When to close your pool in Massachusetts
On the North Shore — Peabody, Danvers, Beverly, Salem, and surrounding towns — most pool owners close between mid-September and mid-October. The goal is to close after swim season ends but before the first hard freeze. Water temperatures below 65°F consistently signal it's time.
Don't wait until November. A late closing risks frozen pipes, cracked fittings, and ice damage that can cost thousands to repair in the spring. Even if the weather seems warm in October, the overnight lows in New England can drop fast.
The complete pool closing checklist
1. Balance water chemistry — pH 7.2–7.6, alkalinity 80–120 ppm, calcium 200–400 ppm
2. Shock the pool with a winter-grade chlorine shock
3. Add winterizing algaecide
4. Vacuum and brush the entire pool — walls, floor, steps
5. Clean skimmer baskets and pump strainer basket
6. Backwash or deep clean the filter
7. Lower water level 4–6 inches below the skimmer
8. Blow out all plumbing lines with compressed air
9. Plug all return fittings and skimmer(s)
10. Add pool antifreeze to all lines as backup
11. Remove ladders, rails, and accessories
12. Install winter cover and secure with water bags or cables
13. Disconnect and store the pump, filter, heater, and chlorinator indoors if possible
The most common closing mistake
Skipping the pipe blowout. This is the single most important step in a Massachusetts pool closing. Water left sitting in underground plumbing lines freezes, expands, and cracks pipes — and underground pipe repairs are one of the most expensive pool fixes there is. If you only do one thing right, blow out the lines completely.
Our professional pool closing service uses high-volume air compressors to clear every line. We also add antifreeze as a backup, because New England winters don't forgive half-measures.
Should you close it yourself?
If you have the right equipment — specifically a high-volume air compressor (not a shop vac) — and understand your pool's plumbing layout, a DIY closing is doable. But most homeowners don't have the compressor or the knowledge of where every line runs underground.
A professional closing costs a fraction of what a burst pipe repair costs. Our packages start at $175 and cover everything on the checklist above. It's one of those services where paying a pro is genuinely the smarter financial decision. Learn more about our pool closing packages.
What about the cover?
A solid winter cover is essential. It keeps debris out, blocks sunlight (preventing algae), and protects the pool surface. For above-ground pools, make sure the cover is properly tensioned and secured with a cable and winch. For in-ground pools, use water bags on the deck to hold the cover in place — don't use bricks or rocks, which can fall in and damage the liner.
Check the cover periodically through winter. Remove standing water and heavy snow to prevent the cover from tearing or collapsing into the pool. A little maintenance through winter makes your spring pool opening dramatically easier.
Want your pool closed the right way?
Packages starting at $175. CPO certified, fully insured.