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Dolphin Pool & Spa

DIY Pool Closing vs. Hiring a Pro: Pros and Cons

September 7, 2026

Pool owner closing an in-ground pool in a Minnesota backyard

Images are AI generated and do not depict an actual pool or Dolphin Pool & Spa location.

School is back in session, and pool season in Minnesota is on the clock. Somewhere between the last swim and the first hard freeze, you have to close your pool. The big question every owner faces: do it yourself, or call a pro?

Both work. The right choice depends on your pool, your tools, and how much of a Saturday you want to give up. Here is what each option really means.

1 What DIY Closing Actually Involves

A full DIY close for an average in-ground pool takes most owners two to four hours. The job breaks down into a few key steps:

  • Balance the water before you cover it
  • Lower the water level below the skimmer
  • Blow out the lines and add antifreeze
  • Remove, drain, and store equipment
  • Plug the returns and skimmer
  • Add winterizing chemicals and cover the pool

2 What a Pro Handles For You

A trained technician brings real air-compressor power for the blowout, not a shop vac rigged for the job. They also know what a healthy pool looks like at closing time, so they catch a worn gasket, a hairline crack, or a failing pump seal before it turns into a spring repair bill. You get the job done right, and you get your Saturday back.

3 Real Costs to Weigh

Consideration DIY Closing Professional Closing
Out-of-pocket cost Winterizing chemicals, plugs, and antifreeze only Includes labor and equipment — call for current pricing
Time needed 2–4 hours of your day You schedule it and walk away
Tools required Shop vac or air compressor, plug kit Technician brings everything
Risk of mistakes Falls on you Covered by the service

Heads up: The most common DIY mistake is skipping antifreeze in the return lines. Water left sitting in a pipe freezes, expands, and cracks it. You will not know until spring, and by then it is a bigger repair than a bottle of antifreeze would have been.

4 Making the Call for Your Pool

DIY makes sense if you:

  • Have closed a pool before
  • Own or can borrow the right tools
  • Want to save on labor cost
  • Have a free morning to give it

Hire a pro if you:

  • Are closing for the first time
  • Have a saltwater system or a heater
  • Would rather not risk a spring repair
  • Value your time over the cost

Before you cover up: Bring in a water sample and get it tested. Water testing is $7, or included with a $50 chemical purchase. Closing with balanced water means an easier, faster opening next spring.

DIY or pro, get it done before that first hard freeze. Minnesota does not wait around for anyone.

Not sure which way to go? Stop in or give us a call. We can walk through your setup, book a professional closing, or set you up with everything you need to do it yourself — that's how we make pool ownership a joy!

Call Us Now — 763-542-9000

Your Happy Dolphin Pool & Spa Team