The True Cost Of Owning A Pool

Owning a pool can be a costly affair. The expenses don't stop at the installation, as maintenance, repairs, and replacements are also required. The average cost of maintaining a pool is $3000 to $5000 per year, but this can vary depending on the type of pool, size, location, and other factors.

For example, an in-ground pool is typically more expensive to maintain than an above-ground pool due to its larger size and permanent installation. The type of pool also matters, with saltwater pools requiring more specialised maintenance than chlorinated pools.

Other costs to consider include the price of chemicals, which can be around $1000 per year, and the cost of a pool cover, which can range from $300 to $600. Additionally, there are the costs of water and electricity, which can increase your bills by $4 to $40 and $65 to $100 per month, respectively.

To save money, pool owners can perform some maintenance tasks themselves, such as testing chemical levels and cleaning debris. However, it is recommended to hire a professional for more complex tasks like opening and closing the pool for the season, which can cost around $300 to $500.

Pool maintenance costs

The cost of maintaining a pool depends on a variety of factors, such as the size of the pool, the type of pool, the frequency of maintenance, and the cost of repairs. On average, pool maintenance can cost anywhere from $115 to $354 per month, but some sources state that it can cost up to $400 per month. This includes the cost of cleaning, utilities, and minor repairs.

Factors Affecting Pool Maintenance Costs

The amount of sunlight a pool is exposed to is a major factor in determining maintenance costs, as sunlight promotes bacteria growth, which requires more chemicals to treat. Additionally, pools located near trees and bushes may experience an influx of leaves and debris, requiring more frequent cleaning and higher chemical costs to maintain water pH levels. The size of the pool also plays a role, as larger pools require more chemicals and higher utility costs.

Types of Pools and Their Maintenance Costs

In-ground pools are generally more expensive to maintain than above-ground pools due to their larger size and more complex features. The type of pool material also affects maintenance costs, with concrete pools requiring the most maintenance, followed by fiberglass and vinyl liner pools. Indoor pools tend to be cheaper to maintain than outdoor pools, as they are not exposed to sunlight and UV rays, which can alter chemical compositions.

Breaking Down Maintenance Costs

Some of the specific costs associated with pool maintenance include:

• Heaters: A good-quality heater can cost around $2000, but cheaper options are available for around $300.
• Water-level readers: These devices help monitor water levels and can cost at least $14.
• Chemicals: Chemicals to balance pH levels can cost up to $1000 per year.
• Covers: Standard winter covers typically range from $300 to $600.
• Repairs: Swimming pool motors can cost up to $300, while in-ground pool filters range from $385 to $1600.

Reducing Pool Maintenance Costs

There are several ways to reduce pool maintenance costs, including:

• Using a pool cover to reduce evaporation and heating costs.
• Investing in a more energy-efficient pool pump.
• Lowering the pool temperature during the summer to save on heating.
• Performing simple maintenance tasks yourself, such as pH balancing and cleaning the pool filter.

Pool cleaning and water testing costs

Pool cleaning and water testing are essential aspects of pool maintenance, which can cost you anywhere from $80 to $150 per month. This includes testing the water chemistry, checking filters, settings, and equipment, as well as cleaning out the skimmer and pump baskets.

If you opt for a basic monthly package, it will cost you around $30 to $95 per month. These services typically include water testing and balancing, backwashing filters, cleaning the skimmer, and cleaning the pump baskets.

For more comprehensive cleaning, you can choose a package that costs around $70 to $95 per month. In addition to the services mentioned above, the technician will also check your equipment, maintain automatic pool cleaning systems, and brush your pool walls. They will usually visit your pool two to four times a month.

On the higher end, a service that costs $100 to $200 or more per month will include weekly visits and a wider range of services. In addition to the tasks mentioned above, the technician will conduct pool surface skimming, cleaning, and pool vacuuming. Pool opening and closing for the season are also often included in this package.

The cost of pool cleaning and water testing also depends on the type of pool you have. For example, saltwater pools require specialised maintenance and typically cost between $80 and $95 per month for a professional service, or around $45 per month for DIY maintenance.

Additionally, the size of your pool will impact the cost of maintenance. Larger pools typically require higher maintenance costs due to the increased demand for resources, chemicals, and effort needed to maintain water quality and overall pool enjoyment.

It's worth noting that the cost of pool cleaning and water testing can be reduced by performing some of these tasks yourself. For example, you can purchase a pool test kit for around $7 to $16 for 50 strips or $13 to $52 for a digital test kit. You can also save money by regularly carrying out simple pool maintenance tasks such as pH balancing and cleaning the pool filter.

Pool repair costs

The cost of repairing a swimming pool depends on the type of pool, the size of the pool, the extent of the damage, and the cost of replacement parts. The average cost of repairing a swimming pool is $714, but this can range from $239 to $1,189 or more.

In-Ground Pool Repairs

In-ground pool repairs are generally more expensive than above-ground pool repairs due to the complexity of finding and fixing leaks. The cost of repairing an in-ground pool ranges from $350 to $2,700, with concrete pools being the most expensive to repair. Resurfacing an in-ground concrete pool can cost between $6,000 and $20,000.

Above-Ground Pool Repairs

Above-ground pool repairs typically cost between $100 and $700. Patching a small leak in an above-ground pool can cost as little as $150.

Leak Repairs

The cost of repairing a leak depends on the location and severity of the leak, as well as the type of pool. Leak repairs can range from $10 to $3,500, with the average cost being around $900. Minor leaks can often be patched for less than $30, while larger leaks may require draining and refilling the pool, which can cost between $175 and $225.

Pump Repairs

Repairing a pool pump motor costs between $50 and $300, with replacement parts costing at least $15. Replacing the entire pump can cost between $700 and $1,500.

Skimmer Repairs

Skimmer repairs typically cost between $50 and $300, depending on the problem. A leak around the skimmer can be repaired for $100 to $130.

Heater Repairs

Swimming pool heater repairs cost between $165 and $750, depending on the extent of the repairs. Replacing the heater costs between $1,600 and $3,800.

Light Repairs

Repairing pool lights typically costs between $65 and $150 per light, while replacing a light costs around $625 per unit.

Tile Repairs

Broken tiles in a pool can be replaced for an average of $25 per square foot, but the cost can vary depending on the type, style, size, and material of the tile.

Pool maintenance costs by type of pool

The costs of maintaining a pool vary depending on the type of pool, its size, location, and other factors. Here is a breakdown of the estimated costs for different types of pools:

In-Ground Pools

In-ground pools are typically more expensive to maintain than above-ground pools due to their larger size and permanent installation. The maintenance costs for in-ground pools can range from $60 to $95 per hour, and the average yearly cost is around $960 to $1,800. In-ground pools may also have higher chemical and electricity costs compared to other types of pools. Leak identification and repair for in-ground pools can range from $100 to $5,000, depending on the severity and location of the leak. Cover replacement costs for in-ground pools can vary from $75 to $10,000, depending on whether it is a new cover or a replacement.

Above-Ground Pools

Above-ground pools usually have lower maintenance costs due to their simpler construction. The hourly maintenance cost for above-ground pools is similar to that of in-ground pools, ranging from $60 to $95. The yearly maintenance cost is estimated to be $960 to $1,800. Leak identification and repair for above-ground pools are generally less expensive, ranging from $100 to $1,000. Cover replacement costs for above-ground pools are also lower, typically between $35 and $750.

Indoor Pools

Indoor pools have lower maintenance costs, ranging from $25 to $50 per hour. This is because indoor pools do not experience the same level of sunlight and debris from trees and bushes as outdoor pools, resulting in lower chemical usage. However, the cost of maintaining an indoor pool can vary depending on the amount of exposed piping. Leak identification and repair costs for indoor pools can range from $100 to $5,000, depending on the severity and location of the leak.

Saltwater Pools

Saltwater pools have distinct maintenance requirements and typically cost between $25 and $45 per hour to maintain. The monthly maintenance cost for saltwater pools is around $80 to $95, which includes testing and adjusting chlorine levels, cleaning salt cells, and adding additional chemicals as needed. Salt cells need to be replaced every 3 to 7 years, at an average cost of $800.

Chlorine Pools

Chlorine pools have an estimated weekly service cost of $960 to $1,800 per year. Chlorine is usually the most cost-effective option and is easy to work with, unless allergies or preferences make it unsuitable.

Cocktail Pools

Cocktail pools, also known as plunge pools, are smaller than standard pools, so the cost of leak identification and repair is generally lower, ranging from $100 to $5,000.

Infinity Pools

Infinity pools have similar maintenance costs to standard chlorine or saltwater pools. The cost of leak repair for an infinity pool is similar to that of an in-ground pool, depending on the severity and location of the leak.

Ways to reduce pool maintenance costs

Maintaining a pool can be expensive, but there are several ways to reduce the costs. Here are some tips to help you save money:

• Use a pool cover – A pool cover helps to slow down water evaporation, reducing energy costs. It also keeps debris out of the pool, so you won't have to clean it as often.
• Run the filter at night – Running the pool filter 24 hours a day is unnecessary and wastes energy. Running it at night can help cut down on energy costs while keeping your pool clean.
• Clean the pool filter – A clean filter keeps your pool water clear and prevents the need for costly repairs.
• Invest in an energy-efficient pool pump – A variable-speed pump can save you money on your energy bills compared to a single-speed pump, which wastes energy.
• Keep the temperature low – The warmer you keep your pool, the more it will cost to heat. Keeping the water at a comfortable but slightly cooler temperature will help reduce heating costs.
• Maintain the pH balance – Keeping the chemical balance of the water is important for safety and cost reasons. Pool chemicals are expensive, and incorrect measurements will result in wasted money. If you're unsure, it's best to hire a professional.
• Balance stabilizer levels – Stabilizer (cyanuric acid) aids chlorine in keeping the pool water safe. Too much or too little stabilizer will reduce chlorine's effectiveness, so it's important to monitor these levels.
• Do it yourself – You can save money by doing some of the maintenance tasks yourself, such as brushing the pool walls and clearing out and replacing filters. However, for more complex tasks like opening and closing the pool, it's best to hire a professional.
• Hire a professional – While it may seem counterintuitive, hiring a professional pool maintenance service can save you money in the long run. They can identify and fix potential issues before they become costly problems.
• Buy chemicals in bulk – Buying pool chemicals in bulk can help you save money, especially if you have a larger pool that requires more frequent chemical treatments.
• Use a solar heater – Instead of a traditional heater, consider using a solar heater to warm your pool water. This can be a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly option.
• Regular maintenance – Regularly cleaning and maintaining your pool will help prevent issues from developing, reducing the need for costly repairs.

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the costs of maintaining your pool, making it a more enjoyable and affordable experience.

Frequently asked questions