Aquadam Pool Services
5.0(25 reviews)45 min in Oakville
Certified techs
Oakville service shop and equipment supplier on Redwood Square: water care, pumps, filters, heaters and salt systems.
Oakville
Pricing
On request
2026 price guide · GTA
What a pool opening really costs in the GTA
Most inground pools open for $350–$700. Here is what moves that number, what a fair quote includes, and the add-ons that should never be a surprise.
Updated for the 2026 season (416) 555-0100
The short answer
A typical GTA opening for a 16×32 inground pool costs $425–$550. Small pools and above-ground pools sit at $300–$400. Large pools with a safety cover, salt system or heavy spring debris reach $650–$750. Anything above that is usually algae cleanup, water hauling or a repair discovered on site.
Pricing in Toronto and Mississauga is driven by access and parking more than pool size. In Halton and York, larger lots and mature trees mean more debris and longer visits. Durham usually runs $30–$60 cheaper for the same job.
The number to compare is not the headline price — it is the price including cover removal, vacuuming and chemicals. A $299 opening that bills chemicals separately at $120 is not cheaper than a $399 all-in quote.
What changes the price
Cover type
A tarp comes off in ten minutes. An anchored safety cover takes longer to release, clean and fold, and typically adds $40–$60. Solid covers holding standing water need a pump-off first.
Water condition
Clear water is a standard opening. Green water needs shock, flocculant, filter cleaning and often a return visit: $150–$400 extra. A pool that sat uncovered through winter can need a partial drain and refill.
Salt systems and heaters
Salt cells need cleaning and calibration, usually $55–$90. Heaters are inspected but not repaired as part of an opening; a no-start diagnosis is a separate service call.
Access
Narrow side yards, locked gates, steep grades and street parking restrictions add labour. Tell the dispatcher on the phone — surprise access issues are the most common reason a final bill exceeds the quote.
GTA opening prices
| Service | Typical low | Typical high |
|---|---|---|
| Inground, small (12 × 24) | $375 | $525 |
| Inground, medium (16 × 32)Most common | $425 | $575 |
| Inground, large (20 × 40) | $500 | $700 |
| Above-ground | $300 | $450 |
| Safety cover removal | $40 | $60 |
| Salt system service | $55 | $90 |
| Green pool cleanup | $150 | $400 |
| Water hauling & fill20,000 gal | $450 | $900 |
Before HST. Ranges from listed GTA partners, spring 2026.
Compiled from 14 GTA municipalities and 4 listed crews.Last reviewed November 2, 2026.Planning ranges before HST, not quotes.
Included
- Safety cover or tarp removal, cleaning and folding
- Debris netting, skimming and a vacuum to waste
- Skimmer, pump basket and filter cleaning
- Equipment start-up and pressure check
- Startup chemical dose and pH adjustment
- First circulation cycle and a condition report
Not included
- Algae treatment or a full drain and refill
- Pump, heater, salt cell or filter replacement
- Liner, plumbing or light repairs
- Water hauling and refill
- Weekly maintenance after the first visit
Opening prices by city
Typical ranges from listed local partners. Click a city for the local directory, coverage map and closing prices.
| City | Opening | Closing | Directory |
|---|---|---|---|
| TorontoToronto | $425–$725 | $450–$750 | View → |
| MississaugaPeel Region | $395–$675 | $410–$700 | View → |
| BramptonPeel Region | $375–$650 | $390–$675 | View → |
| CaledonPeel Region | $395–$690 | $415–$715 | View → |
| OakvilleHalton | $425–$725 | $450–$750 | View → |
| MiltonHalton | $400–$690 | $420–$720 | View → |
| VaughanYork Region | $400–$690 | $420–$715 | View → |
| MarkhamYork Region | $400–$690 | $420–$710 | View → |
| BurlingtonHalton | $425–$725 | $450–$750 | View → |
| Richmond HillYork Region | $410–$700 | $430–$725 | View → |
| WhitbyDurham | $375–$640 | $390–$665 | View → |
| AjaxDurham | $365–$625 | $380–$650 | View → |
| PickeringDurham | $370–$635 | $385–$660 | View → |
| OshawaDurham | $365–$625 | $380–$650 | View → |
When to book your opening
The right time to open is when the water holds above 15°C and the ice is fully gone — typically late April to mid-May in Toronto and the lake-adjacent cities, a week later in Markham and Richmond Hill where clay soil holds frost.
Opening early is not wasted money. Cool water resists algae, and the pool is ready for the first warm weekend instead of being shocked while everyone waits. Opening in June usually costs more and takes longer to clear.
A realistic spring calendar
- Late March: book the opening, confirm the cover type and access.
- Late April: openings begin on south-facing, early-thaw properties.
- May long weekend: the busiest week of the season — book six weeks ahead.
- Early June: premium pricing and green pools from late openings.
Closing matters just as much: see the pool closing checklist and the Ontario winterizing guide.
Fastest opening crews
Sorted by typical first response. Sample listings — verify insurance and WSIB before booking.
24/7 leak repairCertified techs
East-end Toronto and York Region crew running openings, closings, vinyl liner leak detection and pre-sale pool inspections since 2008.
Toronto · Markham · Richmond Hill · Ajax + more
Pricing
On request
Opening FAQ
Questions before you book
Doing it yourself? The spring opening timing guide covers the temperature thresholds.
How much does it cost to open a pool in the GTA?
A standard inground opening runs $350–$700 across the GTA, with $425–$550 being typical for a 16×32 pool. That covers cover removal, debris cleanup, vacuuming and startup chemicals. Above-ground pools are usually $300–$450. Algae treatment, water hauling and repairs are extra.
What is included in a pool opening?
Cover removal and folding, surface debris removal, vacuuming, skimmer and pump basket cleaning, filter and equipment inspection, a startup chemical dose and restarting circulation. A good crew also photographs the equipment pad and tells you what needs replacing before it fails.
Can I open my pool myself?
Yes, and many homeowners do. The risk is chemistry and equipment: an unseasoned opening often means a green pool, a burned-out pump or a heater fired up before the filter was primed. If you DIY, budget $100–$200 in chemicals and expect two days of filtering before swimming.
Is it cheaper to open early?
Usually. Early-season slots (late April to early May) cost the same or less, and crews are less rushed. Waiting until June means warmer water, more algae and premium pricing during the busiest two weeks of the year.
Do I need to be home for the opening?
Not necessarily, but someone should be reachable and able to grant access to the equipment pad, the water supply and the pool. If the crew finds a failed pump or a torn liner, they need a decision the same day to avoid a second visit.
How long does an opening take?
Sixty to ninety minutes for a standard inground pool in reasonable condition. A green pool with heavy debris can take three to four hours plus a return visit. The pool is usually swimmable within 24–48 hours once chemistry is balanced.
Get three opening quotes for your pool.
Tell us the pool type and your city. Local crews reply with a price — you pick, or you don't. No fee to homeowners.