding behind vague terminology.
As a customer, understanding the full scope of promised services is crucial in determining fair market value and avoiding upselling attempts later that should have already been included at the agreed upon price.
Some of the key tasks that quality pool closing packages typicially entail:
- Balancing chemicals and conditioning water
- Clearing debris with leaf skimmers
- Detaching and storing filtration equipment
- Installing winter plugs in jets
- Draining water lines and external piping
- Covering the beam with protective vinyl
- Lowering levels to the approved winter mark
- Superchlorination shock treatment
- Floater installation to prevent liner indentations
- Locking safety fencing
Additional charges may apply for more exhaustive undertakings like full water drainage, antifreeze lines flushing or safety cover placement. However, the baseline closing procedures outlined above should all be transparently conveyed without hidden surcharges.
I immediately dismiss any company unwilling provide defined details on deliverables because opacity typically disguises deceptive tactics. Calculate apples-to-apples pricing across multiple bids based on matching procedural checklists to identify the best value.
Inquire About Secondary Fall Maintenance Services
The winterization process only truly finalizes a pool’s functional season. Some companies strategically offer secondary maintenance services during fall months leading up to final draining and storage measures that may interest you as well.
Continued upkeep can let you enjoy lingering swims during Indian summer evenings past peak season when harsh weather is not yet compromising water integrity or equipment. Don’t prematurely abandon poolside comfort!
Some of these transitional season extension services may include:
- Ongoing leaf removal
- Brushing and vacuuming
- Water balancing
- Filter backwashing
- Surface skimming and wall scrubbing
- Hot tub to pool conversions
I’ve found paying a small premium to stretch usability into the shoulder season through November keeps my household happier. And when the time finally comes to call it quits until spring thaw, having the same company immediately winterize everything provides helpful continuity. Ask your closing service about off-peak maintenance options too and budget accordingly.
Verify Experience Handling Your Pool Type
When researching providers, be sure to ask what types of pool construction they possess experience servicing beyond the standard in-ground varieties. You want assurances they are familiar with nuances applying to whichever structure you own—vinyl liner, concrete, fiberglass, gunite, etc.
Many portable above-ground or inflatable models require alternative winter prep demands as well. Vinyl liners especially tend to utilize uniqueAccess important steps in the storing sequence could severely damage expensive parts. Don’t risk hiring some fly-by-night operation more accustomed to basic rectangles to hastily wing it.
Seek out specialists accredited in caring for whichever pool type sits in your backyard. Mismatched competencies often manifest in overlooked considerations that lead to preventable infrastructure issues or accelerated decay.
Explain Unique Landscaping Factors On Your Property
No two poolscapes exist alike when considering gradation, drainage and ambient shading elements inherent to the surroundings. These localized attributes influence moisture retention and sun exposure—which in turn impacts winterizing priorities.
For example, my property features a slope running away from the structural perimeter with rather porous soil. Come spring reopening, this facilitates rapid melt drainage and quick drying. However, other settings may feature compact terrain inclined towards the pool with engulfing tree canopies above.
Such conditions demand extra preparation like clearing extensive leaves, testing soil PH levels that foster moisture, installing weighted cover Pins, grading slopes or adding water displacement balloons during freeze months.
That’s why assessing unique specifications onsite is so crucial for customizing advised actions based on your landscape. Don’t let improper planning spawn erosion buildup collapsing inward or cracked concrete heaving upwards when the thaw arrives.
Ask About Follow-Up Check-ins During Off-Season
The best pool service companies demonstrate active concern for their clients’ assets beyond just selling closing packages in the fall months. They understand properly safeguarding your substantial investment relies on diligent monitoring through winter as well.
Many reputable providers offer scheduled follow-up drop ins spanning winter to validate initial preparations remain intact. For an added fee, they may return to re-adjust cover straps if winds kicked up or replenish chemical maintenance if a mild snap requires preventative shocking.
Having this safety net of recurring inspection brings peace of mind during my periods of southern travel knowing ice storms back home won’t end up destroying everything while I’m on vacation unable to check myself.
When interviewing companies, be sure to inquire whether such secondary monitoring is available during dormancy. Will they pledge to ensure your luxury swimming pool survives harsh conditions right up until rebooting sequence when you summon them again next spring? Secure those promises early before signing paperwork.
Reviewing Pricing Between Multiple Bids
After gathering proposals from three to five closing outfits to compare service menus, evaluating pricing disparities correctly becomes pivotal. Remember—the cheapest quote often equates to cut corners rather than fair market value. Be wary of extreme highball numbers as well though.
As the saying goes, contractors can offer work that is cheap, fast or quality—but never all three simultaneously. Be realistic when assessing quotes. Significantly underbidding competitors likely signals desperate newbies with minimal experience or overworked scale. They’ll probably rush through haphazardly and generate complaints.
On the opposite end, vastly exceeding industry averages probably signifies pretentious showboaters overcharging to posture an illusion of premium quality rather than actual expertise.
Ideally you want quotes clustered within about 15% margin of difference exhibiting reasonable overlap. This suggests reliable benchmarking amongst companies with practical capacity to deliver consistent results area professionals expect for projects of that nature in your region. Disregard outliers in both directions.
If still undecided between two equally qualified candidates, arranging walkthrough introductions can be worthwhile for discerning more intangible attributes between them like communicativeness and vision. Consider who instills greater confidence in effectively safeguarding your pool while idle. Trust your gut once satisfactory baseline of competency is proven.
Signing a Service Agreement & Scheduling Work Order
After electing your preferred pool closing company based on service aptitude, work history and budgetary alignment, formally solidifying logistics requires signing off on written contractual agreements. Reputable companies always provide clearly defined policies detailing what exact services were agreed upon and what corresponding payment obligations exist.
Scrutinize these documents in full before autographing to ensure all discussed deliverables indeed appear in writing. Too often slick sales pitches promising unambiguous expectations later devolve into finger pointing over ‘he said/she said’ confusion when no evidence reinforces what was merely spoken.
During this scheduling phase, be sure all timeline expectations are additionally discussed so you can anticipate crew arrival windows and coordinate personal schedules around guaranteeing site access when they’ll be working. There’s nothing more frustrating than mysteriously missing workers who never showed because of communication breakdowns. Reconfirm everything verbally as well once hard copies are signed.
With paperwork formalities now handled, you can comfortably check pool closing duties off your list and shift focus towards more enjoyable fall activities! Let the professionals assume worries over winterizing things correctly as you bask in your final weeks of effective usage.
The following key steps summarize how to find a quality pool closing service provider:
- Ask neighbors for company referrals they were pleased with
- Verify credentials, training history and liability insurance paperwork
- Cross-check online customer reviews for any red flags
- Request an on-site assessment meeting prior to closure
- Closely examine itemized price lists detailing all deliverables
- Choose a company specializing in your unique pool construction
- Explain any landscaping variables that may influence service plans
- Inquire about optional off-season maintenance and monitoring
- Compare similar bids before deciding on a trustworthy choice
- Formalize agreed upon expectations within signed service contract
Take advantage of these strategies for streamlining your provider search process while avoiding hassles down the road. Before long, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your pool is tucked in securely for the coming winter months!
FAQs
Q: When is the ideal timeframe to schedule closing?
A: Most pools should be closed down between late September and mid-October for safe winter hibernation. Coordinate based on your regional climate patterns.
Q: Does all the water need to be drained out or chemicals added?
A: Not necessarily—though some climates demand full drainage. Consult your closing company on whether water plugs, antifreeze, or balloon floats will suffice for winter protection in your area. Proper chemical balancing prepares water for succeeding spring reopenings.
Q: Can I close my own pool or is hiring a service required?
A: While technically possible as a DIY project, the specialized equipment and chemical competence required make hiring professionals well worth reasonable fees. They also assume liability that doesn’t fall back on homeowners for any errors.
Q: How much does scheduling pool closure typically cost?
A: Average costs range between $200 – $500 depending on pool sizes and which specific stabilization elements you arrange beyond baseline closure needs. Regional labor rates influence this too.
Q: When should I arrange to reopen my pool next spring?
A: Plan on scheduling reboot service calls towards late March or early April when ambient temperatures normalize above 60+ degrees to ensure winterizing safeguards can be safely removed again.
Let the Pool Season Wind Down and welcome Crisp Changes Ahead
As vibrant greens transform into autumnal palettes and our daylight hours grow increasingly scarce, the bittersweet reality sets in that another magical pool season near conclusion—at least up here in places where snow still falls occasionally!
Although bidding adieu to long afternoons lounging beachside always leaves one a little forlornly yearning for endless summer, concentrating efforts on properly preserving the backyard oasis until next year’s warm weather returns is ultimately what enables treasuring such memories again down the road.
Approaching pool closing service proactively using the guidance above ensures you’ve done everything within reason to mitigate problematic surprises later while maximizing functional longevity. Trust the process and rest easy knowing with a bit of yearly diligence, countless forthcoming seasons still await replenishing spirits poolside.
Tags: above ground pool closing service, pool closing service cost, pool closing service near me, swimming pool closing service
