Pool Dewinterizing & Opening (978) 710-8667
We open above-ground and inground swimming pools across Massachusetts, Southern New Hampshire, and surrounding areas. This page tells you exactly what we do, what we charge, and what to expect – no surprises.
Call or text to schedule: (978) 710-8667
Inground Pool Opening – $275
We charge $275 to open most inground swimming pools. Pools larger than 24,000 gallons cost a little more for opening chemicals.
If you have a Gunite pool with more than 2 returns, a spa, or multiple pumps and equipment – expect to pay more. Extra cost table just below.
What’s Included
- Remove mesh or solid safety cover
- Fold, bag, and store cover where you want it
- Super-shock pool to kill germs and algae
- De-winterize filter and pump, assemble as necessary
- De-winterize plumbing – remove plugs, install water directionals
- Install skimmer basket(s), ladder(s), and handrail(s)
- Brush walls when appropriate
- Opening chemicals (algaecide and chlorine)
Here’s The Catch – What’s NOT Included
| Add-On | Extra Cost |
|---|---|
| Tarp style covers with water bags | +$75 |
| Vacuum service | +$175 (Highly Recommend) |
| Inground floor systems | +$50 |
| Jacuzzi / inground spa | +$50 |
| Waterfalls | +$50 |
| Clearing heavy water/debris off cover | +$50 minimum |
| Pool Not opened the previous year or two | Need to access and price |
Also: We install salt cells, but we don’t balance salinity. We super-shock and add algaecide – we don’t balance other chemicals.
The Vacuum Service – $175
Highly recommended for mesh safety covers. We vacuum straight to waste with our equipment, pumping dirt and algae directly out of your pool. This keeps the filtration equipment from getting overwhelmed and helps the pool clear fast.
Heads up: When you open a pool and can’t see the bottom, you may notice spots we missed once the water clears. We do a great job working blind, and the initial service keeps your filter from choking. Dead algae will settle on the bottom (looks like dust). We offer a follow-up vacuum for $175 once you can see the deep end.
Here’s The Deal
- $275 to open most inground pools
- $450 for pools that need vacuum (most mesh covers)
- Check FAQ section below for discounts and coupons.
Prices include opening chemicals. We do a thorough job and tell you about any concerns we notice. People love that we point out issues instead of leaving them to discover problems on their own.
With our vacuum service, the pool is usually swim-ready in 1-2 days – assuming the filter works and the pool was closed properly the year before.
Above Ground Pool Opening – $175
It costs $175–$225 to open most above ground pools. Most have solid covers, so the water underneath should be clean. If we closed it clean, it opens clean.
What’s Included
- Pump off “a little water” and remove “some leaves” to get the cover off
- Remove and fold cover for you
- De-winterize filter and pump, hook them up (not clean, unless added on)
- Install skimmer basket and return bulls-eye
- Super-shock and add algaecide
- Opening chemicals included
What’s NOT Included
After winter, we expect a little water and some leaves/debris on your cover. We charge extra if we have to spend 20-30+ minutes pumping water and pulling leaves.
Vacuuming is not included in standard opening. We do not install ladders or stairs in above ground pools for insurance reasons. We expect your filter was cleaned when the pool was closed – we don’t clean filters during openings for free.
Extra Fees To Avoid
Nobody likes surprises. Extra work is $75 per half hour (half hour minimum). If we have to come back to vacuum: $75 service visit + $75 vacuum = $150 most pools.
Bottom line: Most above-ground pools are opened and running for $175–$225. Unless your cover fell in or you closed a dirty pool, most are ready to swim in 1-2 days.
Partial Pool Opening – Save $50
Remove the cover yourself and save $50 off your opening cost. This has gotten pretty popular over the last few years.
Bundle & Save
| Bundle | Price | You Save |
|---|---|---|
| Inground Opening + Closing | $500 | $50 |
| Above Ground Opening + Closing | $325 | $25 |
Book both now and lock in your fall closing spot.
Pools Closed 2+ Years
These are hard to quote – they usually require multiple visits and many hours to get clean. We’ll assess your situation and give you a free estimate. Figure on a $500 minimum.
Pricing Summary
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Above Ground Opening | $175 |
| Inground Opening | $275 |
| Vacuum Add-On | $175 |
| Inground + Vacuum | $450 |
| Partial Opening (you remove cover) | -$50 |
| Follow-Up Vacuum | $175 |
| Extra Work | $75/half hour |
| Pools Closed 2+ Years | $500 minimum |
| Bundle: AG Opening + Closing | $325 |
| Bundle: IG Opening + Closing | $500 |
Service Area
We open pools throughout:
- Massachusetts (primary)
- Southern New Hampshire
- Southern Maine
- Eastern Connecticut
- Rhode Island
Based in Winchendon, MA. Distance affects scheduling. We ask you to tell us what week you prefer so we can schedule you in the area we are working in, keeps us from zig-zagging all over Massachusetts.
30 Years Experience, No Surprises
I’m Mike Kern, Certified Pool Operator. I’ve been opening pools in New England for over 30 years. We do a comprehensive job, we tell you what we find, and we don’t hit you with surprise fees. If something’s wrong with your pool, you’ll know before we leave.
Ready to Book?
Peak season fills fast. The earlier you call, the better your timing options.
Phone: (978) 710-8667
Text works best – include your name, address, and pool type.
Or request a callback on our service page →
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When should I open my pool in Massachusetts?
A: Most New England pool owners open between late April and mid-May. The key is water temperature – once it’s consistently above 60°F, algae starts growing whether you’re ready or not. Don’t wait until Memorial Day weekend. By then, every pool company is slammed, and if your pool sat too long, you’re looking at a green mess that costs more to fix.
Q: How much does it cost to open a pool in Massachusetts?
A: Above-ground pools: $175. Inground pools: $275. If you have a mesh safety cover, add $175 for our vacuum service (highly recommended). Prices include opening chemicals. See full pricing breakdown below.
Q: What’s included in a pool opening service?
A: We remove and store your cover, de-winterize your pump and filter, remove winter plugs, install skimmer baskets and return fittings, reinstall ladders and rails, super-shock the pool, and add algaecide. Full details below.
Q: Do I need to vacuum my pool when I open it?
A: If you have a mesh safety cover – yes, highly recommended. Mesh lets sunlight and debris through all winter, which means algae and sediment on the bottom. Our vacuum service pumps that straight out of your pool so your filter doesn’t get overwhelmed. Solid cover? Usually not needed if the pool was closed properly.
Q: How long until my pool is ready to swim?
A: With our vacuum service, most pools are swim-ready in 1-2 days. Without vacuum service, it depends on how dirty the water is – could be a few days to a week for the filter to clear it. This assumes your equipment works and the pool was closed properly the year before. Sand filters = longer time
Q: Do You Offer Discounts and Coupons?
A: Yes we do for new customers and those who bundle services, please ask when we are booking your service
Related Services
- Pool Closing / Winterizing Service (coming soon)
- Pool Repairs (coming soon)
- Massachusetts Pool Service – You can Book Now and we’ll call to schedule