Since 1968
Openings / Closings
Opening and Closing Your Pool Each Season:
If you own a pool, you know that it requires regular maintenance to keep it in good condition. One of the most important tasks you’ll need to do is to open and close your pool each season. This can be a bit intimidating if you’re new to pool ownership, but with the right information and tools, it’s a task you can easily tackle or you can contact Custom Pools and let us open or close your pool.
Below is a guide to opening and closing your pool each season.

Opening Your Pool
Opening your pool is all about getting it ready for the swimming season. Here are the steps you’ll need to take:
Remove the cover. If you have a winter cover, remove it carefully, making sure to clean it as you go. If you have a safety cover, use the special tool that came with it to remove it.
Clean the cover. Once you’ve removed the cover, clean it thoroughly with a hose and a mild detergent. Allow it to dry completely before storing it.
Inspect the pool. Take a good look at the pool and make note of any damage or signs of wear and tear. This is also a good time to check the water level and the chemical balance.
Clean the pool. Use a pool brush to scrub the walls and floor of the pool, paying special attention to any algae or debris that may have accumulated over the winter.
Test the water. Use a pool testing kit to check the pH and chlorine levels. Adjust the chemicals as necessary to ensure the water is safe and healthy for swimming. Or simply bring in your water sample to our store and showroom and let us test it for you! Our experienced technicians can guide you on which chemicals are needed for you to swim safely.
Start the pump and filter. Once you’ve cleaned the pool and balanced the chemicals, it’s time to start the pump and filter. Make sure everything is running smoothly before you allow anyone to swim.
Closing Your Pool
Closing your pool at the end of the swimming season is just as important as opening it. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
Clean the pool. Just as you did when you opened the pool, you’ll need to clean the walls and floor of the pool, and remove any debris that may have accumulated.
Lower the water level. Use a pump to lower the water level in the pool to below the skimmer.
Drain the equipment. Once the water level is low enough, you’ll need to drain the pump, filter, heater, and any other equipment connected to the pool.
Winterize the plumbing. Use a compressor to blow out the plumbing lines to remove any water that may be trapped inside. Add antifreeze to the lines to prevent any remaining water from freezing and causing damage.
Cover the pool. Finally, cover the pool with a winter cover or safety cover to protect it from the elements.
By following these steps, you can open and close your pool each season with confidence, knowing that you’re taking the necessary steps to keep it in good condition. Feel free to fill out our SERVICE REQUEST if you’d like us to take care of this for you. We are here so may enjoy your pool for years to come.
Spring Opening Reminders
All Owners
- Have power on to equipment and electrical outlets. Water source available
- Leave following items out by the pool: (if not left out a return service charge will be added to the opening) Ladder/Diving Board/Filter/Baskets/Plugs/Handles and Misc. Items for Equipment
- If pool is not filled to operating level, homeowner will be responsible for opening skimmers when pool is full
- Pool Heater will be left operating at lowest setting
- Filters not cleaned in fall need a 2 week turnaround time from opening date
- Change every 3 years
Auto Cover Owners
- Fill pool up to operational level before removal
- Water removed from cover
- Cover Box – vacuum and remove winter debris (available upon request)
Salt Generator Owners
- Phosphates and salt levels checked after minimum circulation of 48 hrs.
- Salt Cells cleaned
Watermatic Owners
- Leave sensors out for installation by Pool Technician
- Calibrate sensors – when pool water temp reaches 70 and water balanced
Mesh Cover Owners
- Vacuum to waste to remove fine silt from winter.
Winterization Options
- All closings within 50 miles of Custom Pools
- Includes up to 2-skimmers, 4-returns, 1-main drain
- Pool/Spa combination same equipment
- Pool/Spa separate equipment
Includes:
- Blowing out of lines and equipment
- Antifreeze (non-toxic)
- Remove pool equipment – ladders/handrail
- Winter cover put on
Custom Pools is not responsible for:
- Water bags that leak and/or go flat
- Covers that fall into pool due to leak in pool or water bags
- Condition of pool water
Additional costs:
- To drain pool
- Aqua Genie
- Plugs
- Haul or retrieve cover, etc. from remote location
- Water features (fountains, mini jets, etc.)
Mesh Cover Owners
- Vacuum to waste to remove fine silt from winter.