What’s the Average Cost for Monthly Pool Maintenance?

A pool can be a smart investment you appreciate and use for many years, but it also needs to be properly maintained to remain inviting and usable. As for how much it costs to maintain a pool per month, the average monthly cost is a little over a hundred dollars, according to HomeGuide. However, the actual cost can vary greatly, so what we’re going to focus on below is what’s typically required to maintain a pool to give you a better idea of what could apply for you cost-wise.

Filters

In-ground pools have filtration systems with filters that need to be checked monthly when you’re regularly using your pool. An easy way to do this is to buy some diatomaceous earth, which is about $30 for a 25-pound container, and put it in your skimmer so you can stick it by your pool jets. If the DE comes back out and makes the water cloudy, you may have a filter issue. Also, filter cartridges typically need to be changed every 3–5 years. The cost for doing this will depend on the type of filter cartridge your pool uses.

Routine Cleaning

How much you’ll spend each month on pool cleaning will depend on how you prefer to clean your pool, whether it’s a conventional pool or a salt water pool. You’ll pay more per month for this task if you prefer to have it done professionally. However, the tradeoff is you won’t have to take the time to do this yourself. On the other hand, if you opt to do routine cleaning yourself each month, you’ll only need to invest in the right tools to do this. Basic pool cleaning equipment includes:

• A basic or double-net skimmer
• A pool brush
• A pool vacuum to clean the bottom of the pool

Another option with pool cleaning is to have a skimmer that’s part of your pool’s internal system. It works by drawing debris into a basket. In this case, you’ll need to regularly clean the basket to keep this type of skimmer working properly.

Pool Chemicals

It’s a good idea to invest in a pool water test kit to use once or twice a month to see what’s going on with your pool’s chemicals. The results will determine how much adjustment you’ll have to do with chemicals for your pool each month. According to Fixr, a five-pound container of chlorine tablets is about $20. This is one of the more common chemicals regularly added to a pool. Others include:

• Bromine
• Algicide
• Water stabilizers

Pool Shocking

During certain months, you may need to “shock” your pool’s water to remove contaminants if there are issues with levels of algae. According to Fixr, a pool shock typically costs around $25–50.

One-Time/Occasional Costs

Some pool maintenance costs aren’t exactly monthly. For instance, a top-quality pool cover has the potential to last for several years. But this is an investment that can cut down on your monthly maintenance costs by minimizing the accumulation of debris in your pool. Additionally, you might need to have your pool completely drained and refilled roughly every 5–7 years.

Minor Repairs

You may also need to have minor repairs done as you go about maintaining your pool each month while it’s being used. Costs of this nature will depend on what needs to be done. Pool repair costs can be minimized by having a professional inspection done at least once a year to determine if anything needs to be taken care of before you start using your pool again.

Whether you do it yourself or hire a San Diego pool contractors company, maintaining your pool on a routine basis can prevent damage to its mechanical systems, keep it clean, and ensure your family will be able to enjoy it for many years to come. If you haven’t yet built your pool, reach out to San Diego Pools, the pros with decades of experience. We are one of the premier pool companies in San Diego, and our team of pool design and construction experts is dedicated to building exactly the pool you want and providing you with the highest-quality service in the industry. To get started on building the pool of your dreams, call us today at 888-707-7786.