How much does pool winterizing cost in Virginia?

What to expect

We could not find a dated Virginia price for pool winterizing from a primary source, so we do not quote a dollar figure here. Pool companies set their own rates, and the number on a quote depends on a handful of things you can control by asking the right questions. Doing the closing yourself costs little beyond the winter chemicals and a cover, and the sections below tell you what a company's price should cover.

What drives the price

Type of pool. An above-ground pool that is simply drained and folded is a lighter job than an in-ground pool with buried plumbing, a heater and a sand filter. One manufacturer advises that in a region where the temperature drops below 32°F (0°C), the best option is to drain, pack up and store the pool,^[1] and a company charging for that is charging for labour and disposal of the water.

Equipment to shut down. Each piece is a line on the job. The EPA's pool guide says it is also important to drain water from equipment such as filters, pumps, heaters, and piping, as freezing water can cause cracks, which can later cause leaks.^[2] A sand filter has its own steps: the manufacturer says to completely drain the tank by unscrewing the drain cap at the base of the filter tank and to leave the cap off during winter.^[4] A gas heater adds a gas valve, an electrical supply and a heat-exchanger drain.^[5]

Plumbing blow-out. In-ground lines are usually cleared with air, and the method matters. Hayward warns that purging the system with compressed air can cause components to explode, with risk of severe injury or death, and allows only a low-pressure, high-volume blower.^[3] A company that uses the right equipment is carrying the cost of owning it.

Antifreeze. If a company puts antifreeze in the lines, it should be the right one: the manual says to use only propylene glycol as antifreeze in a pool and spa system, because other antifreezes are highly toxic and may damage plastic components.^[3]

Chemicals, cover and extras. Winter chemicals (pH adjusters, shock, winter algaecide and stain preventer) can be included or billed separately. So can installing a cover, air pillows, removing ladders and storing parts, and any repair found along the way.

Timing and travel. Ask whether the price changes with the date of the visit or with travel to your address.

Get the quote in writing

The Virginia Board for Contractors tells consumers to get at least three written bids and to insist on a detailed written contract.^[6] Ask each company to list, line by line, what the price includes: chemicals, cover handling, each piece of equipment drained, the plumbing method, and anything extra. Compare the lists before the totals.

On payment, the board's guidance is to limit your deposit to 10% down or $1,000, whichever is less.^[6] Ask what deposit, if any, the company wants for a single-visit closing, and get it in the written quote.

Licensing and larger jobs

A plain closing is maintenance. If the visit turns into repair work, the rules change: the Board for Contractors says that if the work you are considering is valued at $1,000 or more, a valid Virginia Contractor's License is required for the license category in which the contractor is to work.^[6] Virginia defines swimming pool construction contracting as the service that provides for the construction, repair, improvement, or removal of in-ground swimming pools.^[7] Look the business up on DPOR before you sign.

Stop and call a pro if

• A quote seems to include a gas heater, hard-wired pump or salt system shutdown you were not planning. Those need a qualified technician.
• The company plans to blow out the lines with a compressor. Ask what it uses and why, given Hayward's warning on compressed air.^[3]
• Water collects in or around the pool during the closing. That is a leak to be diagnosed, not a winterizing item.

Getting help in Virginia

For other pool costs, see what pool pump repair costs and what pool cover repair costs. To do it yourself, read how to winterize an above-ground pool, and to weigh the two, whether to winterize yourself or hire a pool company. Browse pool equipment repair answers or the pool maintenance directory.

When you are ready, describe the closing and local pool companies will quote it.