Should You Open or Close Your Pool Yourself?

DIY vs. Professional Pool Services Explained

As the seasons change in Ontario, pool owners face the same recurring question:
Should I open or close my pool myself, or hire a professional?

With pool kits and how-to videos readily available, it might seem like a no-brainer to go the DIY route, especially if you’re handy. But there’s a lot more to opening and closing a pool than just pulling off the cover or adding a few chemicals.

At Main Street Pool & Spa, we’ve seen what happens when corners are cut or key steps are missed, and it can get expensive fast. Let’s break down the pros and cons of both approaches so you can make the right choice for your pool, your budget, and your peace of mind.

What’s Involved in Pool Opening and Closing?
Whether you’re opening in the spring or closing in the fall, the process isn’t just about water and covers. Here’s a quick look at what each involves:

Pool Opening Tasks

• Removing and storing the winter cover
• Cleaning and vacuuming debris from the pool
• Reconnecting and inspecting plumbing lines
• Reinstalling and testing the pump, filter, and heater
• Topping up water and balancing chemistry
• Starting up the system and checking for leaks
• Skimming, brushing, and shocking the water

Pool Closing Tasks

• Deep cleaning the pool
• Testing and adjusting chemical levels (especially pH, chlorine, and calcium)
• Draining water from plumbing lines and equipment
• Blowing out the lines with an air compressor
• Adding winterizing chemicals
• Removing accessories (ladders, skimmer baskets, etc.)
• Securing the winter cover properly

Each of these steps needs to be done correctly to avoid damage, algae blooms, or frozen pipes.

DIY Pool Opening/Closing: Pros & Cons
✅ Pros

• Cost savings: No service call fee
• Learning experience: You’ll understand your pool’s systems better
• Convenient scheduling: Do it when it works for you

❌ Cons

• Risk of missing key steps (like blowing out return lines before winter)
• Potential equipment damage if improperly reconnected
• Time-consuming and physically demanding
• No safety check of your system by a pro
• No warranty or liability coverage if something goes wrong

Many pool owners who try DIY eventually switch back to professional service after realizing the time commitment and potential for costly mistakes.

Why Hire a Professional?
At Main Street Pool & Spa, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners open and close pools the right way. Here’s what sets professional service apart:

Expertise You Can Trust
Our team knows what to look for: subtle cracks, small leaks, underperforming equipment, or signs of wear you might miss.

🔧 Proper Equipment & Tools
We use commercial-grade vacuums, compressors, testing kits, and more to ensure a thorough job.

🧪 Water Balance Done Right
Our trained technicians ensure your water chemistry is properly balanced, critical for protecting your liner and equipment.

🧾 Documentation & Warranty
We offer documentation of the service performed and recommendations for next steps, which is useful if you’re selling your home or maintaining a service record.

⏱️ Time-Saving & Hassle-Free
Skip the stress and let us do the heavy lifting. We’ll be in and out, and your pool will be ready for whatever the season brings.

When DIY Makes Sense (And When It Doesn’t)
DIY might be right for you if:

• You have prior experience opening or closing pools
• You own all the necessary tools (like a powerful air compressor)
• You’re comfortable troubleshooting pool equipment

Call in the pros if:

• Your pool is large or has complex features (e.g. heaters, waterfalls, salt systems)
• You’ve had past issues with algae, freezing, or cloudy water
• You want to protect your investment and avoid costly repairs

Book Your Service with Main Street Pool & Spa
Whether you're a new pool owner or a seasoned pro who just doesn’t have the time this year, we’re here to help. Our experienced team will make sure your pool is opened or closed safely, efficiently, and with all the details handled.

Ready to book your pool opening or closing?
Call us today at 905-862-4040, visit us at 37 Main Street North, Uxbridge, or send us a message online.

Let’s make this season stress-free, and your pool, perfectly prepped.