Is DIY Pool Closing Worth the Risk? Long Island Homeowners Discover the True Cost of Winter Mistakes in 2025
As autumn temperatures drop across Nassau and Suffolk Counties, Long Island pool owners face a critical decision: tackle pool winterization themselves or hire professionals. With pool closing costs ranging between $150 and $400, with an average cost of $250 for professional services, many homeowners consider DIY alternatives to save money. However, the reality of pool closing costs in 2025 reveals a more complex financial picture that every Long Island homeowner should understand.
The Real Cost of DIY Pool Closing
DIY pool closing initially appears budget-friendly. Pool closing kits from local pool supply or hardware stores cost $30 to $80, while DIY opening and closing a swimming pool typically costs around $100. However, these upfront savings can quickly disappear when hidden costs emerge.
First-time DIY closers often discover they need additional equipment and chemicals beyond basic kits. Hidden costs can make DIY pool closing more expensive than expected, especially when homeowners realize they need specialized tools for proper plumbing blowouts and equipment winterization.
Professional Pool Closing: Investment vs. Expense
Professional pool closing services in Long Island vary based on pool type and complexity. Pool closing costs $250 to $500 for an inground pool and $150 to $300 for an above-ground pool on average. In the New York metropolitan area, including Long Island, homeowners typically pay between $134 and $942 for swimming pool maintenance, with pool winterization costs usually running from about $150 to $300.
Most of the cost to close your pool comes from labor, ranging from $75 to $100 per hour. This investment covers comprehensive services including removing, cleaning, and storing all removable components; applying chemical shock to eliminate algae and bacteria; vacuuming and deep cleaning the pool; lowering water levels; draining and lubricating equipment; testing and balancing water chemistry; and securing the pool.
The Hidden Costs of DIY Mistakes
The most significant financial risk of DIY pool closing lies in potential damage from improper winterization. Incorrectly winterizing your pool can lead to equipment damage, leaks, and costly repairs when you reopen it in the spring. The average cost to repair a pool is significantly higher than the cost to close it, and mistakes during DIY winterization can lead to costly damages, including repair costs between $350 and $5,800.
Long Island’s harsh winter conditions make proper winterization critical. If plumbing lines have sitting water, the water will freeze and expand, easily bursting pipes and seals, causing expensive and potentially irreparable damage to pumps, heaters, and filters.
JAS Aquatics: Professional Pool Closing on Long Island
For Long Island homeowners seeking reliable professional service, JAS Aquatics has established itself as a trusted pool service provider. Since 2009, JAS Aquatics has been creating stunning outdoor spaces with custom in-ground swimming pools as their centerpiece, serving both Nassau and Suffolk Counties with quality materials, superior construction, and exceptional customer service.
JAS Aquatics offers comprehensive Pool Closing Long Island, NY services designed specifically for the region’s challenging winter conditions. Their complete pool winterization covers everything pools need to survive Long Island’s harsh winters safely, including thorough cleaning and debris removal, water chemistry balancing, proper equipment shutdown and winterization of pumps, filters, heaters, and automation systems, compressed air blowouts of all plumbing lines, proper water level adjustment, and correct cover installation.
Timing Considerations for Long Island
Proper timing significantly impacts both cost and effectiveness of pool closing. The best time for pool closing in Nassau and Suffolk County is typically mid to late October, when nighttime temperatures consistently drop below 50 degrees, as closing too early wastes swimming time while waiting until the first freeze risks expensive overnight damage.
Pool service companies recommend scheduling closing by early October to ensure availability during their busiest time, with most Long Island pools needing winterization by Halloween for safety.
Making the Right Financial Decision
When evaluating DIY versus professional pool closing, Long Island homeowners should consider total cost of ownership rather than just upfront expenses. If you’re confident in your abilities and have time, DIY closing can save money, but if you prioritize convenience, expertise, and minimizing risk of potential problems, professional service is worth the investment.
Many homeowners choose professional services because the going rate is relatively low, and those who attempt DIY often end up doing the job incorrectly and hiring experts anyway.
For Long Island pool owners, professional winterization represents insurance against costly spring repairs and peace of mind through harsh winter months. Companies like JAS Aquatics aim to deliver exceptional quality in every service, ensuring each project is completed to the highest standard, making professional pool closing a smart investment for protecting your backyard oasis.