As proud pool owners spend a little bit here to purchase more chemicals and a little more there to replace a broken filter, they may not realize just how much money they are actually spending each year. But how much does it cost to maintain a pool? Once they take a look at their finances, the answer may be surprising, and it’s likely that the expense is simply not worth it. While a pool removal may seem expensive at first, savvy homeowners know that they will see a return on their investment in just a few years, despite the initial cost.
How Much It Costs to Maintain a Pool
In total, homeowners can expect to spend between $3,000 and $5,000 per year in pool maintenance costs, including repairs, electricity, water, and day-to-day care, such as regular cleaning and chemical balancing. Here’s a look at where all that money goes.
Electricity & Water Bill
Many homeowners might forget that pools use extra electricity and water, adding extra fees to their bills. Depending on the age of your pump system, a pool can cost an additional $300 in electricity per year. Newer pumps operate at reduced horsepower to limit energy consumption. To fill an average-sized pool of between 15,000 and 30,000 gallons, expect to spend between $60 and $120 for an initial fill and less than a cent per gallon to refill due to evaporation throughout the year.
Chemicals
Chemicals help maintain the proper pH balance in the pool for safe swimming. The water in your pool must be shocked, or treated with chlorine, on a regular basis to help prevent ammonia and nitrogen buildups. Bags of chlorine cost between $55 and $120. The amount needed and frequency of treatments depend on the state of your water — some homeowners shock their water weekly. Other chemicals cost about $8 each, while test kits typically run $15.
Routine Repairs
Finally, homeowners should expect to make repairs to their equipment each season. While not everything will need to be replaced at once, individual updates can be costly. The exact amount you can expect to pay will vary based on the size, speed, and quality of each item. Estimates for pool equipment are as follows:
- Pump motor, $185 to $350
- Filter, $8 to $75, based on type and size
- Sand filter system, $150 to $500
- DE filter system, $600 to $700
- Professional liner repair, $200 to $800, depending on material
- Heater repair, $395
Some homeowners choose to outsource their pool maintenance to professionals. While this can save time, it adds a significant amount to the yearly costs of owning a pool. A professional can clean the pool, check the water level and chemistry, vacuum, add chemicals, and empty skimmers for a fee of $100 to $150 per month. Professionals can also close or open a pool for between $150 and $300 per service. In total, outsourcing pool care can cost up to $750 more each year.
The Benefits of a Pool Removal
There are two types of pool removals, each of which has its own distinct benefits. A professional pool removal contractor can help you choose the best type based on your budget, timeline, and plans for the yard after the pool has been filled.
Partial Pool Removal
The first is called a partial pool removal, in which only the top portion of the pool is demolished. The debris is used to fill in the remaining cavity, along with fill dirt, before it is compacted and covered with grass or other landscaping features. This type of removal takes less than one week to complete and can sustain patios, gardens, sheds, and other non-habitable structures. A partial pool removal typically costs between $3,000 and $8,000, depending on the size of your pool and other factors.
Full Pool Removal
A full pool removal is more expensive but often more secure. In this method of pool removal, the entire pool structure is demolished and removed. The cavity is then filled with fill dirt only, which is then compacted and covered in soil. This type of pool removal allows for the construction of living areas on the new land, making it ideal for homeowners who are considering remodeling or adding on to their homes. A full pool removal can take up to one week to complete and costs between $6,000 and $15,000 on average, again depending on the size, material, and other factors of the pool.
Potential Savings
The costs of even a partial pool removal may seem steep, but the savings will add up for those who choose to make the investment. For example, if your annual pool costs are $5,000 per year, and your full pool removal costs $15,000, you’ll begin seeing savings after just three years. Within five, those savings will total $10,000. On the less expensive side, say your pool costs total $3,000 yearly. With a partial pool removal, which may cost the same amount as your annual pool costs or slightly more, the savings can begin taking effect within one or two years after your pool removal. Despite the high initial cost, a pool removal can save patient homeowners a significant amount of money in the years to come. These funds can be put towards a backyard that you will truly enjoy or any number of other important life goals you may have.
Speak to a Professional Pool Removal Contractor
Speak to the pool removal contractors at Dirt Connections for more information about pool removals and to schedule your pool removal appointment. Dirt Connections’ experienced pool removal contractors provide free consultations to help homeowners determine the best type of pool removal for their needs. The firm prides itself on providing fast, clean, and professional service, allowing homeowners to begin enjoying their new yard as quickly as possible. In addition to pool removals, Dirt Connections can assist with fill dirt delivery, residential and commercial construction, construction plans, and more.
