In-Ground Pool Closing Costs: What Homeowners Need To Know

how much does it cost to close pool in house

If you're looking to close your pool for the winter, it's important to factor in the costs involved. The price of winterizing your pool depends on various factors, such as the type of pool, labour, and additional equipment. On average, it costs between $150 and $400 to close a pool, with most people paying around $250. Above-ground pools are generally cheaper to close, ranging from $150 to $200, while in-ground pools can cost between $200 and $400. It's worth noting that closing a pool yourself may be possible, but it's a delicate process that can easily go wrong, so it's recommended to hire a professional service.

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Above-ground vs in-ground pools

Above-ground pools are a more affordable option, costing between $3,500 and $10,000, whereas in-ground pools are significantly more expensive, ranging from $30,000 to $70,000. The cost of an in-ground pool depends on the features added, such as slides or other amenities. The high cost of in-ground pools is mainly due to labour, as professionals are required for installation, and the digging process can take several weeks.

In terms of aesthetics, in-ground pools are considered more attractive as they are available in a wider range of shapes, sizes, and additional features. In-ground pools can be made of different materials, such as concrete, vinyl liner, or fibreglass, and can be customised to fit the owner's preferences and property boundaries. On the other hand, above-ground pools are limited in size, shape, and depth, usually coming in round or oval shapes with a depth of 48 to 52 inches.

When it comes to durability, in-ground pools have a longer lifespan, lasting up to 50 years with proper maintenance. Above-ground pools, on the other hand, have a shorter lifespan of 10 to 25 years, even with excellent care and maintenance. In-ground pools are less likely to suffer damage due to their permanent structure, whereas above-ground pools are more susceptible to the elements.

Safety is another important consideration. Above-ground pools are generally considered safer because they have walls, and the ladder can be removed when not in use, reducing the risk of accidental drownings. However, in-ground pools can also be made safe by installing safety features such as fencing and self-closing locks.

The installation process for above-ground pools is typically quicker and easier, as they are often installed using a kit. In contrast, in-ground pools require excavation and can take weeks or months to install, depending on the materials used. In-ground pools also require permits and compliance with safety laws, adding to the complexity of the installation process.

Overall, the decision between an above-ground and an in-ground pool depends on various factors, including budget, desired features, aesthetics, durability, safety, and installation process.

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Winterizing hot tubs

Closing a pool for the winter, or winterizing, is essential if you live in a cold climate. The cost of winterizing a pool varies depending on the type and size of the pool, but it typically ranges from $150 to $400, with most people spending around $250. For hot tubs, the process is similar but there are some key differences. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to winterize your hot tub:

Allow Chemical Levels to Drop

Before draining your hot tub, let the chemical levels drop. Stop adding new chlorine or bromine and let it dissipate for a few days. Once the sanitizer level is near zero, you can begin the winterizing process.

Turn Off the Power

Ensure there is no power getting to your hot tub. Turn off the power at the breaker, or simply unplug it if it's not hard-wired. This step is crucial for safety as electricity and water can be a dangerous combination.

Drain the Hot Tub

Remove the drain cap and attach a garden hose to the drain spout. Make sure the hose is directed to an appropriate place as you will be releasing several hundred gallons of water. Alternatively, you can use a sump pump to speed up the process. Leave about an inch or two of water at the bottom of the hot tub.

Loosen Unions and Remove the Filter

Open the access panel and locate the pumps and heater. Loosen the PVC pipe unions to allow water to drain from the plumbing lines. Remove the filter cartridges and clean them using a filter cleaning solution. Store the filters in a warm, dry place.

Blow Out the Lines

Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove any remaining water from the lines. Set the vacuum to "blow" and insert the hose into every drain, union, jet, and filter cavity. Blow into each spot for 10-15 seconds to force out any water. Repeat this process to ensure all water is removed.

Remove Remaining Water

Use a sump pump or wet/dry vacuum to remove any remaining water from the well of the hot tub. Use a non-abrasive sponge or soft cloth with a hot tub surface cleaner to wipe down the shell, getting into all the nooks and crannies.

Clean the Cover

If you plan to keep your hot tub closed for a few months, clean the cover. Use a cover cleaner that's also a protectant to shield it from the sun's rays. Clean the underside, top, and sides, paying attention to the crevices. Let it air dry or wipe it with a towel to prevent moisture buildup.

Secure the Cover

Once the cover is dry, place it over the hot tub and lock it if possible. You can also use wind straps to further secure it, especially if harsh winter weather is expected. This will prevent anyone or anything from getting into the hot tub and ensure that no water gets in, reducing the risk of freezing and cracking.

Add Antifreeze (Optional)

If desired, you can add pool- or spa-grade antifreeze to your hot tub. Pour it into the filter canister and jet openings after draining and blowing out the lines. Remember that you will need to flush out the antifreeze before using the hot tub again.

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Pool cover costs

Above-Ground Pool Covers

Above-ground pool covers can cost anywhere from $30 to $500. These covers can be simple tarps weighed down at the edges or more tailored covers clipped into place. They are not considered safety covers and cannot hold the weight of a person or pet.

In-Ground Pool Covers

In-ground pool covers are more expensive, ranging from $75 to $10,000. There are three main types of in-ground pool covers: solid, mesh, and retractable.

Solid Pool Covers

Solid pool covers cost between $650 and $1,200. They are stretched tightly across the pool's surface and anchored on all sides, preventing anything from entering the pool. They can collect water, which may need to be pumped out, and block sunlight to prevent algae growth.

Mesh Pool Covers

Mesh pool covers are priced between $1,500 and $3,000. They are also stretched tightly across the pool but are lighter in weight and do not collect water. They may be considered safety covers as they can support the weight of a person or pet. However, they allow sunlight into the pool, potentially leading to algae growth.

Retractable Pool Covers

Retractable pool covers are the most expensive option, ranging from $2,000 to $20,000. They are stored at one end of the pool and can be deployed manually or automatically as needed. While they are the most convenient option, they also have the highest costs due to the additional equipment required.

Factors Affecting Pool Cover Costs

The cost of a pool cover depends on various factors, including the size and type of pool, the complexity of the cover, and the level of automation. For example, larger pools or those with custom features will require more extensive covers, increasing the cost. Additionally, automatic or retractable covers will be more expensive than manual ones due to the extra equipment and installation required.

Additional Costs

It is important to note that the cost of a pool cover does not always include installation or maintenance. Some companies may charge extra for installation, and proper maintenance, such as regular cleaning and repairs, will incur additional costs over time.

DIY vs. Professional Installation

While it is possible to install a pool cover yourself, it is recommended to seek professional assistance to ensure proper installation and avoid potential issues. Professional installation can provide peace of mind and help maintain the integrity of the cover and the pool itself.

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Permanently closing a pool

For a full pool demolition, a contractor will remove all pool materials, haul them away for disposal, and then backfill and compact the area to prepare it for new construction. This option is more expensive but can increase the property value more. A partial pool fill-in, on the other hand, costs less but carries more risks and is illegal in some places. It involves leaving a portion of the pool in the ground, filling it in, and compacting the soil. However, you cannot build on the filled-in area due to the risk of sinking or drainage issues, and you must disclose this type of removal to potential homebuyers, which could decrease your property value.

The type of pool also affects the removal cost. In-ground pools cost significantly more to remove than above-ground pools due to the heavy machinery and engineering expertise required. Additionally, the pool's material plays a role in the removal cost, with concrete, gunite, or shotcrete pools being among the most expensive to remove.

Before removing a pool, you must close and drain it, which can cost up to $175, depending on the pool's size. This process takes about 24 hours and involves preparing the water, adjusting chemicals, cleaning and storing equipment, draining the pool and pipes, and covering the pool.

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Pool removal costs

The cost of removing a pool depends on several factors, including the type of pool, its size, the material it's made from, and its accessibility. Removing an above-ground pool is generally cheaper than removing an in-ground pool, with costs ranging from $300 to $800 for the former and $4,000 to $16,000 for the latter. Removing the deck of an above-ground pool can increase the cost to between $1,000 and $5,000.

The cost of removing an in-ground pool can be reduced by opting for a partial fill-in, which costs between $4,500 and $6,250. However, this method is illegal in some places and may decrease the property's value. A full pool removal will cost more, ranging from $9,000 to $19,000, but it will leave the land buildable.

Concrete pools are the most expensive to remove, with costs ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 for a full removal, and $3,500 to $5,000 for a fill-in. Fibreglass pools also require full removal, costing between $5,000 and $15,000, while vinyl pools cost between $3,000 and $10,000 to remove.

Additional costs to consider include hiring a structural engineer for $100 to $200 per hour, removing a pool deck for $2 to $5 per square foot, and removing a pool enclosure for $800 to $2,000. Dumpster rental for debris removal will cost around $220 to $500 per week, and permit fees are approximately $200.

The total cost of removing a pool can range from $2,700 to $19,000, with an average of $6,000.

Frequently asked questions

Closing a pool for the winter costs between $150 and $400, with most people paying around $250.

Closing an above-ground pool costs between $150 and $200.

Closing an in-ground pool costs between $200 and $400.

The cost of closing a pool depends on the type of pool, the size of the pool, the amount of equipment and accessories, and the labour involved.

Permanently closing a pool costs between $5,000 and $19,000, depending on the size of the pool and the method of removal.

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