How Much Does It Cost To Maintain A Pool?

Last Updated on March 26, 2025
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Installing a sparkling swimming pool in your backyard comes with dreams of fun times and convenience. But before taking the plunge, it’s crucial to have realistic expectations about the costs involved in keeping your pool properly maintained and safe for family and friends.

This extensive guide will break down all the potential expenses—from chemicals and electricity to repairs and professional services—to help you budget accurately and make an informed decision about pool ownership. We’ll also provide insider tips to save you money without compromising water quality.

How Much Does It Cost To Maintain A Pool?

The monthly cost to maintain a pool ranges from $150-$600 on average, with most homeowners spending $200-$400 per month on chemicals, electricity, cleaning services and repairs. Over the entire year, plan on a total maintenance budget between $2,000-$10,000 depending on pool size and whether you do it yourself or hire professionals.

Keeping your pool sparkling from season to season takes diligent upkeep and significant outlays for chemicals, utilities, cleaning, repairs, and system replacements. Here’s a closer look at common recurring expenses:

Pool Chemicals

Properly sanitizing and balancing your pool regularly with chemicals keeps water clear of contaminants and algae while maintaining a safe pH level. Plan to spend $50-$150 monthly on average based on pool size for essential chemicals like:

• Chlorine – Provides disinfection to destroy germs and organic compounds through oxidation. Available as tablets, granules, or liquid bleach.
• pH balancing agents – Lowers or raises pH as needed for proper chlorine effectiveness and comfort. Usually, sodium carbonate or muriatic acid.
• Algaecides – Added weekly or as-needed to kill algae spores before blooms form. Also clarifies cloudy water.
• Stabilizer – Reduces chlorine breakdown from UV rays. Allows maintaining lower chlorine levels.
• Shock chemicals – Potent doses of chlorine or potassium percarbonate to purge contaminants and restore water clarity on a weekly or as-needed basis.
• Specialty chemicals – As needed for scale prevention, foam control, stain removal, and adjusting total dissolved solids or calcium hardness.

Test water chemistry at least weekly and adjust chemicals accordingly. Test kits start around $50 for basic manual drops and test strips. Digital photometers provide more accurate, convenient testing for $150-$300.

Water and Energy Usage

With evaporation, backwashing, splashing, and leaks, pools can easily lose 1⁄4” of water per day in warm weather. Refilling that volume alone adds $30-$100 per month to your water bill in arid climates. Water is also required for rinsing filters when cleaning.

Heating also draws significant electricity to maintain comfortable swimming temperatures. Likewise, running your pool filter and circulating pump adds to energy costs. Using an energy-efficient variable speed pump can reduce electricity usage by 50% or more. Installing a properly sized solar pool cover helps minimize evaporative losses and heat retention.

Pool Equipment Maintenance and Replacement

Proper ongoing maintenance and scheduled replacement of pool equipment keeps systems running efficiently. Factor these long-term equipment costs:

• Cartridge filters should be cleaned every 2-4 weeks and replaced annually for $150-$300 each.
• Sand filters require backwashing monthly and new sand media every 3 years, running around $100 per application. Replacing the entire filter costs $400-$600.
• Pool heaters usually last 5-10 years. Budgeting $1,500-$3,000 to eventually replace gas or heat pump units as they age is wise.
• Pumps have an expected lifespan of 8-15 years. Plan for eventual replacement at $500-$1,200 installed.
• Salt cell units for chlorine generators need replacing every 7-10 years at $700-$1,500 each.

Pool Service and Labor

Hiring pool service provides convenience at a cost. Professional maintenance runs:

• Weekly visits for surface skimming, brushing, and chemical testing – $100-$200 monthly
• Monthly service for deeper cleanings and filter backwashing – $150-$300
• Opening/closing to ready for summer and winterize – $300-$500 each
• As-needed repairs – $100 per hour for technicians to fix leaks, pumps, cleaners, electrical issues, etc.

Multi-month or seasonal service contracts offer the most savings compared to paying per visit. DIY maintenance saves significantly but requires time and knowledge.

According to Bob Vila, the typical cost to maintain a pool ranges from $80 to $1,050, with a national average of $270 for a complete cleaning service. Weekly maintenance costs between $20 and $50, monthly services range from $30 to $260, and annual maintenance can cost between $960 and $1,800. Factors like pool size, type, and additional repairs can influence the overall cost.

On Fixr, the national average for pool maintenance is reported to be between $350 and $1,050, with most homeowners spending around $500 per month during summer for routine cleaning and chemical treatments. One-time cleanings for small above-ground pools start at $60, while annual services with weekly visits can cost up to $2,600.

The article on Thumbtack states that monthly pool maintenance typically costs between $80 and $200, with one-time cleanings averaging $225 (ranging from $150 to $300). Additional services like pool opening or closing range from $85 to $500, while acid washing costs around $175 to $255.

According to Angi, the average cost for regular pool maintenance is $234, though prices can range from $116 to $353 depending on pool size and usage. Annual costs for maintenance services vary by state, with warmer climates like Florida averaging around $1,740 per year, while colder regions like Maryland see annual costs closer to $900.

Lastly, HomeGuide reports that monthly maintenance costs range from $80 to $150, while annual expenses, including repairs, electricity, and water, total between $3,000 and $6,000. Opening or closing a pool costs between $300 and $500, and first-time cleanings typically cost between $150 and $350.

Types of Pools

The size, construction, and materials used in your pool impact how much ongoing upkeep it requires.

Inground vs Above Ground Pools

Inground pools are permanent structures dug into the ground and tiled with finishes like plaster or vinyl. Their large volume of water and exposure to the elements makes inground pools more costly to maintain than above ground varieties. Expect higher chemical, heating, and cleaning expenses.

Above ground pools have exterior aluminum, resin, or steel walls surrounding a base on your yard’s surface. Their smaller water capacity reduces chemical usage, and plastic liners last 5-10 years before needing replacement. But exposure damages the liner faster. Above ground pool maintenance runs cheaper overall.

Saltwater vs Chlorine Pools

Saltwater pools utilize a salt chlorine generator that converts dissolved salt into sanitizing chlorine through a process called electrolysis. This method helps soften water, destroy contaminants, balance pH, and reduce chemical odors and eye irritation compared to traditional chlorine. However, the electrolytic chlorine cells themselves cost $600-$1,200 and must be replaced every 5-10 years on average. The generator’s electricity usage also incrementally increases your energy bills each month. Plus, salt purchases are an added recurring cost.

Chlorine pools rely on manual chlorine application in either granular, liquid or puck tablet form. Their cleaning chemicals have a lower upfront investment. However, maintaining safe chlorine levels, pH balance, and water turnover rates through regular shocking and additives typically requires more hands-on testing and effort from the pool owner. Overall, saltwater pools cost around $50-$150 more per month when factoring equipment life, salt usage, and slightly higher electricity consumption.

Residential vs Commercial Pools

Commercial pools at hotels, apartment complexes or recreation centers face stricter health regulations for water testing and professional cleaning. Many mandate redundant pump systems and backup generators in case of equipment failure. These measures raise maintenance costs significantly.

You might also like our articles about the cost of filter tanks, pool deck resurfacing, or pool tile cleaning.

Pool Size and Features

On a residential scale, an Economy-class above ground pool may hold just 10,000 gallons while an expansive custom inground pool contains 30,000 gallons or more. The volume of water to heat, circulate, treat, and clean doubles or triples costs as pool size increases. Added features like water slides, fountains, or infinity edges also boost maintenance demands.

Seasonal and Occasional Pool Expenses

Some pool ownership costs only come around annually or hit unexpectedly. Savvy homeowners plan ahead:

Pool Openings and Closings

Depending on your climate, your pool needs to be prepped for summertime enjoyment and winterized at the end of the season. This involves draining, cleaning, adding chemicals, and covering or uninstalling equipment. Pool openings and closings typically run $400-$800 each time when handled professionally.

DIY owners can save substantially with their own fall and spring maintenance. But allow $150-$300 for any chemicals, accessories, or repairs needed each changeover.

Emergency Repairs and Issues

Even well-maintained pools experience occasional equipment failures, leaks, surface damage, or plumbing issues. Set aside $500-$1,500 annually to cover surprise repairs like:

• Patching leaks or cracks
• Replacing broken pumps or filters
• Electrical repairs
• Tile damage or plaster cracks
• Drainage problems
• Broken pool cleaner parts

Address problems quickly before small issues cause bigger breakdowns. Having a repair fund saves stress when the unexpected strikes.

Pool Resurfacing and Upgrades

Over years of use, surfaces eventually require resurfacing and modernizing to restore aesthetics and fix worn areas. Budget $5,000-$15,000 every 8-12 years for plaster or liner replacements.

Also consider upgrading features like high-efficiency pumps, LED lighting, covers, electrical panels, diving boards, slides, water features, or automation systems. These discretionary improvements run $1,500-$6,000 depending on scope.

Pool Maintenance Tools and Supplies

Equipping yourself with quality tools makes weekly maintenance tasks much easier. Keep these essentials on hand:

• Telescoping Pole – $60-$120 – Needed to attach brushes, vacuums, and skimmers for reaching all areas of the pool. Select appropriate pole length for your pool size.
• Vacuum Head – $150-$250 – Attaches to the pole for suctioning debris from pool floors efficiently. Robotic cleaners like the Dolphin Nautilus ($800-$1,200) offer hands-free floor cleaning.
• Leaf Skimmer – $30-$60 – Removes leaves, bugs, and other debris floating on the water’s surface before they sink and settle.
• Nylon Brush – $30-$60 – Necessary for scrubbing pool surfaces regularly to prevent algae growth and buildup. Choose a brush width that fits your hand well.
• Test Kit – $50-$150 – Essential for monitoring chemical levels for pH, chlorine, alkalinity and maintaining proper water balance.
• Digital Tester – $200-$350 – Advanced monitors that provide lab-quality analysis of water chemistry. Takes the guesswork out of testing.

Pool maintenance becomes much easier with the right tools. Invest in quality accessories with durable construction.

Regional and Climate Cost Factors

Where your pool is located significantly influences operating months and maintenance requirements:

• In warm climates, pools may be used 9-12 months per year. This extended season means higher annual chemical and electricity costs. Stay vigilant for algae growth in hot temperatures.
• Cooler regions save on chemicals thanks to fewer pool days. But expenses associated with opening, closing, and winterizing the pool each year are increased. Plus pools lose more heat and require greater energy inputs.
• Sunny, arid locales allow lowering chlorine levels due to more UV exposure. But lack of rain means more time spent removing dust and debris accumulation.
• In rainy climates, diluted chemical levels need frequent adjustments and shocking for proper sanitization. Preventing algae is more challenging.

No matter the region, tailor your maintenance plan and chemical dosing to local conditions for an efficiently operating pool.

Save on Pool Maintenance

Use these tips to cut costs while keeping your pool sparkling:

Install Energy-Efficient Equipment – Variable-speed pumps $600-$1,200 use 50% less electricity than single-speed models. Efficient filters, LED lighting, and insulated pool covers also substantially reduce energy costs over time.

Perform DIY Maintenance – Hands-on owners can slash monthly expenses by doing their own skimming, brushing, water testing, and chemical dosing. But allow $100-$200 for occasional professional services like filter cleanouts.

Buy Chemicals and Supplies in Bulk – Joining retailer discount clubs like Leslie’s Pool Supplies or buying in bulk online saves 20% or more on maintenance items. But proper storage is key to preserve shelf life.

Average Pool Ownership Costs

To summarize average monthly and yearly expenses:

Pool Type	Average Monthly Cost	Annual Cost
Above Ground	$150-$350	$2,000-$5,000
Inground Chlorine	$200-$600	$3,000-$8,000
Inground Saltwater	$250-$700	$4,000-$10,000
Large/Complex Pool	$600-$1,200	$9,000-$15,000
Commercial Pool	$1,500-$4,000+	$20,000-$60,000+

Final Words

Before installing a pool, seriously consider if you are ready to commit to diligent chemical upkeep, regular system maintenance, and potential big-ticket repairs. Pools provide fun recreation and excellent exercise, but require hands-on work and vigilant monitoring.

For households with children who will use it daily all summer long, the enjoyment a pool provides likely justifies costs. But more occasional swimmers may find the expenses outweigh benefits. Also research all city regulations and homeowner association rules before installation.

Answers to Common Questions

How long after pool maintenance can you swim?

Wait 5-10 minutes after adding chemicals before re-entering the pool. For extensive shock treatments, wait at least 24 hours for proper circulation.

How much effort does it take to maintain a pool?

Expect to spend 5-10 hours per month on average for DIY maintenance of a residential pool. Hiring a weekly service cuts personal effort to just a few hours testing chemicals and cleaning the sides.

What is the most expensive part of owning a pool?

The initial installation is the largest single pool expense, ranging from $15,000-$50,000+. Long-term, maintaining proper water quality through chemicals and electricity draws the highest costs.