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Owning a pool can be a luxury, but it also comes with responsibilities and ongoing costs to ensure it stays clean, safe, and functional. From routine cleaning to repairs and chemical treatments, understanding pool maintenance costs is essential for budgeting and keeping your pool in excellent condition.Read on to learn what you can expect to spend on pool maintenance costs.
Breakdown of Monthly Pool Maintenance Cost
How much does pool maintenance cost? Monthly pool maintenance costs depend on the size and type of pool you have, but they generally average between $80 and $150 a month. Here’s what contributes to the costs:
Water analysis and chemical balancing
Filter maintenance
Clean out skimmer and pump baskets
Clean out auto pool cleaner bag
Brush pool walls (if necessary)
Skim pool surface
Vacuum pool
Winterize pool
Open pool for spring
Breakdown of Annual Pool Maintenance Cost
Some of the costs of pool maintenance are ongoing, while others are annual. In total, the annual cost to own a pool is $3,000 to $6,000, which includes electricity and water as well as these average costs:
Maintenance Cost for Salt Water vs Chlorine Pools: Which is Higher?
The cost of pool maintenance can depend on the type of pool you have. Typically, salt water pool maintenance cost is less than maintenance for a traditional chlorine pool because you use fewer chemicals. Properly maintained, a salt water pool will cost less than $100 annually for salt and chemicals. A chlorine pool costs from $300 to $800 in chemicals. However, salt water pools do need regular cleanings to prevent buildup. The average monthly cost of maintaining a salt water pool is $80 to $100 per hour.One of the major expenses of a salt water pool is the salt water chlorine generator needed to gauge the pool’s salt levels, cleanliness, temperature, and flow. The typical cost for one of these generators is around $330, but it can be as high as $1,400. Recommended: 5 Typical Personal Loan Requirements
Factors That Impact Pool Maintenance Cost
The cost of pool maintenance varies based on a number of different factors, such as:
Type of Maintenance
These are some common types of pool maintenance you’ll want to budget for to keep your pool clean:
Pool drain: $175
Acid wash: $400 to $550
Chlorine wash: $300 to $450
Pool brush: $85 per hour
Pool vacuum: $85 per hour
Drain and clean: $650
Spring cleaning: $385 to $485
Winter cleaning: $365 to $650
Size of the Pool
How big your pool is can affect how long it takes to clean it and the amount of cleaning supplies you’ll need. The larger the pool, the more expensive it generally is to maintain.
Type of Pool
The type of pool you have will also impact how much it costs to maintain and clean it. The least expensive type of pool to maintain is a fiberglass pool, which costs about $300 to $550 a year to maintain. Concrete pools are the most expensive to care for, averaging about $450 to $1,200 annually for maintenance. These different types of pools require different chemicals to clean and maintain them, which contributes to the different price points. Homeowners looking for home renovation hacks can benefit from keeping these costs in mind when choosing the type of pool they want to install.
Material Used on the Pool Labor Cost
A number of different chemicals are needed to maintain a pool and keep it clean, sanitized, and working properly. These are the average costs you’ll pay for chemicals for the three most popular types of pools:
Fiberglass pool: $175
Vinyl pool: $400
Concrete pool: $750
Frequency of Maintenance
How often you clean and care for your pool will affect how much you spend. Weekly maintenance can cost $20 to $50, and is often recommended because it helps pool owners monitor the pool water’s pH levels and adjust them when necessary. Weekly maintenance also allows you to check on equipment to make sure nothing is malfunctioning.
Affordability of Pool Maintenance
One way to make pool maintenance more affordable is for pool owners to learn how to care for their pool themselves. It can be a lot of work to clean and maintain a pool, but it will save you a substantial amount of money in labor costs.If your pool needs more work than you’re able to do and you decide to hire a professional, or if it requires repairs or new equipment, swimming pool loans could help cover the expense of updating and maintaining your pool.
The Takeaway
On average, pool owners can expect to spend $3,000 to $6,000 a year to maintain a swimming pool. The type of pool you have, how big it is, and how frequently you clean it will affect how much you spend on maintenance. It’s important to figure out a pool maintenance schedule, determine all the costs involved, and budget for them accordingly. Once you do, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing your pool is well-cared for, and you can enjoy all it has to offer. If you need help covering pool maintenance expenses, consider a personal loan with Lantern by SoFi. By filling out one simple form, you can compare personal loan interest rates from multiple lenders in our marketplace.Check your rate today with Lantern and see if you prequalify.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does maintenance for a salt water pool cost more than for a chlorine pool?
What factors influence the cost of pool maintenance?
How can you afford to maintain your pool?
Photo credit: iStock/Thomas Bullock
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About the Author
Jacqueline DeMarco
Jacqueline DeMarco is a personal finance writer and editor based in Southern California. While she spends the bulk of her time writing about complex financial issues, she also tackles a variety of subjects ranging from food to fashion to travel. Her work can be found across dozens of publications such as Credit Karma, LendingTree, Northwestern Mutual, The Everygirl, and Apartment Therapy.
