How much does it cost to open a pool?
How much does it cost to open a pool?
$250 – $400 average cost (inground pool)
$150 – $250 average cost (above-ground pool)
Average pool opening cost
Professional pool opening costs $250 to $400 on average for an inground pool and $150 to $250 for an above-ground pool. The pool opening service cost typically includes cleaning, adding pool chemicals, and making sure the pool is safe to swim in after being closed for the winter.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Inground | $250 – $400 |
| Above-ground | $150 – $250 |
Inground pool
Opening an inground pool costs $250 to $400, depending on its size and design. Inground pools cost more to open than above-ground pools because they're usually larger, harder to clean, and have more equipment. They're also more likely to have extra features like an attached hot tub or waterfall.
Above-ground pool
Opening an above-ground pool costs $150 to $250 on average, depending on whether they need to remove any steps or a ladder. Above-ground pools are generally smaller and much easier to clean than inground pools, particularly ones made of concrete.
What is pool opening?
Opening a pool means getting it ready to swim in again after being closed for the winter. This service usually includes removing the cover, cleaning the pool's interior, inspecting and reinstalling equipment, refilling the pool, and balancing the water with chemicals.
Cost to open a pool by liner type
Part of pool opening is cleaning and vacuuming the pool's walls and floor, which varies in difficulty depending on the liner material. Concrete is rough and porous, a perfect surface for algae growth and debris buildup. Cleaning a smooth, non-porous material like fiberglass or vinyl is easier and less time-consuming.
The following table shows the average pool opening costs for different types of pool liners.
| Liner type | Opening cost |
|---|---|
| Concrete / gunite | $300 – $400 |
| Fiberglass | $150 – $300 |
| Vinyl | $150 – $300 |
Cost to open a swimming pool by chemical
Pool technicians add chemicals to adjust the free chlorine and pH levels and kill any microbes. Most pool opening companies include chemicals in their quotes, but some charge separately.
| Cleaning chemical type | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| Algaecide | $15 – $60 |
| Chlorine | $15 – $80 |
| Stabilizer | $20 – $30 |
| Shock | $30 – $50 |
| Bromine | $30 – $50 |
*Material costs only. Does not include other services or labor charges.
Pool opening service cost factors
The cost of opening a pool depends on the following factors:
Pool size: Larger pools take longer and cost more to clean and treat. They're also more likely to have extra features like hot tubs or pool heaters, which require more time and attention.
Extras: Some companies charge an extra $40 to $150 for services like vacuuming, removing the cover, or balancing chemicals. Others include them in their opening service prices. Opening costs more if you have extra features like hot tubs or waterfalls.
Pool condition: Pool opening companies typically charge extra if you haven't used your pool in 2 or more years or if there's more debris than normal.
Maintenance: Opening your pool is a normal part of pool ownership. Pool maintenance costs $80 to $150 per month on average, including checking pH levels.
Location: If you live in an area that stays warm year-round, you may not have to close or open your pool at all. Instead, you can simply cover the pool and turn off the pump if you're on vacation or not using the pool.
Ask if the pool company offers a partial pool opening. They may reduce your price if you do simple tasks yourself, such as removing the pool cover.
Labor
Pool service professionals charge about $50 to $100 per hour. Opening a pool involves several tasks, including cleaning and using pool chemicals. The longer the cleaning takes and the more tasks they need to complete, the more it will cost.
Filter type
Part of opening your pool is cleaning and reinstalling the filter. If you need a new one, most pool filters cost $200 to $1,500 per unit or $250 to $1,700 installed, depending on the type. Diatomaceous earth or glass models cost more but can filter out smaller particles than sand filters.
| Filter type | Average unit price* |
|---|---|
| Sand filter | $200 – $800 |
| Cartridge filter | $200 – $1,000 |
| Diatomaceous earth (DE) | $500 – $1,100 |
| Glass filter | $500 – $1,500 |
| Pocket filter | $20 – $80 |
*Not including installation
Add-on services
If you notice any issues with your pool or want to save money on pool projects by bundling services, ask your technician for quotes. Some common pool services include:
Installing a pool heater: Adding a pool heater costs $1,600 to $5,200 with installation, depending on the type and size. Pool heaters use a lot of energy but extend the time you get to enjoy your pool and make it more comfortable to swim in.
Installing a new pool cover: A pool cover costs $1,000 to $3,600 with installation for a manual cover or $8,000 to $20,000 for an automatic cover.
Pool repairs: If you notice any damage or cracks in your pool, you should repair them before opening it. Pool repairs cost $50 to $1,700, depending on the problem.
Resurfacing: Pool resurfacing costs $6,000 to $15,000 if your pool has serious cracks or damage. Resurfacing a pool deck costs $3 to $12 per square foot or 1,500 to $10,800 on average.
Convert to saltwater: Converting a chlorine pool to a saltwater pool costs $600 to $2,200. Saltwater is less abrasive on your hair and skin and costs less for maintenance and chemicals.
Pool closing
When temperatures regularly start falling below 65° F, you'll need to close your pool again. Pool closing costs $250 to $500 for an inground pool or $150 to $300 for an above-ground pool. Closing typically involves cleaning, draining some water, disconnecting and storing equipment, adding chemicals, and putting on a cover.
Experienced DIYers sometimes close and open their pool themselves. You can find kits at pool supply or hardware stores for $30 to $80. However, any mistakes when opening or closing the pool can have expensive consequences, so consider hiring a professional if you're a first-time pool owner.
Pool opening FAQs
When should I open my pool?
Most people open their pools in May or June, depending on the location. You should wait until temperatures are consistently above 65° F because this is when the threat of frost is low and algae starts to grow in water.
If you live in warmer states like Florida or California, you may be able to keep your pool open year-round instead of opening and closing it every year.
How long do I have to wait to swim after opening my pool?
You should wait at least 1 to 2 days after opening your pool to swim in it again. Opening a pool involves “shocking” it with chemicals to bring the chlorine levels up, which can be harmful to swim in.
If you don't want to wait a full 2 days, you can monitor the pH and chlorine levels and swim as soon as it's safe. The water should be safe when the chlorine is under 4 ppm (parts per million) and the pH is between 7.2 and 7.8.
How long does it take to open a pool?
Opening a pool takes 2 to 6 hours on average, depending on the pool type, liner type, and size. Above-ground pools usually take less time to open than inground pools, especially if they have a vinyl or fiberglass liner instead of concrete.
Getting estimates from pool service companies
Remember to follow these steps when looking for pool service companies near you:
Compare 3+ bids from experienced, reputable pool contractors.
Search for members of the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP).
Explore customer reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Avoid suspiciously low estimates, which can indicate poor-quality work.
Get a detailed, written estimate or contract.
Wait until they finish opening the pool to pay in full.
Questions to ask pool contractors
Ask the following questions to help you find the best company possible for your pool opening:
How long have you been opening pools?
Is your company licensed, bonded, and insured?
Are there any services not included in this price?
Can you close my pool later this year, too? How much does that cost?
Do you charge a flat rate or hourly?
How long will the opening take?
Will you have to drain the pool to clean it?
Will you fill the pool back up as well?
Do you charge extra for vacuuming the pool?
Do you charge more for pools that haven't been used in 2+ years?
Do you have any deals, bundles, or promotional rates?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.