Closing an above-ground pool and closing an in-ground pool have the same goal: protect the water, plumbing and equipment from Ontario winter conditions. The steps and equipment involved can be quite different.
If you are comparing above-ground versus in-ground pool closing in Barrie, the biggest differences are the plumbing layout, winter cover, number of fittings and amount of equipment that must be protected.
What Both Pool Closings Have in Common
A professional closing should prepare the complete circulation system and pool for the months when it will not be operating.
A standard closing commonly includes:
- Lowering the water to the level required for the pool and cover
- Winterizing accessible plumbing lines, hoses and fittings
- Draining and winterizing the pump and filter
- Winterizing a connected standard heater
- Preparing a standard salt system, if present
- Adding standard winter chemicals to clean, balanced water
- Installing the customer’s existing winter cover with available hardware
- Removing an accessible removable ladder, where applicable
- Taking completion photos
The exact procedure depends on the pool, equipment and cover. Photos submitted before the appointment help confirm what is on the property.
Above-Ground Pool Closing
Above-ground pools usually have equipment positioned beside the pool with shorter, more exposed plumbing connections. Flexible hoses, skimmers, return fittings and valves need attention because they are directly exposed to freezing temperatures.
Important areas include:
- Pump and filter drainage
- Skimmer and return protection
- Exposed hoses and valves
- Salt equipment, if installed
- Heater winterization, if connected
- Removable ladder removal
- Winter cover placement and fastening
The cover normally spans the pool wall and is secured around the perimeter. Cover condition, cable, winch, clips and the top rails should be checked before closing day.
Water should not automatically be lowered as far as possible. The correct level depends on the skimmer setup, liner and cover system. The remaining water helps support the liner and cover during winter.
Lakeshore’s standard above-ground closing starts at $319 plus HST for pools within the standard package limits. Additional equipment, repairs, cleaning and special features are reviewed separately.
In-Ground Pool Closing
In-ground pools often have buried plumbing lines running between the pool and equipment area. Those lines may include multiple skimmers, returns, a main drain, water features or separate equipment.
Important areas include:
- Each accessible plumbing line
- Skimmers, returns and fittings
- Pump, filter and connected heater
- Salt system or other connected equipment
- Stairs, lights and water features
- Standard cover, water-bag cover or safety cover
- Additional pumps or separate equipment systems
An in-ground cover may use water bags around the perimeter or springs and anchors installed in the deck. The condition and quantity of the cover hardware can affect what is required on closing day.
If the pool has a sump well, the homeowner should empty it two days before the scheduled closing so the area is ready for the crew.
Lakeshore’s standard in-ground closing starts at $429 plus HST. Pools with extra lines, water features, attached spas, separate pumps or unusual access may require additional work.
The Main Differences at a Glance
Plumbing
Above-ground plumbing is often shorter and more exposed. In-ground plumbing is commonly buried and may include more individual lines.
Equipment
Both pool types can have pumps, filters, heaters and salt systems. In-ground pools are more likely to have multiple pumps, water features or separate systems.
Winter Covers
Above-ground covers are usually secured around the pool wall. In-ground pools may use water bags or a safety-cover system with deck anchors.
Access
Decks built tightly around an above-ground pool can limit access to fittings. In-ground equipment may be located farther from the pool or behind a separate gate.
Time and Price
In-ground closings generally take longer because the system often has more plumbing, equipment and cover hardware. This is reflected in the different standard prices.
Information to Provide Before Booking
A short online request can provide the details needed to review the closing. Include:
- Pool type and approximate size
- Clear photos of the pool and equipment
- Number of pumps, filters, heaters and salt systems
- Cover type and condition
- Attached spa or water features
- Additional skimmers and returns
- Gate width and access restrictions
- Known leaks or damaged fittings
- Preferred closing week
Accurate details help the crew arrive with the correct equipment and enough scheduled time.
When to Schedule a Pool Closing in Barrie
Many Barrie-area homeowners close their pools from mid-September through October. The best timing depends on water temperature, surrounding trees, equipment condition and the forecast.
Booking early gives you more choice of dates, especially during the busiest fall weeks. Read our guide on the best time to close a pool in Barrie for more timing information.
Choose the Correct Closing Form
Lakeshore Pool & Deck uses separate request forms for above-ground and in-ground pools. This keeps the questions relevant and makes the online request faster.
Visit the pool closing page to choose your pool type. The request takes about two minutes, and your preferred week is confirmed after Lakeshore reviews the details and contacts you.
Lakeshore serves Barrie, Innisfil, Oro-Medonte, Springwater, Essa and Bradford West Gwillimbury. For questions, call 289-512-9696.