Does the idea of lounging on a float in your own personal backyard oasis get your heart beating faster? Love the thought of a crystal clear, blue lagoon of your very own? If so, you’ve no doubt thought about pool ownership, but you might be put off by the thought of all the maintenance costs involved with owning your own pool.
There’s good news. Maintenance costs don’t need to break the bank. There are many ways that you can control those costs and still enjoy time splashing in the water. We’ll dive into the costs, maintenance areas, and how to save money. We’ll even include a swimming pool warranty guide to help you make an informed decision.
Common Maintenance Costs with Pool Ownership
Before we go much further, understand that the amounts we will discuss are averages only. There are many, many variables at play here that will affect what you pay for maintenance, including whether you have an aboveground or inground pool, whether you have a covered or open pool, the type of filter system you use, and even the number of people who use your pool regularly.
- Pool Cleaning: Hiring a pro to clean your pool for you will cost between $75 and $100 per hour. Obviously, smaller pools will cost less to clean than larger pools. You can limit your expenses here by using an in-pool vacuum to help clean in between visits by the pool company.
- Chemicals: Chemicals will also cost you a significant amount. You’ll shell out up to $750 per year in chemicals – more if you wind up with algae or another problem.
- Replacements: You will need to replace things on a regular basis. For instance, your pool filter will need to be replaced every year to two years, and that will run you between $50 and $100 or so.
- Opening and Closing: Unless you choose to keep your pool open all year long, you’ll incur opening and closing costs, which can be between $300 and $600. Note that you’ll pay more if your pool is in poor condition.
- Repairs: Broken tiles, damaged skimmer baskets…problems happen, and you’ll be on the hook for the repairs. Figure in between $400 and $1,000 per year for repairs.
|
Cleaning |
Up to $1,200 per year for professional cleaning |
|
Chemicals |
Up to $750 for chemicals (not included in the cleaning costs) |
|
Replacements |
Varies significantly |
|
Opening and Closing |
Between $300 and $600 per year |
|
Repairs |
Up to $1,000 per year |
|
Water |
Up to $300 per year depending on water costs in your area |
|
Total |
Up to $3,850 as a baseline – note that many pool owners will pay more, with $5,000 – $6,000 being common |
Avoiding Unnecessary Costs
Making the most of your money is important, and you need to avoid unnecessary costs in pool maintenance and repairs. You can do this in a number of ways, including the following:
- Pump and Filter Maintenance: The pump is the heart of your pool, whether it’s an inground or aboveground setup. Make sure you keep it in good working condition. The same applies to the filter – replace it when necessary and make sure it is properly cleaned weekly.
- Skim and Vacuum: Dirt, sand, leaves, bugs and other debris will get in your pool, even if it’s screened in. Set aside time every single day to skim and vacuum it.
- Hire a Pro: Sure, you can probably brush and vacuum your pool on your own with some time and effort. But can you keep the chemicals balanced? What about pH testing? Are you comfortable adding acid when necessary? Hiring a pro can help reduce your workload and ensure better results.
How to Hire the Right Pool Service
As mentioned, hiring a professional pool company to keep your swimming pool in pristine condition is a smart decision. However, you need to make sure that you’re hiring the right company, and that the service person is doing what they should at each visit (you should supervise until you build a level of trust). Here’s what you should get from a professional company, and what you should see the pool technician do at every single visit:
- Test the water’s pH
- Check and clean filters
- Check equipment for condition/repairs needed
- Brush the entire pool (sides and bottom)
- Check robot cleaners if present
- Vacuum debris
- Skim debris
Note that some companies offer tiered pricing or packages. Not all of the above services may be included in all tiers. Check carefully before signing up.
Pool Warranty Considerations
You have a lot to worry about when it comes to your pool just in terms of regular cleaning and maintenance. What if something goes wrong, though? For instance, what if your pump motor burns up? What if your filter cannister is damaged? In most instances, you’ll be paying out of pocket to repair those things, as they’re not usually covered by homeowner’s insurance. A home warranty with pool coverage can give you the peace of mind that you need.
With that being said, make sure to do your due diligence when shopping for a home warranty. Not all warranty providers offer pool coverage. Others may only cover certain types of pools – inground but not aboveground, for instance. Yet others may only cover specific parts of the pool environment – the pump, but not your screen enclosure. Some “normal wear” items may also not be covered. For example, if your pool has a marcite liner, it will need to be replaced roughly every 10 years, which could cost as much as $10,000.
In addition, you need to consider whether the home warranty company offers 24/7 emergency support, and how soon after a problem occurs you’re required to file a claim. Some companies require you to do so in as few as three days.
In Conclusion
Pool maintenance is necessary, but it doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. Hire a professional cleaner if you’re not 100% positive that you can balance the pool chemicals yourself, and make sure you have a home warranty that covers your pool and its systems.