🍂 Fall is in the air

Time to close the pool again

Another season in the books. We'll get everything tucked away properly. Call us for an estimate, or book online, and we'll find you a date.

Book my pool closing Call (289) 939-5437

The Pool Mule

20 years of service • 2006–2026

Durham Region's trusted pool professionals — now booking fall closings

Fall pool closings Free repair estimate Book online
Call or text (289) 939-5437

About us

In the Durham Region, The Pool Mule has been your trusted choice for all your pool needs for 20 years. Since 2006, we have provided consistent top-of-the-line services to thousands of satisfied customers. Our top priority is serving our customers, and we work hard to deliver the best possible service. We are trustworthy, reliable, and provide a wide range of pool services at reasonable costs. We can assist with anything from an over-the-phone diagnosis to a full service call. Serving the communities of Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, and Courtice with pride.

Fall pool closings
Vinyl liner replacements
Seasonal maintenance
Service and repair
Spring pool openings
Free estimates by phone
Trusted and recommended since 2006

Not sure what you need? Tell us what the pool is doing and we will tell you what it costs.

(289) 939-5437
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Our services

Free estimates — call or text (289) 939-5437

Fall pool closing and winterization service
Booking now

Fall pool closings

Protect your pool through the winter. Full winterization of your plumbing, equipment and cover, so nothing freezes and splits while you are not watching.

See what's included
Pool pump, heater and filter service and repair
Free estimate

Service and repair

From liner repairs to pump replacements, we handle it. Most problems can be diagnosed over the phone — call or text us a photo and we will tell you what you are looking at.

Call for an estimate
Vinyl pool liner replacement
Booking 2027

Vinyl liner replacement

Faded, ripped or torn? Closing season is when liner damage shows itself. Reserve a 2027 installation now and be swimming by the May long weekend.

Reserve for 2027
Weekly and bi-weekly seasonal pool maintenance
From $90

Seasonal maintenance

Weekly maintenance and general upkeep can often be a hassle and time consuming. We provide weekly and bi-weekly maintenance packages including chemical treatments.

Learn more
Spring pool opening service
Spring 2027

Spring pool openings

Book your opening at the same time as your closing and you are set for next season. Our technicians already know your pool, and your date is locked in.

Learn more

Fall pool closings

Professional winterization that protects your equipment through the cold months

What a professional closing does

End the pool season right with our comprehensive fall closing service. Our experienced technicians will properly winterize your pool to protect your equipment, plumbing, and liner throughout the cold months.

Our complete fall closing package includes chemical balancing for winter, blowing out and plugging plumbing lines, draining equipment, adding antifreeze, and professionally installing your winter cover.

Above ground from $225 — In ground from $325
Booking into late fall. We run closings until the weather stops us, usually into early November, but the best dates go first. Call and we will tell you honestly what is still open.

Special water features, complex systems, and additional equipment may incur supplementary service fees. We provide transparent pricing during consultation.

Questions about your pool, or want a date sooner?

(289) 939-5437
Call Text
Book my pool closing

Fall closing checklist

A few minutes of prep makes your closing go faster

Before we arrive

Clear access to the pool area

Ensure there's a clear path to your pool and pool equipment. Remove any patio furniture or obstacles near the pool edge.

Remove personal items

Take out pool toys, floats, ladders (if removable), and any accessories from the pool and surrounding area.

Locate your winter cover

Have your winter cover accessible and ready. If it's damaged or you need a new one, call or text us ahead of time so we can arrange a replacement.

Pets and the yard

Ensure your pets are secured and all pet related waste removed from your yard.

What we'll handle

Water chemistry and closing chemicals

We'll balance the water chemistry and add closing chemicals to protect your pool through the winter months, including algicide and winterizing agents.

Plumbing winterization

We'll blow out all plumbing lines, install winterizing plugs, and add antifreeze to prevent freeze damage to your pipes and fittings.

Equipment protection

We'll drain and prepare your pump, filter, heater, and all other equipment for winter storage. Proper drainage prevents costly freeze damage.

Winter cover installation

We'll professionally install your winter cover, securing it properly to protect your pool from debris, weather, and unauthorized access throughout the off-season.

Safety covers and specialty covers may require additional installation time and fees. We'll discuss this during your consultation.

Service and repair

Free estimates by phone or text — no appointment needed to get an answer

Pumps, heaters and filters

A good pool system is essential for a comfortable swimming experience. The heater warms the water, the pump assists in pumping water from the pool and pushing it through the system and back to the pool, the filter removes all fine particulates and impurities, and the jets force the water back into the pool.

Don't let squealing noises and cold green water get your PSI high. Contact us for diagnosis, repair, and/or replacement on any and all pool equipment.

Most problems can be sorted out over the phone. Describe the noise, or text us a photo of the equipment pad, and we'll tell you what you're dealing with and roughly what it costs — before anyone books a truck.

Free estimate, no obligation. Photos welcome.

(289) 939-5437
Call Text a photo
Or request service online

Vinyl liner replacements

Now taking reservations for the 2027 pool season

Closing season is when liners tell the truth

Is your liner faded, ripped, or torn? Maybe it's just time for a fresh new look. We offer many colors and patterns, and are familiar with all shapes and sizes.

Fall is the honest moment for this decision — the water is down, the liner is exposed, and any wrinkling, tearing or bead slippage is plain to see. Reserve now and you'll hold a spot in the spring schedule instead of joining the queue in April. Our goal is to have you up and swimming by the May long weekend.

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2027 liner reservations are open

Reserve now to lock in your preferred installation date for the 2027 season.

Our professional liner installation includes proper measurement, surface preparation, precise installation, and a thorough quality check. We stand behind our work and ensure your new liner is installed correctly the first time.

Liner pricing depends on size, shape and pattern. One quick call and we'll give you a real number.

(289) 939-5437
Call Text a photo
Reserve my 2027 liner

Seasonal maintenance

Weekly and bi-weekly packages, chemicals included

Professional pool maintenance

Weekly maintenance and general upkeep can often be a hassle and time consuming. We provide weekly and bi-weekly maintenance packages to keep your pool in perfect condition all season long.

For your pool to last a long time and function properly, maintenance is essential. We specialize in weekly and biweekly pool maintenance to save you time and provide you more swimming time.

Season winding down? Book your maintenance package together with your spring opening and you'll go straight into next summer without a gap — and without calling around in May.

Starting at $90 including chemicals
Book maintenance

Pool season timeline

Where we are now, and what's worth booking next

September – October

Closing season. We balance closing chemicals, blow out and plug the plumbing, drain your equipment and secure the cover. This is also the best moment to spot liner damage while the pool is exposed.

You are here

November – December

Last closings of the year, weather permitting. Quiet season for us, which makes it the easiest time to get a liner measured and quoted without rushing.

You are here

January – February

The ideal time to book your vinyl liner replacement and spring opening. Early reservations secure your preferred dates before the calendar tightens.

You are here

March

Last chance for early liner installation bookings before the rush begins. Spring opening reservations still available.

You are here

April

Early pool openings begin and liner installations commence. Ideal time for comprehensive inspections and any surface repairs needed before liner installation.

You are here

May

Peak pool opening and liner installation season. The May long weekend is the target for early bookers to start swimming. Water chemistry stabilization and heating begins.

You are here

June

Swimming season in full swing. Regular maintenance keeps the water right, and weekly slots are worth locking in before they're all spoken for.

You are here

July – August

Peak summer. Stay on top of water chemistry and equipment checks, especially during heat waves and pool parties. Mid-season tune-ups and filter cleans are available.

You are here

Spring pool openings

Now booking the 2027 season

Book your opening while you book your closing

Start the pool season right with our comprehensive spring opening service. Our experienced technicians will remove your winter cover, clean and prepare your pool to the best of our ability given the water quality, inspect all equipment, and get your system up and running for the summer.

Our complete spring opening package includes the first chemical shock treatment to help kill off algae and bacteria and to speed up clarity and water quality.

Booking your 2027 opening at the same time as this year's closing is the simplest way to do it — one conversation, both dates settled, and your pool goes into winter and comes out of it with the same crew.

Above ground from $225 — In ground from $325

Special water features, complex systems, and additional equipment may incur supplementary service fees. We provide transparent pricing during consultation.

Book my 2027 opening

Spring opening checklist

What to expect when we open your pool in the spring

Before we arrive

Clear access to the pool area

Ensure there's a clear path to your pool and pool equipment.

Remove large debris

Clear any large branches, leaves or debris from the pool cover.

Locate your pool components

Have located and ready for re-installation any return eyeballs / jets, skimmer baskets, all pump filter and heater cogs / plugs, pool ladder, etc.

Pets and the yard

Ensure your pets are secured and all pet related waste removed from your yard.

What we'll handle

Cover removal and cleaning

We'll professionally remove all debris from the pool cover, gently scrub it before removing it from the pool, professionally fold it and roll it in preparation for pool closing in the fall.

The best storage for a winter pool cover is a rubber storage tote or trash bin, to prevent pest and rodent damage.

Equipment assembly

We'll reinstall all equipment and ensure proper operation.

Initial water treatment

We'll add starter chemicals to begin the balancing process: granulated chlorine, algicide if needed, stabilizer, and alkalinity.

Chemicals and testing will need to be updated within a week's time of filtering to complete the balancing process. This follow-up visit is available at additional cost.

Frequently asked questions

Still stuck? Call or text (289) 939-5437 — we'd rather just tell you.

Call or text us at (289) 939-5437. Most repair and liner questions can be answered right over the phone, and texting a photo of the problem is often the fastest way to get a straight answer. Estimates are free and there's no obligation.

In Durham Region, late September to mid-October is generally the ideal time for pool closings. You want to close your pool before temperatures consistently drop below freezing to protect your equipment and plumbing. Closing too early means missing the last warm days; closing too late risks costly freeze damage.

Our professional closing service includes balancing the water chemistry with closing chemicals, lowering the water level, blowing out all plumbing lines and installing winterizing plugs, draining the pump, filter, heater and all equipment, adding antifreeze to plumbing lines, removing deck equipment such as ladders, and professionally installing and securing your winter cover.

We take closings until the weather stops us, usually into early November. That said, our fall calendar fills from the top down and the best dates go first. If you haven't booked yet, call or text (289) 939-5437 and we'll tell you honestly what's still open.

Fall is an excellent time to book. Liner damage is easiest to spot when the pool is being closed, and reserving now secures your spot in our spring schedule so you can be swimming by the May long weekend. Our spring calendar fills quickly, and booking ahead allows time for proper planning and liner ordering.

In Durham Region, mid-April to early May is generally the ideal time for pool openings. Opening your pool earlier helps prevent algae growth that can occur when pool water warms up while still under the winter cover. Even if you don't plan to swim right away, an early opening ensures your pool is in good condition when summer temperatures arrive.

Our professional opening service includes removing all debris from the pool cover, gently scrubbing it before removing it from the pool, professionally folding it and rolling it in preparation for pool closing in the fall, reinstalling deck equipment, removing winterization plugs, reassembling the filtration system, starting the pump and equipment, performing a preliminary cleaning, and adding initial chemicals to begin the balancing process. We also inspect equipment for any issues that might need attention before the swimming season.

Typically after a week of filtration following your opening, we strongly suggest having your water tested to confirm that it is properly balanced and ready for swimming. This timeframe depends on the starting condition of your water, water temperature, and how quickly the filtration system can cycle through the water. Our complete spring opening package includes the first chemical treatment to speed up this process.

Yes. Booking your opening and regular maintenance together ensures a seamless transition into pool season. Our maintenance technicians will be familiar with your pool from the start, and you'll benefit from knowing that your weekly maintenance slot is secured. Regular maintenance following your opening helps maintain proper water chemistry and prevents issues before they start.

Our videos

Our professional pool work in action — see how we handle liner removal, prep and installation.

Liner removal and measurement

Watch our experts precisely measure and remove an old pool liner.

Prep time

See how we prepare a pool for a new liner installation.

Liner install

Watch our professional team install a new vinyl liner perfectly.

Visit our YouTube channel
20 Years

Celebrating 20 years • 2006–2026

Thank you, Durham Region

Two decades of trusted pool service, and we're just getting started. Let's get your pool put away properly this year.

Talk to a person

Estimates are free, and most questions get answered on the spot. Call us, or text a photo if that's easier.

(289) 939-5437
Call us Text us Book online
❄️

Freeze damage is avoidable

Cracked pumps and split lines are the priciest repair we see, and a proper closing prevents all of it.

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Free estimates

Call or text (289) 939-5437. Describe it or send a photo, and we'll give you a real number.

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20 years strong

Two decades of professional service in Durham Region. Quality work you can count on.