Swimming Pool Maintenance Cost

Your swimming pool maintenance cost will vary depending on the size of your pool, hardware, system, additional accessories, local energy rates and if you plan on looking after your own pool. The do-it-yourself approach is an option for handy pool owners that are willing to put the time in and are familiar with the basics of pool chemistry. An alternative option is to hire a professional pool service that will maintain your pool on a weekly or monthly basis.  

Whether you already own a pool, are in the market for a pool or have purchased a home with an existing pool it's nice to know how much it's going to cost to keep a pool running smoothly all season long. The cost to maintain a pool is often overlooked until the bills add up, resulting in either the pool not getting used or owners giving up all together to the point where the pool is left dirty, covered or eventually shut down and filled in.

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Swimming Pool Maintenance Cost Estimates

We are going to delve into the costs associated with operating and maintaining a pool. There are many variables so you'll have to decipher which ones apply to you. There are some staples that you likely can't avoid like chemicals needed for balancing the water chemistry and hardware repairs as the system ages. There are some tips and tricks to reduce the cost of owning a pool which we'll add in along the way.

1. Cost of chemicals
2. Cost of maintenance equipment
3. Cost of pool hardware
4. Cost of pool accessories
5. Miscellaneous costs
6. Cost to hire a pool service company

1. Cost of Chemicals

The average monthly cost for pool owners that maintain their pool without the assistance of a pool professional is the first thing we'll look at. The costs are based on average market value of products that you find online. It's important to note that products are significantly cheaper when purchased online versus a brick and mortar pool store. These averages are for cost of materials including balancing chemicals, shocks and other additives.

If you have a salt water pool you can expect to be on the low end of these estimates because salt water is more stable and requires less chemicals to stay balanced. You also will never have to add chemical chlorine pucks because the pool cell creates chlorine by breaking down the salt water. If you are planning on keeping your swimming pool maintenance costs down and balancing your pool on your own you should purchase a quality pool water test kit.

2. Cost of Maintenance Equipment

In addition to balancing chemicals you should factor in that you will need to purchase maintenance equipment that will help you carry out the manual portion of your pool upkeep. These are typically expenses that you can count on budgeting for every one to two years, and if you look after them they can last even longer. 

3. Cost of Pool Hardware

With a typical pool you can expect some or all of the following hardware and system components to be a part of the overall pool system. We've listed the average values of each so you can get an idea of the cost breakdown and what you can expect to pay in the event of replacement or if you want to purchase a new item. A heater may not make sense based on your local climate but a good pool cleaner vacuum can make a world of difference when it comes to keeping the water crystal clear. 

4. Cost of Pool Accessories

This list of pool accessories includes the basics to provide safe and enjoyable options for your pool. While something like lighting should be included in any pool for safety reasons, something like a pool slide is definitely optional. If your budget allows for it, there are some great options for turning your average pool into something that your children, family and friends are going to want to use all season long.

5. Miscellaneous Costs

A major expense is electricity that powers your entire system with the majority of the power consumption by the pump and heater depending on operation times. If you live in a cooler climate in Canada or extend your pool season you can expect this cost to be higher than a pool owner than lives in the southern United States. The cost you expect to pay on a yearly basis will depend on your location, pool usage and how well you maintain your pool. 

The cost of electricity fluctuates and varies significantly depending on where you are located and if you live a climate that requires a heater we recommend finding a heater that fits your budget. There are a variety of pool heaters on the market so it's worth taking some time to figure out what makes the most sense for you. Another money saving tip is to use a variable speed pool pump that will use up to 80% less energy than a one speed pump.

6. Cost to Hire a Pool Service Company

Let's take a look at the cost to hire a pool company to maintain your pool. If you find that you don't have time to manage your pool's upkeep a pool professional is a great option. A pool service technician will visit your home and keep you pool running smoothly all season long and take a lot of the guesswork and hassle out of keeping your pool healthy. The technician should be certified and knowledgable with all systems including chlorine generators to prevent mistakes that may end up leading to costly repairs down the road. 

Every pool company is different and will provide varying services or specialize in certain systems or repairs. It's important to shop around and find one that suits your needs so you can find the most affordable option. This can include basic weekly or bi-weekly pool maintenance service and cleaning or special pool opening and closing packages.

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