What Does Pool Maintenance Cost?

It seems like everyone wants a pool in their backyard. But before you dive in and hire a contractor, you’ll need to think about more than just what kind of swimsuit you’re going to buy. If you want to keep your pool lasting for years to come, you need to be proactive about your pool maintenance.

What Does Pool Maintenance Cost?

What is pool maintenance is a broad question, and so is the exact cost you can expect to pay. There are the little things, like cleaning your pool’s filter or running the pool pump. But the total cost and the specific maintenance you’ll need to do depends on the type of water used and the construction of the pool.

Water Type

Residential pools are typically chlorine, which will cost you up to $150-$260 per month to maintain. Saltwater pools are more expensive in terms of initial cost, with salt-chlorine generators costing from $500-$1,700. Pool maintenance fees per year are a bit lower, typically costing around $70-100.

Construction

In-ground pools that use vinyl liners that need a replacement every so often, adding $4,000 to your maintenance costs every 5-9 years. Additionally, you can budget for about $700 per year between the electricity and chemical treatments needed. Pool maintenance tips for vinyl pools include brushing the bottom of the pool, making sure to avoid chemicals making contact with the liner, and cleaning the waterline.

In addition to the normal brushing, chemicals, and vacuuming with other pools, for concrete pools you’ll need to be vigilant about cracks and save up for resurfacing every decade, which can cost you $1,500 or more.

Equipment

Whether you’re handling most of the maintenance yourself or leaving it up to the pros, it’s important to have basic pool equipment on hand. Using a pool maintenance guide and being able to brush, vacuum, and chemically treat your pool yourself will lower costs over the long haul.

You’ll need a telescopic pole, skimmer net attachment, pool brush attachment, vacuum head and hose, and other equipment for basic maintenance, adding up to around $380.

Buying these tacks on some costs to your initial purchase, but once they’re bought they’re good for several swimming seasons to come.

Chemicals

Many might think that adding chemicals to their pool water is dangerous, or too complicated. But for chlorine and saltwater pools alike, maintaining a proper pH balance and adding pool shock, among other chemical balances, are all important. Per year, chemically maintaining your pool will cost at its lowest around $750 for concrete pools and $400 for vinyl.

Electricity

When you think about maintaining a pool, your mind probably doesn’t go to the electricity. But it’s required to run the pumps, lighting, and temperature controls. All of which are vital to keeping your pool not only up and running, but safe and comfortable as well. For the electricity, you can expect to pay around $300 per year, depending on the pump’s efficiency and the size of the pool.

Special Maintenance

Repairs

With the basics covered, you might think you’ve got your monthly and annual budget set. But you’ll have to think about some extra costs like closing and opening the pool for the season and large repairs.

Keeping on top of regular maintenance can keep costly repairs and replacements from hampering your pool day. That said, accidents happen, and equipment eventually wears down and breaks.

Depending on the severity of the repair and whether you’ll have to hire a professional, these costs can vary wildly. From just $10 for a simple leak repair kit to $1,500 to replace a filter, with the average general repair cost being around $900.

Cannonball

All in all, owning and maintaining a pool is approximately $1,000 to $1,800 per year, although the size, construction, water type, and amount of usage will determine the exact costs. Although the prices for pool maintenance may seem daunting, with Aqua Premier Pools you won’t have to worry about that or the quality of the service.