How much does it cost to maintain a swimming pool?

Reviewed by Cristina Miguelez remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Swimming pools are a lot of fun in the summer months, as well as a great way to cool off. Unfortunately, if not properly maintained, a swimming pool becomes a breeding ground for bacteria such as E. coli, protozoa, fungi, and viruses within just two weeks. Swimming pools are introduced with various contaminants, including lotions, cosmetics, dirt, urine and more. If left alone, these contaminants can create a toxic, unsafe place to swim. Maintaining your pool daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly is so incredibly important to keep your pool in a healthy and efficient working condition.

The national average cost for pool maintenance is between $350 and $1,050. Most homeowners pay around $500 for monthly pool service during the summer months, including routine cleaning and chemical treatments. At the low end of the spectrum, you will pay around $60 for a one-time maintenance visit of a small 10’ x 20’ above-ground pool. At the high end, you may pay up to $2,600 for annual pool service with weekly visits, including opening, closing, and repairs.

Pool Maintenance Price

Annual Pool Maintenance Cost by Frequency

The average cost for annual pool maintenance is between $350 and $2,600, depending on the frequency of visits. Most pool cleaning services offer weekly and monthly maintenance plans. Some people choose weekly or regular maintenance and cleanings to prevent bigger issues. One-time visits that are not included in maintenance plans cost $90 to $270, depending on the size of the pool and the maintenance or cleaning needed. You can expect to pay less for basic weekly maintenance tasks, such as adding chemicals and cleaning, compared to annual tasks, such as replacing parts or opening and closing procedures. The cost also varies based on the frequency of visits, which could be weekly, monthly, or in any other agreed-upon interval (seasonal, opening and closing only, etc.) While unexpected problems could arise, these costs fluctuate greatly. The table below shows the costs associated with yearly contracts for weekly and monthly visits. In the subsections, you will see information on each type of contract.

Seasonal Pool Maintenance

If you choose to have seasonal maintenance (not including opening and/or closing services and costs), you will spend $350 to $1,050 per year. Seasonal maintenance includes a visit in the spring, one in the summer, and one in the winter, where basic maintenance and routine care will be performed to keep the pool in its best condition. The exact cost depends on the pool type and size and the agreed-upon services.

Monthly Pool Maintenance

Monthly pool service costs range between $30 and $90 per month or $360 to $1,080 for basic pool maintenance care on an annual contract with monthly visits. Basic monthly maintenance tasks include cleaning various pool parts, checking and chemically cleaning the filters, testing the water chemistry, searching for leaks or cracks, lubricating fillings, and checking the equipment. Keeping up on these tasks monthly is important to ensure that any problems are dealt with as soon as possible. If there is any sign of an issue, these tasks could be conducted more regularly as part of the weekly maintenance schedule.

Opening and Closing a Pool

When choosing a maintenance contract for only opening and closing services and related maintenance, you will spend between $450 and $650 per year. The total depends on the type and size of pool you have and the services and tasks that need to be performed as part of the opening and/or closing process. For example, a chlorine pool may cost more for chemicals than a similarly-sized saltwater pool where chemicals are not required. This can be discussed with your pool cleaner to determine the right contract terms and costs.

Weekly Pool Maintenance

A pool owner can expect to pay $20 to $50 per week, or $1,040 to $2,600 total on an annual contract with weekly visits, depending on the maintenance needed. Weekly maintenance typically involves checking pH levels, cleaning the filters, putting in chemicals to avoid stains and algae, and recognizing malfunctioning equipment. If the pool is dirty, weekly maintenance involves removing leaves and debris, emptying the skimmer basket, and brushing down the walls. The water levels are also checked to ensure they are at a good level for smooth functioning.

Average Cost to Maintain a Pool by Size

The size of a pool impacts its maintenance cost, ranging from $60 to $380, depending on whether you have a small pool or a large pool. In some cases, pool maintenance technicians charge by the hour instead of by size, which runs about $60 to $95 per hour. A larger pool requires two to four hours of work, while a smaller pool could be done in just one to three hours, so it would cost more in hourly labor. The table below shows the average cost to maintain a small pool and a larger inground pool and how they compare.

Swimming Pool Maintenance Cost by Type of Pool

Your pool type directly influences the maintenance costs and averages between $60 and $95 per hour. Different pools require different kinds of maintenance and upkeep, which impacts how much you spend on your pool. Because many variables are involved, most pool cleaners charge hourly for their services when pricing based on a type of pool. The table and subsections below show different pool types, their respective maintenance costs, and information about what maintenance is involved with each type of pool.

Saltwater Pool Maintenance

Maintenance costs range around $60 to $75 per hour for these pools. The maintenance of a saltwater pool is generally lower than that of a chlorine pool due to the fewer chemicals needed. The water still needs to be tested to look at ph levels and stabilizer and make any adjustments to the chlorine levels. Saltwater pool maintenance is focused on keeping the proper levels of salt in the water and preventing corrosion. Salt cells need to be cleaned regularly to wash off any calcium build-up. With proper care, salt cells should last four to six years or longer.

Indoor Pool Maintenance

You can expect to spend $60 to $75 per hour for indoor swimming pool maintenance. If you have a smaller pool, you will spend less on maintenance and upkeep. Many people have installed endless pools. Their maintenance will be a bit more expensive than a standard in-ground pool. Indoor pools are not subject to dirt and debris, water evaporation, or sunlight issues like outdoor pools, so they are generally easier to maintain than outdoor pools. You can also invest in a water heater, pool cover, and even a dehumidifier to lower maintenance costs.

In-Ground Pool Maintenance

The average cost for in-ground pool maintenance is around $75 to $85 per hour, depending on the size of the pool. Inground pool maintenance involves balancing the chemicals, vacuuming, brushing the sides, skimming the debris, and cleaning out the traps and filters. All of these tasks should be completed weekly. Long-term inground pool maintenance involves opening/closing the pool and replacing system parts when required. Inground pool maintenance is essentially the same as an above-ground pool.

Above-Ground Pool Maintenance

You can expect to pay around the same price for above-ground pool maintenance as you would for inground pool maintenance, or about $75 to $85 per hour. The process is essentially the same for both types of pools. Maintaining an above-ground pool involves cleaning filters and traps, vacuuming, and skimming the surface for debris. Chemicals will also need to be balanced. Because above-ground pools are smaller and easier to maintain, most people do the work themselves rather than working with a pool maintenance company.

Chlorine Pool Maintenance

A pool owner can expect to pay between $80 and $95 per hour to maintain a chlorine pool. The initial investment in a chlorine pool is quite low. However, the costs to maintain a chlorine pool are quite high. The most important part of chlorine pool maintenance is maintaining a correct balance of chlorine. Chlorine should be tested every other day and maintained at an ideal range of 1-3 ppm. Testing strips or water testers are used to test these levels. In addition to balancing the chlorine levels, other maintenance tasks such as vacuuming, cleaning the filters, and skimming should be carried out regularly. Chlorine pools will have to be shocked much more frequently compared to a saltwater pool.

Average Pool Maintenance Cost by Material

Maintenance is a crucial component to pool ownership, ranging anywhere between $300 and $1,200. The cost of pool maintenance varies based on the type of pool material. You can expect to pay less for fiberglass pool maintenance compared to a concrete pool. The chart below highlights the three types of inground swimming pool materials with their respective maintenance costs, followed by a subsection explaining the type of maintenance involved and factors affecting the cost.

Fiberglass Pool Maintenance

Fiberglass pools cost about $350 to $550 per year, which is the lowest compared to other pool types. These pools are easy to maintain and have fewer maintenance concerns than concrete or vinyl pools. They have a smooth, non-porous surface, which means they are easy to manage regarding water temperature, chemical balance, and more. Regular maintenance will be required, including cleaning out the filters, skimming debris, and vacuuming or brushing the floor of the pool. The gel coat interior may also need to be resurfaced over the years, but that depends on the pool. Many owners do their own maintenance since it does not require much attention or time.

Vinyl Pool Maintenance

Regular vinyl pool maintenance costs average between $475 and $800 per year. Repairing a small hole or tear in the liner costs around $350 to $550. Vinyl pool maintenance costs are average compared to other types of material. In addition to the regular pool maintenance tasks of changing the filters, cleaning, and maintaining chemical balance, vinyl pools also require regular liner checks. Vinyl liners are known to weaken over time due to pool chemicals causing tears in the liner. The liner will need to be replaced approximately every five to nine years. Thinner liners may puncture and rip more quickly than thicker liners. Some rips can be repaired, but eventually, the liner needs to be replaced.

Concrete Pool Maintenance

The cost of concrete pool maintenance is influenced by the nature of the material, averaging $450 to $1,200 per year. While they are a good option, they require the most maintenance of the three types. Concrete pools require frequent chemical balancing, acid washing, vacuuming, and draining each winter. The rough, porous surface is known to collect and continually grow algae, requiring frequent sweeping with a pool brush. A large chunk of the concrete or gunite pool maintenance cost goes to the chemicals involved in controlling the growth of algae and other levels in the pool.

Pool Cleaning Cost by Cleaning Method

The average pool cleaning service cost ranges between $60 and $700, all depending on the type of pool cleaning. Cleaning is a big part of regular pool maintenance, but the cleaning process isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your pool’s ideal cleaning method depends on the materials that built it. Several different types of pool cleaning may be needed over the years, including service for filters and drain cleaning, along with brushing and vacuuming. Replacing or cleaning filters and cleaning drains ensures the pool is always kept clean and well-aerated. Brushing and vacuuming are part of daily pool maintenance, but a more in-depth cleaning could involve powered vacuums or robotic cleaners that deliver a better clean. For chemical balancing, you may need to consider the average chlorine wash pool and swimming pool acid wash to determine the better option. The cost to drain and clean a pool tops the price range since there is so much labor and time involved in draining and refilling the water. Fortunately, this is only needed if there are cleaning or repairs that need to be done to the pool’s surface, and that is rare. The chart below highlights the different types of pool cleaning with their respective costs.

Pool Inspection Cost

The average cost of a pool inspection ranges between $100 and $200 depending on the duration of the visit. Whether you are purchasing a home with a pool or simply wanting a review of your current pool, professional companies offer pool inspections to provide pool owners with a clear picture of the condition of the swimming pool. A pool inspection involves a thorough review of the present condition of the pool, including the presence of any safety issues, testing of the heating and cleaning equipment, and recommended repairs.

Cost of Pool Chemicals

Many different chemicals are required to maintain your pool and keep it running efficiently, ranging in cost between $10 and $80. These chemicals are used for different purposes and work together to create balanced pool chemistry so you can swim in peace. The type of chemicals required will depend on the type of pool you have, the condition, the size, and the use.

The most common chemicals used in a pool include chlorine, algaecide, bromine, and two products known simply as pool clarifier and pool shock. The latter products are usually used during the opening of a pool to help balance the chemicals and clean out the dirty water that has been sitting all winter. Water stabilizer balances the water, as well. If there is a spill or damage to the pool, metal removers, stain removers, or an oil-absorbing sponge can collect body oils and other chemicals that can lead to buildup. The chart below lists the most common pool chemicals and their respective costs.

Pool Water Testing

Testing your pool water is essential to your pool's health. Testing your pool water informs you what the chemical levels are or if there are any undesirable substances in it. It gives you the information required to decide what chemicals need to be put into the water to create a safe swimming environment. When professionals test the pool water, they also test for calcium and sanitizer levels. The process of testing the water is done using a testing kit. Professionals will use strips or a digital reader to give them accurate readings of the pool levels. The cost of professional pool water testing is between $20 and $40 per test.

Cost of Owning a Swimming Pool

In addition to the maintenance, electricity and water costs must be considered, adding $3 to $20 per month to your water bill and $100 to $800 in additional electricity costs each month, depending on how much electricity you use. Pools consume around 2,000 to 3,000 kilowatt hours of electricity every year. The cost of electricity highly depends on the type of filter you have, whether there are lights in the pool, and if there is a heater.

Regarding water consumption, pools lose water at a rate of approximately ¼ inch per day. A pool can lose water due to evaporation and people splashing and getting in and out. Maintaining the water level is critical because it can ruin the pump if it falls below the skimmer baskets. The water level should be checked every time maintenance is done on the pool. A simple way to ensure that the water is at the right level is to install a pool lever reader with an auto-open and shut-off valve that can be attached directly to your garden hose.

Swimming Pool Health Risks

According to the report regarding pool maintenance for recreational pools by the World Health Organization, there are some standards that you should follow. They suggest both daily and weekly cleaning and treatment of pools to ensure that all potential health risks are minimized. Standing water like that in a pool is a breeding ground for viruses, bacteria, pathogens, and the insects that carry them. The pathogens could get into the groundwater supply and cause illness through different sources. Pool heaters encourage the growth of organisms and pathogens, so it is essential to monitor the temperature, maintain proper chemical levels, and ensure regular filter maintenance and replacement. The WHO states that these are the best practices for keeping recreational pools safe for public and private use.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Pool Repair

You can expect to spend between $150 and $3,500 on repairs. During the maintenance process, damage and repairs can be discovered and should be addressed immediately. One of those problems can be a pool leak, one of the most expensive issues. Another common repair is replacing the pool filter, which may cost less than a new installation, ranging between $150 and $1,500, depending on the type of filter and replacement being made.

An Automatic Pool Cleaner

You can expect to pay $500 to $1,000 for an automatic pool cleaner, depending on its features, capacity, and other factors. These cleaners are easy to use and operate and can save you time cleaning the pool manually. Automatic cleaners can be set in the pool and turned on for hours without having to monitor them. They do the same job as a manual vacuum, cleaning the debris and dirt from the bottom and sides of the pool.

Drain Pool

The average cost to drain a pool is around $175. Likely, your pool will never need to be drained, especially for cleaning. There are only a few reasons why a pool will need to be drained: to make a repair that cannot be completed underwater, to wash the pool with chlorine or acid, or to balance the number of dissolved solids in the water. In extreme cases where a chlorine or acid wash is required to restore your pool, a professional will only drain enough water to reach the parts that need to be cleaned.

Fill a Pool

Depending on your location, you can expect to pay anywhere between $4 and $10 per gallon to fill your swimming pool. The size of your pool determines the number of gallons of water needed. Smaller pools only need a few thousand gallons of water compared to larger pools that can take up 30,000 gallons. Typically pool owners fill a pool after initial installation and when re-opening from the winter season. Additional water may be required after cleaning or certain repair events, which will come with an additional cost.

Pool Cover

If you choose to invest in a pool cover, and you should, you can expect to pay around $150 to $200 for one for an above-ground pool and between $200 and $400 for one to cover an in-ground pool. Regardless of whether you choose to close your pool yourself or hire a professional, you must have a pool cover. Pool covers work as a barrier against insects, debris, leaves, and other items from floating in the water. Uncovered pools can quickly fill with debris, becoming a breeding ground for bacteria. A good winter cover prevents this and can make your pool opening a breeze.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• DIY. Some homeowners choose to maintain their pools on their own. In this case, you will need to invest in a skimmer ($10), vacuum ($600), test kit ($15), and brush ($30) in addition to the chemical supplies.
• Skimming. Skimming the water in your pool using a skimmer net should be done as part of routine daily maintenance. Skimming the pool protects your pump from being clogged with debris. The pump’s skimmer basket should be emptied often as well.
• Pool guys. Pool guys offer complete pool maintenance services. They are qualified professionals who look after your pool daily, weekly, and monthly to keep it working efficiently.
• Insurance. Having a swimming pool raises your liability insurance, which in turn increases your monthly payments. Speak to your homeowner’s insurance agency to find out what your monthly payment will be.
• Chemical disposal. Always discard any unused chemicals at the end of the season. Follow local ordinances for disposal. Purchase new chemicals when you reopen the pool.
• Fire safety. Always keep pool chemicals away from sources of heat and open flame, as many are flammable.
• Water levels. Pools lose water through evaporation, filtration, and even just the splashing of kids having a good time. When water levels drop, that affects the chemical balance, so you should establish a standard water level and refill the pool anytime it drops below that level.