Why Do Pools Need to Be Closed for Winter?
As the swim season winds down and temperatures begin to drop in New Jersey, it becomes crucial to prepare your pool for the colder months ahead. This process is called a pool closing service, also known as pool winterization, and it’s far more than just putting a cover over the water.
When water freezes, it expands — which can crack pipes, damage equipment, and compromise your entire pool system. A proper pool closing ensures that your plumbing lines are drained and sealed, your equipment is protected, and your pool water is treated to prevent algae and bacterial growth during the off-season.
Without this step, your pool can suffer costly damage that isn’t always visible until spring. Whether you own an inground or above-ground pool, a thorough winterization process can help extend the life of your pool and ensure a smoother, cleaner opening next year.
What’s Included in a Professional Pool Closing Service?
Pool Cleaning Before Shutdown
Before any equipment is disconnected or chemicals are added, a thorough cleaning of the pool is the first step in a proper pool closing service. Leaving behind dirt, leaves, or algae can cause staining, unbalanced water chemistry, and even permanent damage during the off-season.
Professional pool techs will:
- Skim the surface to remove leaves, bugs, and debris
- Brush the pool walls and floor to loosen any algae or dirt buildup
- Vacuum the pool to clear any debris settled at the bottom
- Empty skimmer and pump baskets to prevent clogging during closing
By cleaning the pool before winterization, you reduce the risk of organic contaminants breaking down in the water and causing chemical imbalances or stains by spring.
Lowering Water Levels
Once the pool is cleaned, the next important step is lowering the water level to prepare for winter conditions. This is done to protect tile lines, skimmers, and return jets from freeze damage, especially in colder regions like New Jersey where temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
For most pools, the water level is lowered to just below the skimmer mouth or tile line, depending on the pool type:
- Vinyl-lined and fiberglass pools: Lower just below the skimmer
- Concrete or gunite pools: Lower to 4–6 inches below the tile line
This process helps prevent ice expansion from cracking tiles or flooding plumbing lines. It also ensures that when the pool cover is installed, the water won’t rise up and freeze over critical components.
Professionals use high-capacity submersible pumps or multiport valves to safely and efficiently remove the right amount of water.
Blowing Out and Plugging Plumbing Lines
One of the most critical steps in a professional pool closing service is blowing out the plumbing lines to remove all water and prevent freezing inside the pipes. Water left in pool lines during winter can expand as it freezes, causing cracks, leaks, and severe damage to your filtration system.
Here’s how professionals handle it:
- Compressed air is used to push all remaining water out of the return lines, skimmer lines, and main drain (if accessible).
- Once the lines are dry, winter plugs are inserted to seal each opening and keep water from re-entering.
- In extremely cold areas, non-toxic pool antifreeze may be added to lines for added protection — especially in return lines or steps that are hard to fully evacuate.
This process requires skill, the right tools (like a powerful air blower), and an understanding of your pool’s plumbing layout. Doing it incorrectly or skipping this step can result in costly underground leaks and springtime repairs.
Disconnecting and Draining Equipment
After the plumbing lines are secured, the next step is to disconnect and drain all pool equipment to prevent internal freeze damage. Pool pumps, filters, heaters, and chlorinators can all retain water that, if left inside, may freeze, expand, and cause cracks or mechanical failure.
A professional will:
- Shut off the pump and open all drain plugs to empty any trapped water
- Remove or loosen unions on filters, heaters, and salt systems to allow full drainage
- Blow out water from filter tanks (especially sand or DE filters)
- Drain chlorinators or chemical feeders to avoid corrosive damage
- Store delicate parts indoors, like pressure gauges or pump lids, if needed
Some equipment — especially older systems — can be more sensitive to cold, so careful handling ensures your system remains intact and functional for next season.
This step also helps with spring setup: fully drained and cleaned equipment is easier to reassemble, reducing the chance of early-season breakdowns.
Balancing Water Chemistry
Before the pool is covered for the winter, it’s essential to balance the water chemistry to prevent algae growth, scaling, corrosion, and staining while the pool is inactive.
A professional pool closing service includes testing and adjusting:
- pH – Ideal range: 7.4 to 7.6
- Alkalinity – Stabilizes pH and helps prevent swings (80–120 ppm)
- Calcium Hardness – Prevents corrosion or scaling on surfaces (200–400 ppm)
- Chlorine or sanitizer – Shocks the pool to disinfect and oxidize organic material
- Algaecide – Prevents algae blooms during winter stagnation
- Metal Sequestrants (if needed) – Prevent staining from metals in the water
Professionals use accurate testing methods and the right chemical ratios based on your pool size. Balancing water properly at closing makes spring opening easier, requiring fewer adjustments and reducing the chance of green, cloudy water or surface damage.
Installing the Pool Cover
The last step in a professional pool closing service is installing the pool cover — a vital barrier that protects your pool from debris, UV exposure, and algae growth during the winter months.
There are two common types of pool covers:
- Mesh Covers: Allow water to pass through but block leaves and debris. Lightweight and easy to store, but may let in some fine particles and light.
- Solid Covers: Completely block out light and debris. Heavier but provide better protection against algae growth and require a pump to remove rainwater or snowmelt.
Professionals ensure the cover is:
- Cleaned and inspected before installation
- Stretched tightly and securely anchored to prevent sagging
- Fitted properly to avoid gaps where leaves or critters can enter
- Equipped with water bags or anchors if it’s a tarp-style cover
A properly installed pool cover not only protects your investment but also makes reopening your pool in spring faster, easier, and less costly.
When Should You Close Your Pool in New Jersey?
Timing is everything when it comes to pool closing, especially in a seasonal climate like New Jersey. Close your pool too early, and you risk wasting valuable swim days. Close it too late, and you risk algae growth, chemical imbalance, or even freeze damage.
Ideal Time to Close:
Late September to Mid-October is generally the best window. At this point, daytime temperatures drop consistently below 65°F (18°C) — cool enough to slow algae growth but not yet cold enough to freeze equipment.
Factors to Consider:
- Temperature Trends – Aim to close the pool when water temps fall below 60–65°F
- Tree Coverage – More trees = more falling leaves = more debris if you wait too long
- Heated Pools – If you have a heater, you can stretch the season into mid/late October
- Water Clarity – Waiting too long can turn your pool cloudy, making spring cleanup harder
Waiting too long can also increase the amount of chemical balancing and debris removal needed when reopening — which can cost more time and money in the long run.
📌 Pro Tip: Keep an eye on early frost forecasts. A surprise freeze in October could damage your plumbing or filtration system if the pool isn’t winterized in time.
Pool Closing Costs in NJ
The cost of a professional pool closing service in New Jersey typically ranges from $200 to $400, depending on several factors such as pool size, equipment type, and any add-on services needed.
What’s Typically Included in the Base Price:
- Skimming and vacuuming the pool
- Lowering the water level
- Blowing out and plugging plumbing lines
- Disconnecting and draining pool equipment
- Balancing water chemistry
- Installing the pool cover
Most standard closings for an average inground pool fall around $275–$350.
Common Add-On Charges:
| Add-On Service | Estimated Cost |
| Cover cleaning and folding | $25–$50 |
| Chemical packages (shock, algaecide) | $25–$75 |
| Attached spa or water feature | $50–$100 |
| Pool heater winterization | $50+ |
| Large or complex plumbing systems | Varies |
Keep in mind: skipping winterization to save a few bucks now can result in thousands in repairs come spring. A well-executed pool closing is a smart, preventative investment.
💡 Bundle Opportunity: Some companies (including Desi Boys Pool Services) offer seasonal packages that include opening, maintenance, and closing at discounted rates.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional vs DIY Closing
While some pool owners attempt to close their pools themselves, a professional pool closing service offers expertise, equipment, and peace of mind that’s hard to match. Mistakes during closing can lead to costly repairs, especially in colder states like New Jersey where freezing temperatures pose a serious risk to your pool system.
Key Advantages of Hiring a Professional:
1. Prevent Freeze Damage
Professionals properly blow out and plug all plumbing lines, and drain equipment to prevent freeze expansion — a step often done incorrectly in DIY closings.
2. Correct Chemical Balancing
Using the wrong chemicals or dosages can lead to algae, scaling, or corrosion. Pros test and balance water precisely for winter conditions.
3. Time & Effort Savings
A DIY pool closing can take an entire day or weekend. Professionals are in and out in just a few hours — no guesswork, no second-guessing.
4. Professional-Grade Tools
High-powered air compressors, winter plugs, and custom tools ensure a proper seal and winterization that’s hard to achieve with home equipment.
5. Peace of Mind
You get a clean, properly closed pool — with all components inspected. No worrying about spring surprises like cracked pipes, damaged filters, or green water.
📌 For a small seasonal investment, professional service can save you hundreds or even thousands in repairs, chemical fixes, and equipment replacement.
Pool Closing Services Near You in NJ
At Desi Boys Pool Services, we specialize in professional pool closing services designed to protect your pool through New Jersey’s harsh winter months. Whether you’re in a major township or a quiet residential neighborhood, our team ensures your pool is properly winterized — from plumbing and equipment to chemistry and cover.
📍 We Proudly Serve:
- East Windsor, NJ
- West Windsor Township, NJ
- Hamilton Township, NJ
- Plainsboro Township, NJ
- Cranbury, NJ
- Robbinsville Township, NJ
- Allentown, NJ
- Hillsborough, NJ
- Mercer County & Surrounding Areas
Our experienced technicians use professional-grade equipment, handle every detail of the process, and leave your pool safe, clean, and protected — ready for a smooth reopening next spring.
📞 Ready to Close Your Pool the Right Way?
Don’t wait for the first freeze! Book your professional pool closing service in New Jersey with Desi Boys Pool Services today.👉 Call us at +1 (609) 322 1655
📧 Email: info@desiboyspoolservices.com
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