Pool closing: a guide for pros

What customers ask, how to win the job, and what to put on your profile.

Offering pool closing

Pool closing is the other half of seasonal service, and it sets up the next opening. Customers judge you on the cover and the water they see in spring, so do the work in a way that holds through winter.

What customers ask

  • Will my pool survive the winter with this cover?
  • Do you blow out the lines?
  • How low does the water need to go?
  • What chemicals do you use to close the pool?
  • Can I leave the cover on until spring?
  • What should I check during the winter?

How to win the job

  • Book the closing when the temperature starts to drop, and tell the customer the window you need rather than a single date.
  • Test the water and inspect the cover on site before you quote, and write down the condition of the anchors and straps.
  • List the winterizing products and their purpose in the quote, so the customer sees the work and the reason for it.
  • Explain why you blow out the lines, and show the compressor and plugs you use.
  • Photograph the cover, the water level and the plugs when you finish, and send the photos with the closing sheet.
  • Offer a winter check after the first storm or heavy snow, and write the date on the closing sheet.

What to put on your profile

  • Post photos of closed pools with covers tensioned and anchors visible
  • List the cover types you install and the anchors and water tubes you use
  • State the equipment you winterize, including heaters, pumps, filters and cleaners
  • Show your closing checklist so customers know what happens on the day

Follow-up that helps the customer

  • Offer a storm check after a major storm and before the snow load builds up on the cover
  • Suggest a cover review when the cover shows wear at the seams or straps
  • Recommend booking the spring opening during the closing visit, so the owner has a date

Licenses and permits

Pool closing is usually routine service, and some areas regulate pool service and chemical handling. Confirm your requirements with your state or local licensing agency, and check whether any electrical or gas disconnection needs a licensed trade.

Questions

What if the customer wants a cheaper closing and skips the blow-out?

Explain the freeze risk in writing and offer the blow-out as a separate line. Keep the customer's choice in writing, so you have a record if the lines freeze.

Who is responsible for the cover during winter?

State the answer in the contract. Say whether you check the cover after storms and whether the owner must call you or is responsible for the cover between visits.

Can I close a pool that has green water?

You can, but test and treat the water first when possible. Write down the readings and the condition you found, since closing with green water can lead to a hard opening next spring.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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