How much does it cost to maintain a pool?

Most of us dream of having a pool so we can spend time swimming, relaxing, and welcoming friends and family to share in the fun. But the true cost to own a pool is more than just the construction cost — you also have to factor in maintenance and cleaning.

Keep your pool pristine and in perfect working order with help from swimming pool maintenance services. Here's everything you need to know about the cost to maintain a pool and how to get cost estimates from pros in your area. 

Most pool cleaning and maintenance companies offer a monthly price for their weekly services. Basic pool cleaning every month costs $86 per visit, with costs ranging from $80-$200.

You may opt for service each week or every two weeks.  For example, Radiance Pools offers bimonthly full-service maintenance and the cost for this service is $50, on average. 

The annual cost to maintain a pool is about $1,032. However, your annual costs may be more if you require additional (yet important) services.

For example, you'll need to open your pool once a year after the winter season, which costs an additional $85-$350. You should also winterize your pool once a year, and budget approximately $85-$500.

Examples of pool maintenance cost per month

A few professional pool services provided us with examples of their monthly costs and explained the factors that can increase these standard rates. All of these examples include the cost of pool chemicals:

It might cost more to build a saltwater pool instead of a chlorine pool, but the maintenance and cleaning costs are lower. Below is a comparison of chlorine vs. saltwater pool maintenance costs:

• Saltwater pools: $70-$100 per year
• Chlorine pools: $300-$800 per year

Chlorine pools use chlorine to keep the water crystal clear and sanitary, and costs $300-$800 in chemicals each year. That cost is priced into pool cleaning services. Meanwhile, the chemical cost for saltwater pools is just $70-$100 annually.

With chlorine pools, the chlorine must be added, tested and balanced frequently to maintain correct levels. And weekly water checks are recommended.

Saltwater pools use chlorine to keep the water clean and clear, too — but the chlorine is made by a chlorine generator instead of being added in the form of tablets. The chlorine generator passes a small electric charge through the pool water, separating water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. Instead of adding chlorine to the pool water, you add salt, which reacts with the hydrogen to make hypochlorous acid, the disinfection agent of chlorine. Technicians also don't have to do water testing and balancing as often.

Let's dive (pun intended) into the costs of specific swimming pool maintenance services, including inspections, pool openings, winterizing and more.

Pool inspection cost

If you've been DIY-ing your pool maintenance or — worse — skipping it altogether, it's a good idea to get a pool inspection. A pool inspection costs $75-$350.

A pool inspector will check your pool for cracks, the tile and decking around the pool for damage, and the pumps and filtration systems. They will also look for salt corrosion in saltwater pools and check automated controls.

Some pool cleaning companies are certified to do inspections and will include a free inspection when you sign up for a service contract.

How much does it cost to acid wash a pool?

It costs $175-$255 to acid wash a pool. Acid washing removes stains caused by algae and hard water. It's a big job and requires draining the water, then scrubbing the sides and bottom with muriatic acid.

If you take care of your pool properly, you'll need acid washing only once every five to seven years. But keep in mind acid washing is only for plaster or Pebble Tec pools, not pools with vinyl liners.

How much does it cost to open a pool?

Opening a pool costs $85-$350. When it's time for your pool to come out of hibernation in the spring, a pro will remove the cover, reassemble the filter system, clean the water, test its chemistry, refill it and turn on the pump and other equipment. If your pool grew algae over the winter and got dirty and green, you'll also need to pay for a deep cleaning and algaecide (also called pool acid washing) treatment.

How much does it cost to close a pool?

When pool season is over, you'll need to get it ready for its winter nap. Closing (or winterizing) a pool costs $85-$500.

To close a pool, a technician will shock the water, lower the water level, clean the sides and bottom of the pool, and backwash the filter. The pro will also close and store filter elements, clear water lines and put the cover on. Because shocking the water takes a couple of days, a pro usually needs two visits to close a pool.

Pool repair costs

Fixing small issues before they turn into bigger problems is a key part of properly maintaining a swimming pool. On average, it costs anywhere from $150-$1,200 to repair a pool. A pool cleaning company can help you spot potential repairs as they're cleaning and maintaining your swimming pool.

Swimming pool maintenance costs can vary based on several factors. For example, "pool size, amount of foliage around the pool, age and condition of pool equipment, and the location of the house (if it’s in or out of our service area) can all impact the average monthly rate for services," explains Debbie Tyer of Humble Bee Pool Service and Repair.

The type of care your pool requires and the frequency of pool maintenance services can also impact costs. And, the type of pool — such as above-ground pool, inground pool, freshwater pool or saltwater pool — can affect swimming pool maintenance prices as well. Here's a deeper dive into all of the most common cost factors.

Swimming pool size

Nationwide, pool cleaning companies charge an average of $60-$90 per hour, so the bigger the pool, the higher the cost. For example, a Thumbtack pro and pool cleaner in Cumming, Georgia, charges $60 to clean most average-sized pools and $75 for extra-large ones.

Cleaning an average-sized pool takes an hour and a half to two hours. A larger pool could take three to five hours. 

Chemical-only pool cleanings

For monthly chemical-only pool service, Humble Bee charges $65-$80, depending on the pool's size. Having a pool cleaning service company handle pool chemical maintenance only can help you cut costs while still ensuring the water chemistry stays where it should. This means the homeowner assumes responsibility for basic cleaning and regular maintenance, such as skimming and brushing the pool, emptying skimmer baskets, etc., and the pros handle all the chemical additions and adjustments. 

Above-ground vs. in-ground pools

Above-ground pools tend to be smaller than in-ground pools, so they don't take as long or cost as much to clean. However, above-ground pool maintenance still includes:

• Checking your pH levels
• Testing the chlorine levels
• Doing weekly shock treatments
• Cleaning the pool filter
• Emptying out the skimmer baskets
• Cleaning out the pool pump
• And more

Indoor vs. outdoor pools

Indoor pools tend to stay a lot cleaner than outdoor pools because they're not exposed to the falling leaves and tree debris, animals or the elements. So, you'll likely save money on regular cleaning if you have an indoor pool.

But although indoor pools might need less frequent visits, you will still need them year-round.

Number of months your pool is open

If you live in Phoenix, Miami, San Diego or any place where your swimming pool is open for business year-round, you won't have to pay to close and open the pool. These two once-a-year tasks can cost several hundred dollars each, increasing your annual maintenance service costs.

Package deals

Most pool service companies will give you better prices if you sign a year-long contract than if you buy pool maintenance services a la carte. For example, a Thumbtack pro and pool cleaner in Roswell, GA, charges $45 per hour for pool cleaning done on an annual contract and $80 an hour for one-time visits outside of a contract.

You will pay about the same for monthly service as you will for weekly or bi-weekly service because the pool stays cleaner and takes less time to service with more frequent visits. You may also get better rates on pool closing and openings if they're part of a package.

Location

Another key factor in cost is your location. Pool cleaning and maintenance services have a higher price tag in regions with a higher cost of living and higher costs to do business.

A 2012 study found pool homeowners spend an estimated $500 more on energy every year, and the pool pump alone can add $300 to your electric bill every year. According to an analysis of the study, the pools themselves and the homeowners' lifestyles contribute to this cost.

It's possible that a pool will increase your water bill. For example, in Austin, Texas, filling your pool with water will add an average of $80-$100 to your water bill.

Pool maintenance services vary by the company, but many often include the following:

• Skimming the pool
• Brushing the pool tile and steps
• Emptying both skimmer baskets and pump baskets
• Testing pool water and adjusting and adding chemicals as needed
• Vacuuming the pool as needed
• Cleaning debris filter screens for in-floor systems
• Unclogging pump impellers
• Unclogging vacuum cleaner turbines/diaphragm
• Backwashing the pool sand filter when the pressure is high 

While you can make cleaning easier by using a pool cover, swimming pool maintenance is more than just buying a few test kits and hoping for the best. Professional pool maintenance goes above and beyond sweeping and leaf removal.  It also includes ensuring the chemicals stay balanced and that basic care is performed on an ongoing basis — and a professional can take care of all of this for you.

A professional pool company can give you advice on water levels, pH levels, how to best care for your pool pump and pool heater, and recommend maintenance for your pool filter system. Consider hiring a pool company to clean and maintain your swimming pool if any of the following apply to you:

• You don't know how to use pool chemicals safely.
• Your swimming pool is severely dirty or damaged.
• You don't know how to spot small pool repairs that could become expensive down the line.
• You plan to sell your home and want your pool to maintain its beauty to attract buyers.
• You don't have the time (or energy) to commit to weekly, bi-weekly or monthly pool cleanings.

Take the worry out of pool maintenance, get the help you need and spend your time enjoying your pool instead.

With pool ownership comes great responsibility — mainly cleaning and performing certain maintenance tasks. Here are a few swimming pool maintenance tips to keep in mind:

• Keep an eye on your pool's chemistry and water levels. This includes chlorine levels, calcium hardness and pH levels.
• Shock your pool once a week if you have a chlorine pool. You should also shock it when you open it for the season, after a lot of people have been it and after heavy rain or hot weather.
• If you can swing it, get your pool cleaned weekly. If not, think about scheduling bi-weekly or monthly service so a professional can skim it, clean the pool tiles, vacuum the pool and more.
• Invest in a pool cover. This will help keep debris out and help your pool maintain its heat.

For more helpful information, read our easy pool maintenance guide.

When searching for a pool maintenance company near you, always ensure they're qualified and experienced, hold any relevant certifications and are properly insured. Reading customer reviews goes a long way toward finding the right fit for your pool maintenance needs. 

It's also always a good idea to chat with professional pool service companies (at least three) to walk through your specifications and needs to help them give you a clear cost estimate. They can help you consider the best service plan for your existing pool or help you estimate costs for a new pool you're putting in. 

Save the hard work for the pros, and hire a pool maintenance company in your area. Start your search on Thumbtack so you can compare nearby swimming pool maintenance services and get a few price quotes before you make your decision.