How much does pool service cost in Montgomery?

Pool Service cost questions, answered

How much does it cost to open or close a pool in Montgomery?

An inground pool opening runs about $275–$550 in Montgomery and a closing $300–$600. Booked together, companies price the pair at roughly $550–$1,100. Above-ground pools run $175–$325 each way. The spread comes down to what's included: a basic visit takes the cover off and gets the equipment running, while a full-service opening adds the start-up chemicals, a thorough vacuum and a return check. Ask which one you're being quoted, and whether a mesh-cover vacuum (about $175) is extra.

How much is weekly pool service in Montgomery?

Figure $90–$180 a visit for a weekly maintenance plan: skim, brush, vacuum, baskets, water test. Most local companies bill the balancing chemicals on top at $20–$50 a week. Over a New England season of about 19 visits, that's roughly $1,700–$3,400 before chemicals, $2,100–$4,400 with them. Every-other-week service runs $120–$200 a visit, and a chemical-check-only visit about $50.

When should I open and close a pool in Massachusetts?

Open once nights stay above freezing and the water is near 60°F, which is late April to mid-May in most of Massachusetts. Close when the water drops to about 60–65°F and before the first hard freeze, usually late September through October. Closing early invites algae in warm water, and closing late risks a freeze in the plumbing. Companies book the May and October rush weeks out, so reserve your dates in March and August.

What's included in a pool closing?

Lowering the water, blowing out and plugging the lines, adding winter chemicals, removing ladders and rails, and installing the winter or safety cover, with the pump, filter and heater drained or winterized. Salt pools get the cell pulled and the water shocked with chlorine, since the generator stops working in cold water. A closing done right is the cheapest insurance against a cracked pipe or a green spring, and the companies that publish prices spell out exactly which of these steps the quote covers.

Does Massachusetts require a fence around a pool?

Yes. Every New England state's building code requires a barrier at least 48 inches high around a residential pool (measured on the side away from the pool), with self-closing, self-latching gates. A latch mounted below 54 inches has to be on the pool side. A new pool permit generally needs a plot plan, an electrical permit and a fence plan. That's an installation matter, not a service one, but a service company will notice a gate that doesn't latch, and so will your insurer.