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If you are lucky enough to have a pool at home, you know that maintaining it is a big responsibility! It is also time consuming and can, at times, take some trial and error to get things right. This is why many pool owners opt to rather hire a professional, commonly known as a "pool guy," to ensure that their pool remains in pristine condition all year round.
However, as with any service, there are certain costs associated with hiring a pool guy that you will need to understand. Before you invest, call around and ask "how much does a pool guy cost per month". Then, break the cost down month by month so that you can budget effectively and make informed decisions about pool maintenance.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore various factors that influence the cost and provide a detailed breakdown of typical expenses.
If you're looking for prices of a pool service near you, you'll need to decide what kind of service you need from them. Is it a routine maintenance visit, or is it a seasonal change visit.
You'll likely pay more for a seasonal change visit as more is required than what would be done on a routine maintenance visit.
The cost of a pool guy depends mainly on the frequency and type of maintenance visits required. When your pool guy comes for a standard maintenance visit, they will typically do things like checking and adjusting the chemical balance, cleaning the pool surfaces, and inspecting the equipment. If you have an average-sized pool, your regular maintenance visits usually cost between $150 and $200 per month. These prices reflect all costs you will likely pay, including service fees, chemicals, and filter cleans. Many pool companies will bill low upfront prices, but be careful - often times those prices do not include any chemicals (which can range from $30 to as high as $100 per month) and filter cleans (which average $100 to $150 per clean).
During your weekly pool service, your pool provider will likely:
There are a number of different factors that can have an influence over how much hiring a pool guy will cost you. In order for you to be able to estimate your expenses more accurately and identify areas where you might be able to save money, you should make sure that you get a good idea of what these factors are and of how each one will potentially affect the price of hiring a pool guy near you.
The first, and most obvious factor is the size of your pool. This is a significant factor in determining what your maintenance costs will be. Larger pools not only require more time to maintain but they also require more chemicals. This will ultimately increase the overall expense.
Here's an example:
For small pools, which would be up to 15,000 gallons in size, maintenance costs are typically around $150 per month, all-in (including chemicals, and averaging out 2-4 filter cleans per year). The next level up is medium pools which hold about 15,000 to 25,000 gallons. For this size pool you can expect to pay between $150 and $175 per month. While large pools that are over 25,000 gallons will likely be in the range of $175 to $200 a month or more to maintain.
Prices will generally depend on the specific maintenance requirements.
The type of pool you have also affects the cost of maintenance. Different pool types require varying levels of care and different cleaning methods.
If you're willing to take on some of the maintenance tasks yourself, you can significantly reduce the cost of hiring a pool guy.
For example, if you handle things like regular skimming, brushing, and chemical testing, you might only need professional services for tasks that are more complicated and that take a bit more time, such as equipment inspection and repair.
Doing some of the more simple tasks like this can reduce your monthly costs by up to 50%.
Another important factor to take into consideration is how often you may need a pool guy to come and conduct maintenance visits. Some types of pools require weekly visits which will naturally cost more than those that only need the pool guy to visit ever two weeks of every month.
The current condition of your pool and and how often you use it will also determine the necessary frequency.
The current state of your pool can also impact maintenance costs, if your pool is in a horrendous state, brace yourself for a bit of a higher bill.
A well-maintained pool that has been regularly serviced will require less intensive care than a pool that has been neglected. If your pool is in poor condition, you may need to pay extra for things like an initial deep clean and perhaps some repairs before starting your regular maintenance.
Occasionally, your pool may require additional work outside of standard maintenance. This could include things such as repairing equipment, fixing leaks, or replacing parts that have become worn-out.
These extra services can add to your monthly costs but it is important to budget for things like unexpected repairs so that you can avoid being caught off guard by sudden expenses.
Understanding what the overall costs that are associated with pool maintenance are can really help you plan your budget and prepare to absorb some of those costs on a monthly, weekly or annual basis. Here are some general cost expectations for different aspects of pool maintenance.
On average, if you own a pool, you can expect to spend between $1,800 and $2,500 per year on maintenance.
This includes things like regular cleaning, chemical balancing, and minor repairs. For more extensive services, such as equipment replacement or significant repairs, the annual cost can be higher.
Monthly pool maintenance costs typically range from $150 to $200, depending on the size and type of pool, the frequency of visits, and the current condition of the pool. This estimate includes regular cleaning, chemical balancing, and equipment inspection.
Maintaining the proper chemical balance in your pool is incredibly important as it ensures that the water is safe, clean and ready for you to dive into on a hot summers day. The cost of pool chemicals can vary depending on the both type of pool and the frequency of use. On average, pool owners spend between $30 and $100 per month on chemicals.
The pool pump is a critical component of your pool's circulation system. Understanding its lifespan and replacement costs is essential for budgeting. The size of the pool you have depends on the size and power of the pump required.
Pool pumps will typically last between 8 and 12 years, depending on usage and maintenance. When it comes time to replace your pool pump, expect to pay between $800 and $2,500 for a new pump, including labor for installation, and tax.
By ensuring that you regularly maintain your pool and repair issues as quickly as they come up, you can extend the life of your pool pump, helping you avoid premature replacement.
The cost of pool cleaning services can vary based on the type of pool and the specific services that are required. Here’s a breakdown of average prices for different types of pool cleaning services.
Salt water pools require specialized cleaning due to the presence of salt and the need for specific equipment. The cost of cleaning a salt water pool typically ranges from $150 to $200 per month. This cost will include things like checking and adjusting the salt levels, cleaning the salt cell, and maintaining the pool's overall cleanliness.
In-ground pools are also generally more expensive to maintain as they are generally larger than above ground pools and are slightly more complicated. The monthly cleaning costs for in-ground pools can range from $150 to $200 and will involve cleaning, chemical balancing, and equipment inspection.
A little each day keeps the doctor away (not exactly how the saying goes, but you get the point). Ensuring proper maintenance practices throughout the year can significantly reduce the amount of work that is generally required to keep your pool clean and in good condition. Here are some tips for maintaining a low-maintenance pool.
Skimming the pool on a daily basis helps to remove leaves, insects, and other debris before they sink to the bottom. It also eases the load on your pool pump therefore prolonging its useful life. This simple task can prevent more significant cleaning challenges while reducing the overall maintenance workload.
Brushing the pool walls and tiles weekly is a great way to prevent the build-up of algae and grime. All you need is a couple of minutes and a pool brush with a long poll. Regular brushing keeps the pool surfaces clean while also reducing the need for intensive cleaning.
Keeping your pool's chemical levels balanced is crucial for maintaining clean and safe water. Regularly test and adjust the levels of chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and other chemicals. Proper chemical balance prevents algae growth, protects the pool equipment, and ensures the water is safe for swimming.
Using a pool cover when the pool is not in use helps keep debris out of the water, reduces evaporation, and maintains the water temperature. A pool cover can significantly reduce the amount of cleaning and chemical adjustments required.
Trimming trees, bushes, and other vegetation around the pool area will help to minimize the amount of debris that falls into the water. This simple step can reduce the amount of time you need to spend skimming the pool and will help keep it in tip top shape year round.
Use an Oil-Dissolving Enzyme-Based Product
Adding an oil-dissolving enzyme-based product to your pool will help to break down oils and other organic contaminants. This can reduce the build up of scum and make the water easier to maintain. Enzyme-based products are particularly useful for pools that see heavy use or frequent sunscreen application.
Hiring a pool guy is a convenient way to ensure your pool remains in excellent condition year-round. Their skills, expertise and the consistency of their visits will do wonders for your pool. The cost of pool maintenance varies based on several factors, including the size and type of pool, the frequency of visits, as well as the current state of the pool. By understanding these factors and following the tips provided, you can effectively manage your pool maintenance expenses and enjoy a clean, well-maintained pool with as little hassle and fuss as possible.
