Simplified: The city last week announced it'd close pools Aug. 9, and then, hours later, extended the date to Aug. 16. who urged the City Council to support a $75,000 increase to the pools budget for this year. So, why do pools close so early this year? There's a number of reasons that go into deciding when pools close, Kollars said. The city spends about $3 million each year on outdoor pools, and recoups only about $525,000 via pool passes, according to city budget documents.