That’s a good question to ask if you’re thinking of installing a swimming pool in the backyard this year. Actually, there are several contributing factors that determine your operating cost.
First things first though.
How big is your pool and how much water does it take to fill it?
Of course, once you’ve filled it that cost can be put behind you because, hopefully, once filled, always filled. Still, the initial cost to fill your pool is going to be a hefty expense. You can figure that amount by multiplying the amount of money that you pay per gallon of water times the number of gallons that your pool holds.
The following list may look daunting, but do-it-yourself (DIY) pool maintenance is going to save you about $1200 per year on average. With the current focus on inflation and rising prices, lots of homeowners are going to be looking for ways to cut corners. People sometimes get nervous about the testing process and handling the chemicals necessary to maintain balance and avoid the negative aspects of pool ownership—as in algae growth and ring around the pool for example.
Pool maintenance isn’t rocket science by any means though. If you don’t mind putting in a little work yourself, you’ll cut your operating cost considerably. You may discover it’s kind of nice to have some time to yourself and imagine the tan you’ll be rocking this summer!
Determining the operating cost of your pool includes looking at these expenses:
- Maintenance
- Chemicals
- Test kits
- Running the pump
- Filters
- Cleaning devices
- Pool Cover
- Closing and start-up
Let’s take a closer look.
Heating
Traditional heating methods are likely to cost about $100 per month—again, that’s on average. Electricity or gas rates in your area coupled with local temperatures will cause a fluctuation in overall cost.
We have abundant sunshine here in Florida so we’d urge you to consider a solar heating system. The water is pumped to the roof and heated by sunlight then redistributed to the pool. It could cost you as much as $9k to install, however, once it’s in the annual cost could be as little as $50 to $100 per year to run your pump.
Maintenance
If you’re hiring a company to maintain your pool, they will most likely cover everything in this list. Still, you’ll want to keep a skimmer on hand at the very least and a vacuum is probably a good idea as well. You’ll want to be prepared in case something gets spilled into the pool.
Pool maintenance should be done on a weekly basis when in use. It normally takes no more than 45 minutes to an hour to go through the testing and adjusting process.
Chemicals
It’s a good idea to stay on top of skimming the pool because debris that winds up in the water begins to break down immediately. This makes your chlorine work harder, promotes algae growth, and could save you from having to adjust—and possibly readjust—the chemical balance to maintain clear, sparkling water.
- Muriatic acid—for lowering pH levels and preventing bacteria and mineral buildup
- Chlorine tablets—used for lowering pH levels and preventing bacteria and mineral buildup
- Soda ash—sodium bicarbonate raises the pH levels and fights excessive acid
The chemicals aren’t very expensive. You can pick up a gallon of muriatic acid for around $8.00. A 5 lb bucket of 3″ chlorine tablets sells for about $25.00. And, lastly, soda ash (otherwise known as baking soda) raises the pH levels and fights excessive acid. You can grab it at your local Costco or Big Lots in bulk for little cost.
Test kits
There are different types of water test kits available on the market. Some involve using liquids that are mixed in with a small amount of pool water. The cost of these kits ranges between $7 and $16.
Pool test strips are another water testing method that is extremely easy to use. Dip the strip into the pool and read the color-coded results. The average cost is between $13 to $52 for a container of 50 test strips.
Pool test kits check the levels of chlorine or bromine, alkalinity, and pH levels.
Running the pump
It’s advised that pool pumps run between eight and ten hours a day to allow the pool to completely circulate through the filtering system. The pump forces the water through the filtering system removing organic waste, such as sunblock, sweat, and even human waste, from the water. When left in the water, these substances bind competitively with the chlorine and prevent it from working.
The end result is sure to be an algae bloom—not something you want to see happen. If it does, deal with it quickly or it could get expensive getting your pool shipshape again.
Filters
Your pool filter needs to be replaced periodically too. How often depends on how heavily your pool is used.
Replacement cartridges range in price from about $30.00 to $90.00.
Cleaning devices
You’ll want to have a skimmer and a vacuum to clean the top of the water and the floor of the pool.
Skimmers are nothing more than a small basket attached to a pole. They are extremely useful for removing leaves and other floating debris from the water’s surface.
Robotic vacuums run across the bottom of the pool without guidance, however, they can get expensive. A manual vacuum operates by attaching a garden hose to the vacuum to use water as the driving force.
Pool covers
Again, the initial cost for a pool cover could seem rather high, however, they last for years.
Couple that with the fact that they cut down on the amount of debris that finds its way into the pool substantially.
The prices vary greatly in regard to pool covers. Shop around and compare the value to the cost to get the best deal.
End of season and start-up costs
The operating cost pertaining to closing and opening your pool is minimal.
When opening the pool yourself start-up costs are minimal. Bring the water level back up to normal, reinstall plugs, lights, ladders, and handrails. Vacuum the pool and shock it. You may have pool shock on hand from last season or have purchased more when stocking up for the coming year.
When it’s time to shut down the pool for the season, apply an algaecide to the water following the manufacturer’s instructions. Drain a portion of the water from the pool, cover securely and start looking forward to spring!
Is it worth it?
Most homeowners wouldn’t hesitate to say yes! Nothing compares to walking out your back door and diving directly into your swimming pool.
When you bump the operating cost up against the amount of joy it brings to you, your family, and your friends, you’re apt to decide it’s definitely worth the expense. Swimming pools and families go together. The memories you make there are going to last a lifetime.