How Hard Is Pool Maintenance?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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A pool is an impressive feature of a home, but

it can also be the most difficult and expensive to maintain

. When it comes time to decide between DIY pool care and using a professional pool cleaning service, consider such tasks as maintaining the filter, surface skimming and chemical testing.

How long does it take to maintain a pool?

The following tasks need to be done regularly to maintain your swimming pool or spa. HomeAdvisor estimates that these tasks require

four to eight hours per week

. You can hire a pool company to help, which typically costs between $75 and $100 per hour, or you can do it all yourself.

Is owning a pool worth it?

Resale Value


A pool can increase not only your social worth but also the value of your home

. However, the increase is probably not as much as you think. According to HouseLogic, there’s no real guarantee that you’ll make your money back. In fact, adding a swimming pool may only increase your home’s value by 7%.

Do you regret buying a house with a pool?

You might think that adding a pool to your backyard would boost your home’s resale value significantly. It won’t.

Homeowners with pools only saw a 48% return on investment at resale

, according to the National Association of Realtors’ latest remodeling impact report.

What goes into maintaining a pool?

  • Weekly Pool Maintenance. Thorough pool care will ensure clean and safe water throughout the swimming season. …
  • Skim Off Leaves and Debris. …
  • Brush Sediment from Pool Walls. …
  • Vacuum the Pool. …
  • Clean Skimmer. …
  • Keep Your Pump Running. …
  • Check Filter and Backwash As Needed. …
  • Test Pool Water and Add Chemicals.

Can you maintain a pool yourself?

Depending on the equipment used,

cleaning a pool yourself can take up to one hour and a half and you’ll need to do this weekly

. However, on average most will spend 45 mins a week and a little bit of elbow grease to maintain their pool. This doesn’t include replacing equipment or balancing chemicals.

How often do you service a pool?

It is recommended to have your pool cleaned

at least once a week

to keep it clean and uncontaminated. There are various pool cleaning tools and equipment which you can purchase and install to make the cleaning process easier and faster. By doing so, you will avoid creating scenarios that you might regret in the future.

What I Wish I Knew Before building a pool?

  • There is a Reason Some Pool Materials Cost More. …
  • Pool Features are Important to the Overall Enjoyment. …
  • Not Every “Pool Company” Does a Turnkey Operation. …
  • Choosing the Wrong Pool Company Can Set You Up for Disappointment.

How much does pool cost?

Type of Cost Amount
Average Cost


$35,000
Highest Cost $55,000 Lowest Cost $28,000

What is a good size swimming pool?

For a family of 8 people, a pool size of

18 by 36 feet

is adequate. Even if you all decide to swim at the same time, there will be enough space for everyone. A rectangular shape is the best choice for this size of the pool. If there are six or less in your family, a pool size of 16 by 32 feet will be sufficient.

What are the pros and cons of owning a pool?

  • Pro: The Lifestyle Factor. Outdoor living is always in fashion. …
  • Con: Maintenance Mayhem. The maintenance involved with a pool is not inconsiderable. …
  • Pro: The Lap of Luxury. …
  • Con: Ongoing Expenses. …
  • Pro: Family Friendly. …
  • Con: Safety First.

How do you write off a pool?

While

most people won’t write off swimming pools

, other home improvements, including the installation of hand rails, ramps or elevators may also be deductible if they are made for medical reasons. Taxpayers should keep in mind, though, that the deduction would be offset by any value the change adds to a person’s home.

What are the disadvantages of swimming?

  • The Disadvantage Of Common Swimming Injuries. …
  • Cold Water Can Be A Disadvantage. …
  • The Disadvantage Of Pool Chemicals. …
  • Competitive Swimming Can Be Very Time Consuming. …
  • Swimming Can Be Expensive.

How do I keep my pool water clear?

  1. Check pH Levels. Most pool owners know that they need to add chlorine to their swimming pool to keep your pool looking as clean as possible. …
  2. Check Water Levels. Having the right amount of water is just as important as having the right pH of your water. …
  3. Clean Debris Promptly.

When should you shock your pool?

How Often Should I Shock My Pool? Shocking your pool regularly will help to keep the water clean and free of contaminants. You should aim to shock your pool

about once a week

, with the additional shock after heavy use. Some tell-tale signs that your pool needs to be shocked are cloudy, foamy, green, or odourous water.

How do you take care of a backyard pool?

  1. Check your pool’s pH and chlorine levels at least twice per week. …
  2. Clean the pool at least once per week. …
  3. Apply pool surface cleaner to the waterline on the pool walls. …
  4. Shock the pool water once per week.

What is shocking a pool?

“Shocking” refers to

the process of adding chlorine or non-chlorine pool chemicals to the water in order to raise the “free chlorine” level

. The goal is to raise this level to a point where contaminants such as algae, chloramines and bacteria are destroyed.

How much does it cost to clean a pool?

Overall, you should expect to pay

between $1,064 and $1,800

, or an average of $1,432 annually for pool service. Basic cleaning from a pro every month costs about $80 to $183 for an average of $132 monthly.

How often should you brush pool?

Brushing thoroughly

1-2 times per week

will prevent these materials from having the time to create a stain. Brush to Prevent Algae: Every pool can grow algae, but plaster, quartz, and aggregate finishes are more susceptible.

Are pool robot vacuums worth it?

Bottom Line:

Yes!


Robotic pool cleaners are 100% worth the investment

. It’ll be the best money you ever spent on your swimming pool. Any automatic swimming pool cleaner should be able to clean your pool within about three hours, depending on your pool’s size.

How often should you shock your above ground pool?

It’s often recommended to shock your pool

once a week

. If you don’t do it every week, you should at least do it every other week. This is necessary to maintain your pool’s water chemistry. If you have a lot of people over in your pool or have a party, you may want to shock your pool more frequently.

Is my yard too small for a pool?


If your backyard space is smaller than 1,200 square feet, you may still be able to get an inground pool

, but it likely will not be bigger than 12 feet by 24 feet.

Why do pools cost so much?

Other factors that impact in-ground pool cost are

shape, size, location, landscaping, custom work, lighting, water features, decks, heating, and fencing

. Additional pool installation costs can add up due to required permits, property taxes, and maintenance costs.

Do concrete pools crack?

In-ground concrete swimming pools are usually durable installations that last for decades. However,

gunite, shotcrete, or concrete walls may develop cracks over time

. Small shrinkage cracks aren’t a problem, but if the cracks grow large enough to insert a dime, the shell might be compromised.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.