What do Ottawa pool companies charge extra to remove a heavy waterlogged cover in spring?

Most Ottawa pool companies charge an extra $50 to $150 on top of their standard opening fee to remove a heavy, waterlogged winter cover — though the range can stretch higher if the cover is exceptionally difficult to handle or has debris and standing water that needs to be pumped off first.

The reason this comes up as a separate charge is straightforward: a standard pool opening assumes a reasonably clean, drained safety cover or a tarp cover that has been pumped down before the crew arrives. A waterlogged cover — especially a large mesh or solid tarp that has collected a winter's worth of Ottawa snowmelt and spring rain — can weigh several hundred kilograms. Removing it safely requires extra labour, often an extra person on the crew, and sometimes a submersible pump to remove standing water before the cover can even be lifted. That additional time and effort is real, and most companies price it accordingly.

The best way to avoid this charge entirely is to pump your cover down yourself before the opening crew arrives. A basic submersible cover pump costs $60 to $120 at any Ottawa pool supply store and pays for itself the first time you use it. Run it a day or two before your scheduled opening appointment, and you will likely eliminate the surcharge completely while also making the job faster for everyone.

One thing worth noting: a cover that has been sitting waterlogged all winter is also telling you something. Solid winter tarps tend to collect water and debris far more than quality safety covers, and that standing water becomes a breeding ground for algae and insects by late April. If you are still using an older tarp-style cover, it may be worth pricing a proper safety cover this season — they run $2,000 to $5,000 installed in Ottawa but are dramatically easier to manage in spring and handle Ottawa's snow load far better.

When you are booking your spring opening, just ask the company directly whether cover removal is included in their flat rate or billed separately — the answer varies by contractor, and it is always better to clarify upfront than to see a surprise line item on the invoice.