How Much Does it Cost to Open a Pool?

As warmer weather arrives signaling the start of pool season, reopening your backyard pool after a long winter requires careful planning and a reasonable amount of investment to ready it for safe, clean, and enjoyable use again. Tasks range from refreshing chemicals and cleaning away debris to restarting equipment and mechanical systems. Costs can vary widely depending on factors like the pool size and type, the extent of winter damage, how much you DIY versus hiring professionals, and any repairs or renovations needed.

Highlights

• DIY openings using your own chemicals, supplies, and labor run $200-$500 (≈4.2 days of your career at $15/hour) for most basic pools
• Outsourcing to professionals averages $350-$800+ (≈1.3 weeks working without a break on a $15/hour salary) for standard backyard pool factoring services, chemicals, repairs
• Carefully evaluate pool condition after winter and determine which tasks you can DIY vs. require outside help
• Proper winterizing and cover installation prevent many costly spring repairs and maintenance needs

How Much Does it Cost to Open a Pool?

Generally, budget anywhere from $200 to $500+ (≈4.2 days of your career at $15/hour) for do-it-yourselfers able to handle basic maintenance tasks, up to $350 to $800+ (≈1.3 weeks working without a break on a $15/hour salary) or more for full-service professional pool opening packages dealing with more extensive repairs, equipment activation, and thorough cleaning and treatment.

According to Pool Research, the average cost for hiring a professional to open a pool in the USA is around $250 to $300 (≈2.5 days of labor continuously at a $15/hour wage), with particularly dirty pools requiring additional cleaning at an increased cost.

On Pool Help Forum, estimates for starting up a new public pool can range from around $250 to $300 (≈2.5 days of labor continuously at a $15/hour wage) for initial chemicals to balance the water and secure permits. Weekly maintenance costs can vary depending on usage and pool size.

Discussions on Houzz mention various costs related to opening a dormant pool, such as paying $450 (≈3.8 days working for this purchase at $15/hour) for a freeze-guard timer and estimates ranging from $100 to $250 (≈2.1 days working for this purchase at $15/hour).

Whether you need a simple chemicals refresh or a pump motor replacement, pool openings require financial readiness along with planning. DIYers able to invest sweat equity can gain major savings, but knowing which tasks exceed your experience allows you to choose cost-effective assistance.

Read on for a full breakdown of expenses to anticipate when mapping out your pool reopening each spring.

Do-It-Yourself Pool Opening Supply Costs

For homeowners with basic maintenance skills opting to handle their pool opening independently, essential supplies represent the core costs. Typical items include:

• Water Testing Chemicals and Kits – To balance pH, chlorine, and alkalinity while preventing algae and bacteria, expect to budget $50 to $150 (≈1.3 days of continuous work at a $15/hour job) for adequate supplies of test strips along with pH increaser/decreaser, chlorine or bromine, algaecide shock treatments, and clarifying agents. Maintaining proper water chemistry maximizes enjoyment and protects the investment.
• Pool Brush, Skimmer Net, Vacuum – Quality cleaning tools to scrub away debris, remove leaves and sediments on the water's surface, and vacuum the pool floors span $50 to $200 (≈1.7 days working without days off at $15/hour) for basic versions suitable for most above-ground and small in-ground pools. Periodic scrubbing improves filtration.
• Miscellaneous Accessories – Other useful items like chlorine-safe goggles, a pole for attaching nets and scrub brushes, or pump motor lubricants add $30 to $60 (≈4 hours to sacrifice at work earning $15/hour) or more. Protecting yourself and equipment matters.
• Specialized Openings Supplies – Some pools benefit from stain removal chemicals, filter cleaners, or degreasers for $30 to $100 (≈6.7 hours of continuous work at a $15/hour job) to address specific issues. Identify potential needs upfront through close inspection.

With diligent completion of standard maintenance and attentive water treatment using quality supplies, budget anywhere from $200 to $500 (≈4.2 days of your career at $15/hour) for the average do-it-yourself pool reopening, depending on size and chemical needs. Skipping expensive repairs and professional servicing is key to cost savings.

Professional Pool Opening Service Cost Factors

For those wanting to outsource hands-on opening tasks, professional pool service technicians handle:

• Draining any remaining winter water and debris before refilling the pool – $150 to $300 (≈2.5 days of labor continuously at a $15/hour wage)
• Balancing and treating the water with sanitizers, pH adjusters, clarifiers, and algaecides – $100 to $250 (≈2.1 days working for this purchase at $15/hour)
• Removal and disposal of the pool cover, leaves, and wintertime debris – $150 to $300 (≈2.5 days of labor continuously at a $15/hour wage)
• Testing and restarting all mechanical equipment like pumps, motors, and jets – $100 to $200 (≈1.7 days working without days off at $15/hour)
• Initial maintenance like vacuuming, scrubbing sides, and emptying baskets – $50 to $150 (≈1.3 days of continuous work at a $15/hour job)

Overall, expect to invest around $350 to $800 (≈1.3 weeks working without a break on a $15/hour salary) or more for professional pool opening service for an average-sized backyard inground pool. Larger or elaborate pools, extensive repairs, or complete renovations inflate costs further. Obtaining quotes from multiple local pool companies allows comparison shopping.

Additional Pool Opening Expenses

Beyond routine opening tasks, be alert for:

• Pool Structural Repairs – Harsh winters can damage underlying pool shells, crack liners, destroy copings, or puncture covers needing fixes averaging $200 to $2,000+ (≈3.3 weeks trading your time for $15/hour) depending on severity. Inspect closely and address issues promptly.
• Pool Water Refilling Costs – For pools suffering significant evaporation, unseen leaks, or major draining, refilling with fresh water from the tap or via truck ranges from $75 (≈5 hours of labor required at $15/hour) for partial top-offs to $250+ (≈2.1 days working for this purchase at $15/hour) for complete volume replacement. Mind municipal water rates.
• Full Season Ongoing Chemicals and Maintenance – Properly balancing and treating pool water all season long comes with chemical and supply costs ranging $300 to $800+ (≈1.3 weeks working without a break on a $15/hour salary) or more, along with regular maintenance like netting, scrubbing, and monitoring equipment. Maintain the investment.

You might also like our articles about the cost of a swimming pool, of an above-the-ground pool, and to pebble tec a pool.

Assess whether certain specialized tasks like leak inspections, filter replacements, or motor repairs exceed your DIY comfort zone or call for licensed assistance. Seeking professional help pays dividends for properly activating complex pool systems and identifying hidden issues. Protect your pool investment through proper reopening.

Smart Tips to Control Pool Opening Costs

Savvy pool owners utilize strategies like:

• Investing in quality pool covers and diligent winterization methods in the fall to minimize expensive spring repairs from freeze damage. Preventative care is wise.
• Taking time to learn DIY testing and balancing for basic water chemicals and maintenance like scrubbing and netting for major savings over outsourcing routine tasks.
• Researching local pool service company options and comparing bids and package deals for professional opening services every year. Vet potential contractors thoroughly through reviews and certifications.
• Considering delaying the pool opening date closer to peak swim season if you don’t plan to use the pool during cold early spring months. Opening too early risks algae growth and wastes money heating unused water.

With savvy preparation and a maintenance game plan, pool owners can control costs, maximize enjoyment, and extend their pool investment each season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does opening a pool include?

Full-service professional spring openings generally encompass removing and disposing of the pool's winter cover, draining any remaining old water and debris before refilling to proper levels, thorough brushing and vacuuming all surfaces, balancing chemicals by adding fresh sanitizer, pH adjuster, clarifier, and algaecide, removing and rinsing out filter baskets and pump strainers, testing water chemistry and mechanical equipment functionality, and restarting the circulation pump, motor and filtration system.

Can a pool be a good investment?

Yes, installing an attractive new in-ground pool can conservatively boost a property's overall resale value in the range of 5-10%. This incremental value increase, along with years of lifestyle enjoyment, often offsets much of the average $30,000 - $60,000 (≈1.9 years of dedicated labor at $15/hour) expense to install a pool initially.

Proper routine maintenance and prudent renovations help maintain high value. Carefully consider all costs and home enhancement benefits when deciding on adding a pool.

Is opening a pool easy?

For basic small above-ground pools, DIY opening using pool store chemicals and checklists can certainly be a straightforward process for most homeowners. However, safely reopening larger or elaborate in-ground pools with extensive mechanical equipment often benefits from hiring a professional service company to fully assess winter damage, perform water system treatments, test components, and handle repairs.

Know your personal comfort level with chemicals, technical equipment, and repairs before deciding between DIY and pro help.