As summer winds down, many New England homeowners start asking: when is the right time to close my pool? While traditional advice says to shut things down as soon as the temperatures dip, today’s advanced pool equipment gives you more flexibility than ever before. This guide will help you decide when to close your pool, what factors to consider in the fall, and why scheduling your closing with SSG’s trusted service team makes all the difference.
Key Summary
Not sure when to close your pool? Thanks to modern heating systems and covers, gunite pool owners can often extend the swim season into October or even November. This blog breaks down what impacts your pool closing decision – like falling leaves, school schedules, water chemistry, and equipment lifespan – and offers tips for closing your pool the right way. When you’re ready, Guarino’s Pool Service makes the process fast, reliable, and stress-free.
Can You Keep Your Pool Open Longer?
Yes – you absolutely can. With the right heater and an efficient cover, many homeowners are now enjoying their pools for up to 7–8 months a year. In fact, we’ve seen customers keep their pool open through Thanksgiving, especially if they’re hosting family or just want to savor the last warm days of fall. If your pool is equipped for it, you have the freedom to choose your own timeline.
While a longer swim season sounds great, keeping your pool open through fall means more maintenance. Falling leaves, acorns, and other seasonal debris can quickly turn into a daily cleaning routine. An automatic pool cover or properly designed hardscape can help, but you’ll still need to keep up with brushing and skimming.
Less Pool Usage
Once school starts, pool usage naturally drops. Kids are busy with homework and sports, evenings get shorter, and weekends fill up fast. Many families find that by mid-September, the pool isn’t getting much use – even if the weather’s cooperating. That’s often a good indicator it’s time to think about closing things up.
Don’t Wait Until the First Frost
Closing your pool too late in the season can lead to water chemistry imbalances, unnecessary wear on your equipment, or frozen plumbing if temps drop suddenly. We recommend scheduling your pool closing before the risk of frost sets in. For most of our residential pool clients, that’s usually between late September and mid-October.
I Don’t Want to Pay to Heat the Pool, But I Want to See Water
In most cases in addition to the pool being a fun family hangout many just like to be able to see and enjoy the aesthetics of the water. As long as your pool equipment is maintained and properly scheduled, the pool can stay operational, though cold, into November or beyond.
Don’t Forget About a Winter Watch Service
After the pool is closed, pool water levels need to be maintained below the top step of the pool for the duration of the winter to prevent ice damage to the tile line and coping. In most situations, you can monitor your own pool and put in a call should you need help lowering the water but if you have a vacation home, very complex pool or simply lack the time you can sign up for a winter watch program to ensure the pool water stays at the proper levels especially in winters with lots of precipitation.
Why Trust Guarino’s Pool Service?
Our dedicated pool maintenance division, Guarino’s Pool Service, handles thousands of closings every year across New England. From balancing chemicals to protecting plumbing lines and winterizing equipment, our team ensures your gunite pool is safely shut down for the season. It’s just one of the many ways we help protect your investment year-round.
Get on the Schedule Early
We recommend booking your pool closing a few weeks in advance to ensure availability of your desired time frame. Contact us today to reserve your closing date and avoid last-minute stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to close my pool in New England?
Most gunite pool owners in New England close their pool between late September and mid-October. The exact date depends on your heater, usage, and the forecast.
Can I keep my pool open into November?
Yes – if you have a reliable heater and maintain water chemistry, you can enjoy your pool into November. Just make sure to close it before any hard freeze.
What happens if I close my pool too late?
Waiting too long can expose your equipment and plumbing to freezing temps, leading to potential damage and costly repairs. Pools cannot be closed if the pool deck is covered in snow, so waiting too long could add snow removal costs for proper access.
Does SSG Pools handle pool closings?
Yes, through our Guarino’s Pool Service division. We provide full-service closings for SSG-built gunite pools across New England.
How do I schedule my pool closing?
It’s easy – just contact us to request a closing date, and our team will take care of the rest.