Lounging by the pool on a hot summer afternoon? Inviting friends over for a small pool party? Planning to lose some pounds by swimming a couple of laps daily? Every homeowner with a swimming pool knows the ultimate convenience and relaxation it gives to a property.
The benefits of having a pool in your backyard go on– but that's a story for another day.
Your swimming pool needs regular upkeep to deliver a great pool experience like any other addition to your home. Proper maintenance starts by getting to know your unique pool to develop a solid understanding of maintenance essentials.
While many are intimidated by the annual total costs of maintaining a pool, this article will look at all the aspects covered in detail. Some practical money-saving tips are also included to help you save a few hundred dollars on maintenance fees because who doesn't want to save money, right?
As the adage goes: knowledge is power. Once you figure out the best ways to maintain your pool and how to plan your budget around it– you can pretty much solve any maintenance-related issues that come out of the blue.
Annual Pool Maintenance Average Costs
If you're planning to get a pool installed, expect to spend an average of $1,800 on annual basic pool maintenance costs. Adding pool repairs, utilities, electricity, and water will add a few thousand bucks to the tab, ranging between $3,000 and $5,000 in a year.
This estimated price may vary depending on your pool's type and size. If you implement regular upkeep (either weekly or monthly) to keep your swimming pool in its prime, this may trim down your total yearly costs.
Refer to the table below for a breakdown of the annual pool maintenance costs:
Pool Upkeep | Price Range |
|---|---|
Monthly Cleaning | $90 - $200 |
First Pool Cleaning | $170 - 400 |
Swimming Pool Opening | $360 - $500 |
Swimming Pool Closing (Winterization) | $320 - $600 |
Other Repairs | $180 - $800 |
Aside from maintenance and repairs, there are two other costs that many homeowners aren't too familiar with when it comes to annual pool maintenance.
Costs per Scale: Annual Pool Maintenance Costs
The big question is, what's included in annual pool maintenance? For starters, you can expect to have various pool parts cleaned, lubricated fillings, fixes for cracks or leaks, washed filters, and improved pool water quality. In some cases, you may even expect your pool to be good as new afterward!
The annual pool maintenance costs can be further divided into specific segments: weekly pool services, monthly maintenance, and other upkeep such as pool closing (winterization) or opening.
Here's a helpful table with a detailed cost breakdown for your reference:
Pool Upkeep | Average Annual Costs |
|---|---|
Pool Chemicals | $180 - $800 |
Electricity | $850 - $1,200 |
Pool Water | $50 - $250 |
General Maintenance | $980 - $1,800 |
Other Repairs | $450 - $1,000 (or more) |
Closing/Winterization and Re-opening | $700 - $1,000 |
General maintenance refers to testing the waters’ chemistry, as well as checking the condition of your pool’s filter, equipment, and settings. Aside from standard care, you will also need to keep a close eye on your pool chemicals as they balance the pH levels of the waters to make them suitable for your concrete pool.
Weekly Pool Services
When it comes to weekly or bi-weekly pool maintenance services, a local professional will generally check your pool’s water level, apply helpful chemicals, test the water chemistry, and empty skimmers. This type of service is best for homeowners with busy schedules, as frequent upkeep is required to keep the pool’s structure as clean and safe to use as possible.
Monthly Maintenance Costs
Depending on your pool’s required upkeep, monthly pool maintenance is another popular option among many homeowners. It makes for an excellent choice for those who do not use the pool often or do not have many people on the property to use it at their convenience actively.
While they do not feel the necessity to clean their pools over a more frequent 7-day or 14-day basis, they can opt to have it cleaned once every 30 days.
Refer to the table below for the standard services included in monthly pool maintenance:
Pool Upkeep | Average Annual Costs |
|---|---|
Water pH Testing | $90 |
Checking of Filter and other Pool Equipment | $100 |
Brushing | $130 |
Vacuum | $150 |
Skimming | $150 |
Based on the figures above, you can expect to pay around $125 to 150 to keep your pool's cleanliness and crystal-clear water clarity.
Hiring professional pool cleaners for monthly upkeep takes away such a tedious task for busy homeowners. Keep in mind that a frequent visit helps you identify minor problems before it gets out of hand. Hence, a monthly check is a good option if you want to save money in the long run, as you would theoretically prevent costly major pool repairs from getting worse.
Pool Closing or Winterization Costs
The maintenance costs of your swimming pool in a year will also include closing the pool in time for the new season (Winterization). It will cost you $300 on average and $700 for 20 x 40 pools. The higher price tag includes vacuuming, as well as cleaning the winter filter and solid pool covers.
You will need to change the pool's pH level to 7.2 or 7.5, lower the pool water level by about 18 inches, store filter elements, vacuum out algae, and clear the pool of any fallen debris or dirt.
In closing your pool for a particular season, any pool-related equipment and plumbing need to be winterized. It means you need to discard any stored water that's left inside before plugging it on. Some professional companies may also vacuum non-toxic antifreeze, especially if the temperature in your area is expected to drop below freezing point frequently.
You can expect a professional to complete the winterization process in more than two visits. The method of shocking the pool water needs to be done a few days before the official day of closing your pool.
Re-opening
Once the season permits you to enjoy a refreshing dip in the water once again, it's time to re-open your swimming pool. You can count on a professional to efficiently handle the pool opening for around $180 to $350. Factors that may increase the opening price involve green, dirty pools needing additional chemical and cleaning expenses. It may run up to no less than $400.
Suppose you're ready to open your pool for the summer. In that case, you'll typically need to do the following: pool cover removal, filter system reassembly, water chemistry testing, water refilling, and pump usage.
Triple Cs of Proper Pool Maintenance
Beginners can get by after familiarizing the three C's, a solid foundation when it comes to proper pool maintenance. Taking good care of your pool relies on three necessary and straightforward concepts of water chemistry, cleaning, and circulation.
Good Water Circulation
- 1Run pool pump (10 to 12 hours daily)
- 2Pool jets must face circular and downward
- 3If the pressure is more than 10-15 psi, give your filters a backwash
- 4Clean the pump basket and the skimmer
A good pool water circulation makes your pool enjoyable, healthy, and safe to use. Proper circulation will also lessen the occurrence of issues such as cloudy pool water or algae infestation.
One good way to maximize your pool's circulation is to keep the pump and filter system running daily. Ideally, it should be running around the clock (24/7), but that wouldn't meet the budget or equipment of most homeowners. The best compromise is to have your filters running for about 10 to 12 hours daily. It'll be enough to keep your pool crystal clear and safe for swimming.
Another critical aspect of ensuring proper pool circulation is frequent filter backwashing. It refers to the water flow reversal through the filter, shunting dirty water out of your pool.
Keep in mind that there are various ways to clean your filter, depending on its type. A professional can help you with this pool care routine if you're not too familiar with the process.
Regular Pool Cleaning
- 1Brush low circulation spots such as steps, ladders, and walls every day
- 2Skim the pool surface daily
- 3Vacuum the pool or use an automatic cleaner once a week
After ensuring your pool has good water circulation, cleaning your pool will become so much easier moving forward. You will need to provide these essential tools in your cleaning arsenal: pool brush, vacuum, and net skimmer.
Every time someone uses your pool, chances are– foreign residues will stay (hair strands, mold, leaves, chemical residues.) With the risk of contamination, it's crucial to clean your pool to ensure a safe swimming experience regularly. It's advisable to brush, skim, and vacuum your swimming pool once a week, helping you enjoy clean walls and keep the water free of any unwanted debris.
Some pool maintenance companies utilize an automatic pool cleaner for trimming down the processing time. While it will still require you to do regular pool brushing and skimming, it adds convenience in a shortened time. The drains in the deep bottom end generally help pull the water right into the filter for in-ground pools. It will make it easier to clear out any loosened debris during the cleaning process.
In contrast, above-ground pools lack these drains– but you may use a manual pool vacuum if you want a similar water clearing convenience. Simply attach the vacuum to the filter system, placing it in the middle of your swimming pool. Ensure that the vacuum is upside down before turning on the power, as it will effectively act as a primary drain to clear out cloudy water.
Some homeowners also use flocculants (organic chemicals added to wastewater) to clear the pool water in just a short amount of time but take note that it only serves as a temporary fix.
Balancing Your Water Chemistry
- 1Test the water at least once a week
- 2Balance pool's pH and alkalinity
- 3Maintain sanitizer levels
- 4Shock twice in a week
Your swimming pool's chemistry is the third defining factor for effective pool maintenance and water care. Although it might sound complicated and bit intimidating, the basics of pool chemistry are straightforward.
First, you will need a water testing kit. It's important to do water testing before deciding which chemicals to add to your pool. To balance the pH levels and alkalinity well, you need to understand what's currently in your water (and what it lacks). Once the pool water is balanced, it is less likely to develop cloudy or green water issues or harmful bacteria accumulation- which is every swimming pool owner's migraine. Make sure a good testing kit is a part of your pool maintenance arsenal.
Here are the three most significant parts of your pool water chemistry:
Familiarizing your pool's pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels help you determine the chemicals needed to improve your present water balance levels. Typically, you'd want to ensure that your pool's pH and alkalinity are balanced and that the sanitizer levels are ideal. If this proves to be quite a challenge, hiring a pool maintenance company can help you know each chemical and all its possible effects in the water.
The three C's serve as a guide for every homeowner to efficiently maintain a safe, crystal clear swimming pool. If you find early signs of burgeoning trouble, such as algae growth, cloudy water, discoloration, or scaling– it's best to take immediate action.
Keep in touch with pool maintenance professionals to ensure your swimming pool is always in its prime condition.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Annual Pool Maintenance
Other defining factors, such as the frequency of pool maintenance and size and type of pool, will affect the total annual pool maintenance costs.
Let's discuss these other aspects in calculating yearly pool maintenance costs in detail.
Pool Chemicals
On average, you may spend up to $180 to $750 on pool chemicals for maintenance. It depends on your pool type (fiberglass, vinyl, or concrete) and the number of chemicals your pool needs. A professional can help you efficiently measure the right amount of chemicals you need for maintenance purposes.
Refer to the table below for some of the most common pool chemicals needed for routine maintenance:
Chemicals | Average Annual Cost |
|---|---|
Chlorine | $60 - $150 |
Bromine (Chlorine alternative) | $40 - $60 |
Algaecides | $370 - $410 |
Pool clarifiers | $40 |
Stain/metal removal | $220 - $320 |
Pool shock | $350 |
Cleaning Service
The total cost of your annual pool maintenance will also depend on the cleaning service frequency needed by your pool. For first-time pool cleaning, it may cost you an average of $130 to $280– with the process lasting for 2 to 3 hours.
If your pool needs a more thorough cleaning, prepare to spend an additional $150. Of course, the exact price will still depend on your pool's size and the cleaning it requires.
For your reference, here's a table of the most common pool cleaning services:
Pool Cleaning Service | Average Prices |
|---|---|
Acid Wash | $420 - $570 |
Chlorine Wash | $320 - $470 |
Draining and Cleaning | $700 |
Pool Draining | $190 |
Pool Brush | $90 (per hour) |
Pool Vacuum | $90 (per hour) |
Spring Cleaning | $390 - $490 |
Winter Cleaning | $380 - $670 |
In preparing the budget for the pool maintenance, select the necessary and valuable pool cleaning services to be handled by the professionals. Keep in mind that these prices can accumulate and affect your annual pool maintenance costs in the long run.
Homeowners who find it therapeutic to clean their pools on their own may tell their pool service company to visit less frequently.
Labor Fee
While chemicals and equipment make up most pool maintenance costs, the remainder is made up of labor fees. Aside from spending on pool chemicals and equipment, you will also need to consider professional labor fees in your pool maintenance budget. On average, most pool service companies charge per hour at $80 to $110– but this varies on the pool size, type, and house location.
It would be best to do quick research on at least 3 to 5 different prices of local pool service companies, so you can get the average pricing and get the most bang for your buck. You can do a quick online search of "professional pool service near me" or "pool maintenance service near me" on various search engines.
Hardware Replacement
Despite observing all regular maintenance measures, your pool pump and other relevant machines are still prone to function unsatisfactorily at some point. You may need to prepare your budget accordingly when it comes to replacing your pool's malfunctioned hardware.
It's crucial to detect the inefficient run of any pool hardware as soon as you can. It will help you prevent permanent damage if repairs are possible. You may catch these issues if you notice a weakened water flow, pool pump overheating, and some unusual noises.
For your reference, a water pump replacement will cost you $700 and $1,500, a cartridge filter at $20 to $45, and a water heater at $1,000 to $8,500 on average.
Electricity
On average, expect to shell out $320 in a year for electricity costs in operating your pool pump. Keep in mind that this estimate primarily depends on the type of your pump. The latest models are now equipped to work on lower horsepower (hp) to reduce energy costs and consumption.
The old pumps generally have single-speed power, which requires a higher horsepower to run efficiently. It uses more energy and, as a result, will cost you more.
Water Bill
For standard pools with 15,000 to 30,000-gallon structures, you may need to pay $70 to $130 to fill it up with water for the initial fill.
After the first water fill, it will cost you $0.005 per gallon on average for adding more water during pool re-opening or evaporation issues. If you live in areas prone to drought, such as California, you may need to pay local charges up to $100.
Type of Pool Filter
Most swimming pools use three main filter types: cartridge, sand, or diatomaceous earth (DE). These filters have various purposes and associated operating fees.
If you're looking for the most budget-friendly option, a cartridge filter makes for a great choice (under $100). Meanwhile, a DE filter is on the higher end of the scale, costing as much as $720.
Liability Insurance
Maintaining a swimming pool in your home will make it more prone to accidents and related risks. As a result, your home insurance company will increase your home insurance fees accordingly. It may cost you an additional $25 per month, which adds up to $300 for your annual dues.
Although this aspect isn't considered a traditional maintenance service, the recurring cost may affect your total pool maintenance costs in a year.
Pool Size, Material, and Type
If you have a smaller pool, chances are you will spend less on annual maintenance costs than you would on a larger-sized pool.
The same goes for several above-ground pools, as they are usually smaller compared to in-ground ones. In-ground pools will also cost you more, considering the regular weekly treatments, cleaning, and scrubbing.
If you have an indoor pool, you can expect less costly maintenance fees than outdoor pools. It's also less likely to catch fallen debris and be affected by pH balance disruption and possible bacterial contamination caused by the weather disturbance.
Common Repairs/Replacements for your Pool
On average, a standard pool repair will cost you around $638, according to HomeAdvisor. A more general range is at $240 to $1,055. If your pool needs to replace the main drain and heater completely, expect a price increase of at least a thousand dollars more.
Remember that there is no "one price fits all" when it comes to pool repair costs, as the exact pricing depends on your pool size, type, and the issues that need immediate fixing.
However, if you follow regular pool maintenance, you are less likely to pay for severe, out-of-hand problems once you've acted on the issues early before they get out of hand.
Refer to the table below for a quick overview of the most common pool repairs and replacements:
Pool Item | Repair | Complete Replacement |
|---|---|---|
Water Motor/Pump | $60 - 310 | $700 and $1,500 |
Water Heater | $60 - $400 | $1,000 - $8,500 |
Plumbing | $120 - $260 | $620 - $1,200 |
Pool Cover | $60 - $210 | $550 - $7,500 |
Vinyl Liner | $60 - $210 | $460 - $810 |
Pool Lighting | $70 - $170 | $360 - $910 |
Ladder and Steps | $70 | $150 - $4,500 |
Diving Board | $150 | $350 - $1,000 |
Slide | $150 | $1,000 - $3,500 |
Pros and Cons of Hiring a Professional Pool Maintenance Service Crew
The truth about pool maintenance is, it may not be as simple to DIY, especially for first-timers.
There are uncontrollable factors that may regularly affect your pool water's quality. If you do not have the luxury of time to commit to frequent cleaning, testing, and maintaining your pool's balance– the process can get a bit overwhelming. Take note that the water quality may also deteriorate to unsafe levels, making your pool inaccessible. This would be a waste on a pool party with invited guests over or on a hot summer day, perfect for a quick dip.
Let's discuss the benefits and drawbacks when it comes to hiring professional pool maintenance services. (Related: Annual Pool Maintenance Cost (And How To Save Money From It))
Pros of Hiring a Professional Pool Maintenance Service Crew
Water Quality
Without a doubt, the water quality in a professionally maintained swimming pool is better than most DIY ones. Thanks to the experience and skills of pool maintenance companies, you can count on professionals to make your pool sparkling clean– as if it's brand new!
Plus, you can jump right into your pool anytime, knowing that it's safe for swimming. Keep in mind that it takes quite a lot of effort to balance the chemicals in your pool water.
Water Loss Prevention
In maintaining a swimming pool, it's best to consider how water evaporation can occur faster than you would typically expect. Your pool may lose up to 2 inches of water in just one week.
This aspect of pool maintenance can be easily overlooked, with several homeowners forgetting to regularly check their water levels until it is one foot lower than usual. If your pool's water level goes below the skimmer basket intake tubes, this may cause damage to your pump that's beyond repair.
In contrast, hiring a pool maintenance company is like keeping a close eye on your pool's water level. They will make sure your pool is filled up regardless of weekly evaporation.
Safety
Ensuring a safe water quality in your pool is something that professional maintenance companies can do for you. Keep in mind that your pool may serve as a breeding ground for different organisms, from fungi to viruses– which is likely to happen if you don't monitor the condition of your swimming pool frequently.
Cleanliness
Considering how time-consuming it would be to personally clean filters, skim debris, and brush your pool, professional pool cleaning services can do the job for you! Most companies also clean the filters regularly. Hence you can count on your pool water to be crystal clear. They're also experienced in keeping dirt away from the water, therefore avoiding any possible contamination.
Cons of Hiring a Professional Pool Maintenance Service Crew
Increased Costs
One major drawback when it comes to hiring professional cleaning services is the additional expenses. Simply put, you will need to prepare your budget when leaving any pool maintenance task to the professionals. Pool cleaning is very intricate and requires commitment on your end. If you do not have the luxury of extra time, consider it an investment for your property.
Dishonest Companies
Let's face it, not all pool maintenance companies can give you top-notch, quality services. There will always be several dishonest pool cleaning services (like in every industry), and the best way not to sign up with one is to do your research. Ask your family or friends for any personal recommendations in the area. You can also search online for their past projects, testimonials, and the like.
DIY pool maintenance is easy for skillful homeowners
Experienced homeowners may handle DIY pool maintenance on their own, such as basic skimming or sweeping tasks. Above-ground pools, in particular, are smaller and easier to clean. It's easy for a homeowner to handle simple maintenance tasks as long as they have ample time to commit to it.
However, we advise letting the professionals handle the weekly or monthly tasks– including the proper chemical balancing of your pool and using long-handled vacuums to reach the bottom end of deeper pools. They can optimize the inspection process to make the entire process a breeze.
Tips to Lower Your Pool Maintenance Costs
If you calculate all the energy costs, water bills, and chemical maintenance products, you will need to allot a significant budget to your annual pool maintenance services.
Fortunately, some helpful and practical tips will help you trim down the costs and save money in the long run. We've compiled them below for your convenience.
Heating and Covering the Swimming Pool
One of the first things you can do to save a lot from pool maintenance is simply covering your pool when not in use. Around 80% of heat may be lost if left uncovered, resulting in a higher energy cost when heating your pool again.
Investing in a tarp or an automatic shutter with solar elements will surely be worth every penny in the long run. These types of covers can preserve or even raise your pool's temperature by a few more degrees and help you save at least $117 a year.
Besides serving as a shield against rapid evaporation, a good cover will protect your swimming pool against unwanted debris and foreign contaminants.
Avoid dirt in the Swimming Pool
Preventing dirt in your swimming pool means saving a few dollars from spending on chlorine and other chemical maintenance. Furthermore, having any foreign debris on your pool requires you to vacuum more often, causing your filter to wear down faster and additional energy consumption.
Here are some tips you might consider to prevent your pool from being dirty:
- 1Avoid installing your pool in places near or surrounded by trees. You will be picking up a lot of leaves, grass, and branches in your newly installed pool if that's the case.
- 2Take a bath before swimming prevents all sorts of dirt in your body from going into the pool.
- 3Keeping your pets away from the swimming pools can not only ensure your furry companion's safety but at the same time prevent land dirt in their body from going into the water.
If foreign debris (such as hair, leaves, dead insects) accumulate on the surface, it may sink over time and turn into gunk. As a result, it will be more challenging to remove, and it will also put more load on your pool pump and filter. Make it a habit to skim your pool as often as possible.
Vacuum the Swimming Pool at the right time
Vacuuming your swimming pool is one of the best ways to keep your pool's water quality more consistent and cleaner. However, not doing it at the right time and overdoing it may not do you any good. It will only lead to more water consumption due to the backwashing after vacuum cleaning.
It is highly recommended that you plan out your vacuum session carefully and only do it at the best time necessary to save a few cents on your water bill. Additionally, if you can afford a robot cleaner for your pool, it will save you more water and time compared to a manual vacuum cleaner.
Keep Equipment and Chemicals stored in a Shed
Consistent exposure to sunlight and extreme temperature will surely damage your pool equipment and chemicals. Consequently, this may require you to purchase new products and add a few hundred dollars to your tab.
The best solution is to store your vacuum cleaner and cleaning substances in a safe storage area to avoid wasting money on unnecessary expenses.
Shop in bulk
It's probably common knowledge for shoppers that you can save more on pricing whenever you purchase products in bulk. If you're doing pool chemical shopping, buy sanitary products for a few months’ worth. Doing so will also help you save on transportation, gas, and frequent trips to your local store.
Be a practical shopper and always keep an eye on the expiration date of the products while you're at it!
Install a variable Speed Pump
Not only does a variable speed pump make your pool operation more efficient, but it will also help you save 90% on energy costs in the long run.
How? It reduces the impeller speed, which also significantly reduces the power required by the pump. Commonly known as the Affinity Law, reducing the speed of the impeller down to half can subsequently reduce the necessary operational power to almost 90 percent.
After two pool seasons, you can consider your variable speed pump to have paid for itself with the expenses saved on your water bill. It is a stark comparison to when you have a standard single-speed pump.
Use proper Chemical Maintenance Products
How does regular water testing help trim down the maintenance costs? Well, detecting any harmful fluctuations in your water quality can help you adjust it back to proper levels as quickly as possible. You will save on maintenance expenses should the issues get overlooked and go out of hand.
If you want your pool water quality to be always in its prime condition- you will need to adjust the levels accordingly with chemical products. These may include chlorine, iron-reducing chemicals, and pH-related products. Conducting a frequent water test will help you figure out the chemicals you need to add, as well as the specific amount of each product.
For pools with heavy traffic, do a water quality test daily– just to ensure it's safe for swimming. However, even if your pool isn't actively used, try to test the water quality at least once a week.
Prepare the Pool for Winter
Lastly, prepare your swimming pool accordingly when the winter season is fast approaching. Ideally, give it a thorough cleaning before its winter maintenance. Doing so will ensure it's dirt-free before you cover it the entire time until springtime. You may also adjust your pool's water quality by adding winter products, preferably amid the first maintenance and again around January or February.
Allowing your swimming pool to hibernate will help you reopen it faster in the spring, with a significantly improved water quality. Hence, proper hibernation is essential if you want to save money for pool reopening expenses. You'll be using a lesser amount of product than usual, and the filter won't have to work around the clock.
Checklist in Hiring a Pool Maintenance Service
As you look for the best professional pool service in your area, it's best to inquire about at least three bids in separate companies. Doing so will help you get the most bang for your buck. You can search for online testimonials, services, features, and contracts before signing with a company of your preference.
Here are some things to consider before making your final decision:
In getting estimates, ask your pool service company about the included services in the package. Your quote will generally depend on your pool size, type, system, features, and expected duration for the project. Usually, the estimate only involves the labor fee- so you will need to prepare your budget for buying pool chemicals, materials, and complete hardware replacement.
Keep in mind that every professional pool maintenance company differs in pricing. They have different services included in each package, and they may also be more experienced in certain repairs or systems than others.
Hence, it's crucial not to settle for your first choice. Consider browsing around different pool service companies to find the one that perfectly suits your needs (at your set budget).
Pool Maintenance Checklist: Weekly and Monthly
A pool maintenance schedule is considered a must, especially if you want to ensure optimal results and reduce expenses as much as possible. With that in mind, having a checklist that serves as a guide can help you keep your project on track.
Here are some routine pool maintenance activities which can be done on different frequencies, such as weekly and monthly.
Weekly:
Monthly:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The average cost of draining a pool can range between $500 - $800 and usually comes with cleaning services. You may see yourself paying more if you own a bigger in-ground pool because it takes more work and caution to do compared to above-ground pools.
Regular cleaning of a pool filter can only cost $60 to $65; however, a neglected pool might also need a power vacuuming which runs $55 to $120 per hour.
We do not recommend pool draining annually, especially in places experiencing winter, because the water protects the bottom of the pool from being damaged due to freezing temperatures. You may only empty your pool early when it needs significant repair or if the water is beyond cleaning. Ideally, it's necessary to drain your pool once every 3 to 5 years (either complete or partial drainage).
If your pressure reading appears to be 8 to 10 psi higher than usual, it is most likely the time to backwash your water filter. Remember to have it chemically cleaned while having the filter brite and sand replaced at least every 3 to 5 years of use.
Thanks to the saltwater system, you will not need to add chlorine to your pool more often because it automatically converts the salt into chlorine. A weekly pool shock usually suffices for your pool’s chlorine maintenance.
The ideal pH level for swimming pools is around 7.2 to 7.6, and there are various reasons you need this kind of pH reading. Getting the proper pH balance ensures the safety and health of the swimmers and prevents the eyes from being irritated. Furthermore, it also helps enhance your chlorine’s performance as it keeps it within the proper sanitary condition.
Winter cover for your pool may not be mandatory, but it is highly recommended for pool owners. It serves as a protection from leaves, branches, and all kinds of falling debris that may damage your pool liner. Furthermore, a covered pool will need fewer chemicals when spring starts.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the annual costs of swimming pool maintenance aren't cheap. As a responsible homeowner, you will need to ensure the pool water is free of any unwanted debris and has appropriate chemical levels. An ideal swimming pool must also have well-functioning filters and pumps and is up to date with all necessary hardware repairs and replacements.
While the total expenses may add up to a vast sum, there's nothing quite like having a convenient, private swimming pool in your backyard.
Compare the annual maintenance costs to a yearly membership at the local pool and the number of times you'll go on swimming trips in a year, and we can assure you this investment is worth it. Let the crystal-clear waters set your mind adrift and float all your troubles away!