Winterizing Pool Service

Experience worry‑free winter pool services on Long Island with the expertise of Empire Pools.

Over 100 5‑Star Reviews in Suffolk & Nassau
Licensed & Insured
Serving Suffolk & Nassau Counties
Empire Pools
4.2
Based on 165 reviews
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Pool Closing • Long Island

Professional Pool Closing — Winter Protection Done Right

A correct close protects plumbing, equipment, and finishes so you avoid freeze damage now and enjoy a faster, cleaner opening next season. Our team follows a proven checklist for Long Island winters.

Freeze Protection — blow out & seal

Returns, skimmers, mains, and features are purged and plugged to prevent cracks and burst lines.

Lines purged • Plugs set

Equipment Drain-Down — pumps, filter, heater

Pumps, filters, heaters, and chlorinators are drained and protected. O-rings inspected and lubed.

Dry equipment • Lubed seals

Chemistry Balance — winter ready

We balance pH/TA/CH and add oxidizer so water stays clear and protects tile, plaster, and hardware.

Balanced for winter

Cover Install — safety/solid covers

Safety covers tensioned with anchors; solid covers secured with water bags. Straps tagged and checked.

Secure fit • Photo proof

Skimmer Protection — gizmos/ice buffers

Expansion devices installed as needed to mitigate ice pressure and prevent skimmer cracks.

Ice buffer set

Photo Updates — documented service

You receive time-stamped photos and notes of settings, chemistry, and the final cover fit.

Records for spring

Add-Ons — leaf nets, accessories

Ask about leaf nets, mesh bag replacements, or minor repairs discovered during closing.

Options available

Spring Savings — faster opening

Proper close reduces algae, speeds opening, and helps prevent surprise repairs in spring.

Save time & money

Whats Included With A Pool Closing

When it comes to protecting your swimming pool through the harsh Long Island winter, cutting corners simply isn’t an option. At Empire Pools, we perform a meticulous, step-by-step pool closing service designed to safeguard your investment, prevent costly freeze damage, and set you up for a hassle-free reopening next spring.

✅ Filter Disassembly & Component Storage

All pool equipment is professionally disassembled to prevent off-season damage. Fragile or easily misplaced items — including pressure gauges, O-rings, sight glasses, drain plugs, and fittings — are carefully removed and stored inside your motor housing basket for safekeeping until spring. This ensures nothing is lost, cracked, or corroded during freezing temperatures.

✅ Pool Accessory Removal

All removable hardware, such as ladders, handrails, diving boards, skimmer baskets, and return jet fittings, is removed and set aside. This not only protects your accessories from winter damage but also allows for a tight, secure cover fit and safer winter conditions around the pool.

✅ Filter Cleaning (DE or Cartridge Systems)

If your system uses a DE (diatomaceous earth) or cartridge filter, it will be disassembled and deep cleaned before storage. Clean filters extend the life of your equipment and reduce spring startup issues. Filters are fully rinsed, inspected, and stored dry to prevent mildew or damage.

✅ Return Line Protection (Check Valve Plugs)

We install commercial-grade threaded winter plugs in all return lines to ensure they’re completely sealed off from incoming water or ice. These plugs include integrated check valves, helping to ensure a watertight seal and preventing expansion-related cracking.

✅ Skimmer Protection (Gizmo Installation)

Heavy-duty winter gizmos are inserted into all skimmer bodies. These act as freeze buffers — absorbing ice expansion pressure — which helps eliminate skimmer cracks and costly repairs caused by trapped water freezing and expanding inside the line.

✅ Professional Line Blow-Out (Full System)

Using a professional-grade air blower, we evacuate every drop of water from all plumbing lines — returns, skimmers, main drain, and cleaner ports. This step is critical to prevent freeze-related damage. No shortcuts. No wet vacs. Just zero water left in the system.

✅ End-of-Season Chemical Treatment

We apply a carefully balanced winterizing chemical blend to help prevent algae, scale, staining, and cloudy water during the off-season. This includes shock treatment, algaecide, and optional metal sequestrants or clarifiers depending on pool type. A properly treated pool has the best chance of opening crystal clear.

✅ Pool Equipment & Accessory Storage

All ladders, rails, fittings, and disassembled components are stored neatly in your preferred location — typically a garage, shed, or storage bin. Our techs ensure nothing is left behind, misplaced, or dumped randomly, keeping your items organized for a stress-free spring opening.

✅ Safety Cover Anchor Raising or Water Tube Setup

We’ll raise your safety cover anchors to the correct height for seamless strap connection, ensuring the cover sits flush and taut. For water bag covers, we’ll place and fill all tubes correctly — with proper alignment and overlap — so your cover stays secure against wind and snow load throughout the winter.

✅Important Service notes

Pool cleaning or Power Vac service is not included in the standard closing fee. If your pool needs the water lowered, lowering the water level is also not included. These services can be added upon request for an additional charge.

Winter Survival Guide For Your Pool: The Importance of Closing

A professional close protects plumbing, equipment, and finishes so you avoid freeze damage now and enjoy a faster, cleaner, cheaper opening next season. Here’s what we do and why it matters:

Prevent Freeze Damage to Lines & Equipment

We thoroughly blow out return, skimmer, and main drain lines; plug critical components; winterize pumps, filters, heaters, and chlorinators; and secure equipment so freeze and snow loads don’t crack, swell, or damage your system.

Start Spring with Clean, Clear Water

Closing chemistry is dialed in (balance + oxidizer) so water stays clear, protects tile/plaster, and avoids spring algae blooms and stains—meaning you’re swimming sooner and spending less.

Photo Records & Settings Logged

We document valve positions, water level, and equipment status with quick photos so you have a record of settings and condition. That helps resolve issues fast and speeds up your spring reopening.

Spring Savings & Fewer Surprises

A meticulous close reduces algae, protects finish surfaces, and prevents freeze-break repairs—saving you time and money at opening while extending the life of your pool.

Unlock the Advantages of Professional Pool Winterization

  • Improving Water Health

    We manage pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer at closing so water overwinters clean and helps prevent staining or scaling.

  • Protects Swimming Pool Equipment

    Proper line blow-outs, plugs, gizmos, and equipment winterization prevent cracked plumbing, damaged skimmers, and ruined filters.

  • Reduction in Power Charges

    Winterization allows safe shutdown of pumps and systems, cutting unnecessary electrical usage during the off-season.

Call Now For Closing Help
Pool Closing

Lock In Your Pool Closing Before It’s Too Late

Don’t let a delayed closing turn into a costly mistake. Empire Pools makes it easy to shut down your pool the right way—before freezing temps and off-season damage strike. Our expert team handles every detail with precision, from water chemistry and equipment winterization to secure cover installation.

Why Booking Early Matters

  • Prime dates fill quickly once temps consistently trend below 65°F.
  • Early closings reduce algae growth and protect finishes.
  • Prevent freeze-break repairs and speed up your spring opening.

What We Handle for You

  • Line blow-outs for returns, skimmers & main drain; non-toxic antifreeze where required.
  • Equipment winterized: pumps, filters, heaters, chlorinators—drained, dried, protected.
  • Water level set correctly for your cover & skimmer type.
  • Closing chemistry balanced + oxidizer added to overwinter clear.
  • Safety/solid cover installed & tensioned; accessories stored.
  • Quick photo records of valve positions & settings for a faster spring open.

What Helps Us Move Fast

  • Gate unlocked and equipment area accessible.
  • Power to equipment available (or last-run + drainage).
  • Any special features noted (raised walls, spillways, attached spa).
  • Text a clear pool photo with size & cover type for an instant quote.
Pool Closings / Winterizing

What’s Included vs. Optional Add-Ons

A precise winterizing scope to prevent freeze damage and speed spring opening. Optional items are clearly billed separately.

What’s Always Included
  • Pre-close water test, oxidizer/shock dose, and basic pH/alkalinity balance.
  • Equipment drain-down (pump, filter, heater, chlorinator/salt cell if applicable).
  • Blow out and plug returns, skimmers, main drain, and standard water features.
  • Skimmer protection devices (Gizmos/expansion buffers) installed as required.
  • Non-toxic antifreeze added to vulnerable lines where required.
  • Safety or solid cover installation; anchors/water bags secured.
  • Time-stamped photo updates and service notes by text/email.

Quotes include a clear closing checklist. Any scope change is confirmed with you first.

Optional Add-Ons
  • Lower water level to proper closing height based on cover type.
  • Vacuuming / debris removal prior to closing (light or heavy; Power Vac if needed).
  • Raise water level to proper height if too low prior to closing.
  • Filter breakdown & deep clean (DE/Cartridge soak, sand change if requested).
  • Salt cell cleaning & off-season storage prep.
  • Heater inspection and winterization-specific checks.
  • Leaf net installation over winter cover for heavy tree drop.
  • Safety cover hardware work (anchor repair/replacement, new anchors drilled, spring/strap replacement).
  • Extra chemistry packages (winter algaecide, metal sequester, enzyme kits).
  • Attached spas / complex water features beyond the standard pool loop.
All optional items are billed separately.
Quick Benefits

Closings / Winterizing — Protection That Pays Off

Freeze protection checklist
Lines blown, equipment drained, cover set correctly.
Transparent pricing
Most closings land between $285–$385 + tax.
Photo proof
Time-stamped service notes and pictures.
Licensed & insured
Trusted across Nassau & Suffolk.

Booking at Empire Pools

From Quote to Follow-Up — Exactly How Your Service Is Managed

Every service starts with a no-pressure quote and a 30-day price lock. We keep you informed by text & email at every milestone, right up to the 24–48 hr check-in after the job.

1
Request Your Quote (No Pressure)

Tell us what you need—weekly, opening, closing, power vac, liner, Loop-Loc, leak, or repair. We quote clearly so you can review details without sales pressure.

Phone or Online 30-Day Price Lock Detailed Scope
2
Approve & Sign

When you approve the quote, our office is notified automatically. You’ll instantly receive a confirmation email + text acknowledging your approval.

E-Signature Instant Acknowledgment Auto-Notify Office
3
We Reach Out to Schedule

A coordinator contacts you promptly to pick the best date/time. We confirm access notes (gate, pets, cover, water level) so service is smooth.

Friendly Scheduling Access Checklist
4
Booking Confirmation

As soon as your appointment is set, you receive both a confirmation email and a confirmation text with your date/time.

Text + Email Calendar-Ready
5
Two-Day Reminder

Exactly 2 days before, we send an email and a text reminder so you can plan around your service window.

T-48 hr Reminder Email + SMS
6
Same-Day Reminder

On the morning of service, you’ll get another email and text reaffirming that you’re on today’s route.

Morning Reminder Status: On Today’s Route
7
30–45 Min ETA from the Van

About 30–45 minutes prior to arrival, the tech driving your GPS-tracked, fully-stocked van will call or text you directly with an ETA.

Live ETA Direct From Service Van Call or Text
8
Completion Notice & 24–48 hr Follow-Up

When the job is finished, you receive a real-time completion text + email (often with photos/notes). After 24–48 hours, we follow up again to make sure you’re thrilled — or we make it right.

Instant Completion Notice Photo/Notes Included 24–48 hr Check-In

Our Guarantee

We Stand Behind Our Work

The Empire Pools Guarantee: Satisfaction on Every Service

No matter the job—cleaning, openings/closings, equipment repairs, diagnostics, or specialty treatments—we stand behind our work. If something isn’t right, contact the office and we’ll come back to look into it and make it right.

  • Happiness First: Not satisfied after a visit? Tell us. We return to inspect and address service-related issues—promptly and professionally.
  • Transparent Next Steps: If a new repair or part is needed, we explain options, pricing, and timelines before any work begins.
  • Photo-Verified Work: We document services with notes and images so you can see exactly what was done.
Winter Watch Plans

Choose the Winter Watch Plan That Fits Your Backyard — And Your Lifestyle

Protect your pool all winter long with professional cover inspections, chemical treatments, and system checks. Empire Pools Winter Watch plans are trusted across Long Island to prevent costly spring surprises.

On-Demand Plan
$175.00 / Month
  • Cover Debris Removal
  • Excess Water Removal
  • Cover Spring Tension Checked
  • Chlorine & Algaecide Dosed
  • Waterbags & Winter Plugs Checked
  • Pool Water Level Checked
  • Month-To-Month Flexibility
3-Month Prepaid
$119 / Month
  • All On-Demand Services
  • Priority Route Scheduling
  • Save $56+ Over Monthly Plan
  • 3 Visits Minimum
  • November–January Coverage
  • Waterbag & Cover Spring Extras Available
  • CC On File Required
5–6 Month Prepaid
$99.00 / Month
  • Full Off-Season Coverage (Nov–April)
  • All Services From Other Tiers
  • Best Value (Save Up To $450)
  • 6 Visits Minimum
  • Filter Watch & Water Chemistry Check
  • Text & Photo Logs Of Any Issues

Need Help Deciding?

We’ll Point You To The Right Package—Fast

Not sure which package fits your pool?

Text us a photo of your pool and we’ll guide you to the right fit — fast and easy.
Text “Package Help”

Do You Need Any Help?

Our team is ready to help you pick a plan or answer questions.

Why Choose Empire Pools for Your Pool Closing

Expertise
Our technicians follow a proven step-by-step process to ensure your pool is fully winterized—protecting your equipment, plumbing, and structure from costly damage.
Reliability
We show up on time, prepared, and get the job done right the first time—giving you peace of mind that your pool is safe all winter long.
Transparency
Upfront pricing and clear explanations of each step mean no hidden surprises—just straightforward service you can trust.
Flexibility
Whether you have an above-ground or complex in-ground pool, we adapt our closing process to match your setup, ensuring full protection.
TRUSTED COMPANY

LONG ISLAND TRUSTS
OUR POOL SERVICE

With years of experience serving homeowners across Suffolk and Nassau counties, Empire Pools is proud to be one of the most trusted pool service providers in the region.

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Years of Experience

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Experienced Staff

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Happy Clients

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Pools Serviced This Year

Long Island’s Trusted Pool Pros

Real customers. Real results. Join thousands who swim easier with Empire Pools.

25+ YearsServing Suffolk & Nassau
100+ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Google Reviews
6 Service VansGPS-tracked & geo-tagged
48-Hour FixNo green, guaranteed
“Clear in one visit.” We hired Empire after another company struggled. Night and day difference—photos after each visit. — Megan P., Setauket
“On time, every week.” The reminders and ETA texts are awesome. Pool’s never looked better. — Anthony R., Sayville
“Professional & fair.” Tech explained everything, balanced the water perfectly, and followed up the next day. — Diane N., Smithtown

Empire Pools • Service Area

Where We Service on Long Island

We proudly service the majority of Nassau and Suffolk County with fast response times and full-service capability. To keep routes tight (and prices fair), we focus on areas where we can deliver reliable, on-time visits all season long.

  • Nassau County: We service most towns across Nassau, including the South Shore as far west as Valley Stream and Malverne. We do not service the far-north Gold Coast towns such as Great Neck and Locust Valley.
  • Suffolk County: Strong coverage in west/central Suffolk. We do not service the East End—no service east of Calverton or east of Bellport (including Hamptons & North Fork).
  • Fast scheduling where we operate most: Dense routes mean quicker ETAs and better pricing in our primary Nassau & Suffolk zones.
  • Not sure if you’re in range? Text your address, town, and nearest cross street. We’ll confirm coverage and the earliest route day in minutes.

Pool Closing — Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers to the most common questions Long Island homeowners ask us about professional pool closings.

When is the best time to close my pool on Long Island?

We recommend closing between late September and early November—once water temps hold below ~65°F. Too early risks algae growth during warm spells; too late risks freeze damage. We’ll help you pick the perfect date.

What’s included in your pool closing service?

Line blow-outs for returns, skimmers, and main drains; plugs and gizmos installed; equipment winterized (pump, filter, heater, chlorinator); water level set; chemistry balanced and oxidizer added.

Cover installed correctly (safety/solid/water tubes), accessories stored, and quick photo records of settings for a smooth spring opening.

Do I need to be home for the closing appointment?

No—most closings are handled without you present. Make sure the gate is unlocked, pets are secured, and power to equipment is available.

How do you adjust the water level?

We lower to the manufacturer-recommended level for your cover and skimmer type to prevent ice damage while maintaining safe structure support.

Do you blow out the lines and use antifreeze?

Yes. We blow out returns, skimmers, and main drain lines with the proper CFM and seal with plugs/gizmos to keep water out.

We use non-toxic pool antifreeze where required—especially on vulnerable lines—to add a margin of safety in deep freezes.

Do I need to drain the pool myself before the closing?

No. We manage water level and discharge safely according to local rules and cover specifications.

Can you close my pool if I have a saltwater system?

Absolutely. We winterize salt cells and set chemistry to protect equipment and surfaces through winter.

Do you install my safety cover?

Yes—anchors raised, straps tensioned correctly, and gaps around raised features are secured with our gap-blocking methods to prevent intrusion.

What happens to my pool equipment during winter?

Pumps, filters, heaters, and chlorinators are drained, dried, and protected; unions opened; plugs stored so freeze expansion can’t crack housings.

Will you clean the pool before closing?

We net/skim as needed. If a deep clean is required, ask about our Power Vac service before the close to lock in crystal-clear winter water.

What if I need new parts or repairs before closing?

We’ll flag issues and quote options—minor fixes can often be done during the visit; larger items are scheduled promptly.

How much does a pool closing cost?

Pricing depends on pool size, features, cover type, and extras. Fastest: text us a photo with basic dimensions and we’ll reply with a quote.

Why do so many homeowners choose Empire Pools for closings?

Licensed & insured techs, 100+ five-star reviews, and a strict checklist that prevents freeze damage and spring headaches.

Consistent communication and documented photos/settings so reopening is faster and cheaper.

How do I schedule my pool closing?

Book Your Pool Closing Today!

Ready for winter? Empire Pools performs thorough pool closings: lower water, blow out and plug lines, add winter chemicals, protect equipment, and secure your cover. We’ll get you scheduled fast and buttoned up right.

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