Pool Maintenance Cost and Tips to Consider
Perhaps you’ve always dreamed of owning a pool, or maybe you just purchased a new home with a swimming pool already installed. Chances are those dreams of taking a dip on hot days didn’t include thoughts about pool maintenance cost. While a relaxing swim at your whim sounds lovely, things like pool water testing, cleaning and pool care are things every new pool owner needs to consider.
How Much Does it Cost to Maintain a Pool?
Before you dive in, it’s absolutely necessary to consider the financial implications of owning a swimming pool. From salt water pool maintenance to pool water testing and cleaning techniques, the upkeep of a pool takes a bit of effort and budgeting.
- Upfront cost. Planning to install a new swimming pool? Be prepared to open your wallet. Before you even think about pool maintenance cost, you’ll want to be sure you can afford the installation. The average cost of a residential in-ground swimming pool installation is in the $30,000 range. While that may seem like a big investment, remember the value that you’re adding to your home. Most people spend years enjoying their pool and find that they recoup all of that money when they sell the house in the future,
- Ongoing pool maintenance cost. Whether you are installing a pool or inherited one when you purchased your new home, every new pool owner needs to be on top of maintenance. If you own a chlorinated pool or are curious about salt water pool maintenance, be sure to get the pool inspected by a professional. Have a pool company come over and analyze the pool closely. Sometimes that’s a challenge in the winter when the pool is partially drained, so you may not be able to do a full inspection complete with pool water testing. Also, when wondering how much does it cost to maintain a pool, find out if the previous homeowner used a pool servicing company. This way, you can find out if it’s been serviced regularly and what that company charges.
As a general rule, the quality of a pool’s construction matters more than its age. You may have above-ground pool with ladders pulling on the side and ripping the vinyl. Some people cut corners when it comes to pool maintenance cost and ends up costing more in the long run. Some pool owners pay a few hundred dollars for a company to open the pool at the beginning of the summer and close it at the end of the season. Others also pay for weekly or biweekly cleanings. When homeowners don’t pay for regular chlorinated or salt water pool maintenance or clean it themselves, that can trigger costlier maintenance calls.
- The cost of replacing motors, pumps and covers varies depending on the size and model used.
- Pool water testing and adding chemicals to balance the pool’s pH level is another consideration.
- If your pool gets used a lot and you’re a new pool owner, you may need the help of a professional to know what you need.
- Insurance costs. All pools, from a simple above-ground pool to a salt water in-ground pool can be dangerous, so they need to be properly insured and comply with local safety standards. In addition to pool maintenance cost, you may want to increase your liability insurance because owning a pool increases your risk.
Most homeowners find that the enjoyment and value of owning a pool far outweigh the costs. If you want to make the most of your investment, be sure to consider chlorinated or salt water pool maintenance cost upfront so you don’t end up getting burned in the long run.