This disclosure describes, generally, methods and systems for managing connections within a connection pool. The method includes initializing a plurality of connections. The plurality of connections are configured to pierce a firewall. The method further includes placing the plurality of connections in a connection pool, and storing creation times for each of the plurality of connections. The method then determines the firewall's connection teardown time period and, based at least in part on the firewall's connection teardown time period, setting the connection pool's connection teardown time period to be at least less than the firewall's connection teardown time period.