Adding an in-ground pool to your property can have a number of benefits. In an ideal situation, it can add an average 7% value to your home. It can also allow you to enjoy all the benefits of relaxing in your own backyard. Whether you've had a pool for years, you're considering a home with a pool, or you're getting ready to add a pool to your property, it's important to carefully consider how you'll manage pool maintenance, including likely pool maintenance costs and your overall maintenance schedule.
Weekly Maintenance
When your pool is in use during the summer months, it's important to take care of regular maintenance tasks quickly. Each week, make sure that you:
- Skim the pool to remove leaves, bugs, and any other debris that may have settled onto the surface of the pool. Skimming can help remove things that may not be picked up by the filter, or help prevent wear and tear on the filter.
- Vacuum the pool to remove dirt and grit. Vacuuming the pool with a pool vacuum can help keep your pool cleaner and clearer.
- Brush the sides and bottom of the pool. Regular brushing can help reduce algae growth and keep your pool clear.
Generally, these tasks are simple enough to take care of on your own, which means that you don't have to worry about paying someone else to take care of them. However, some people may prefer to have someone come in to consistently manage those tasks for them, allowing them more free time to actually enjoy their pool. You can expect a weekly service contract for pool maintenance to cost between $20 and $50.
Monthly Maintenance
In addition to the necessary weekly maintenance tasks, there are some things you can take care of monthly or more sporadically to properly care for your pool and keep it running at peak efficiency.
- Test your water chemistry. Maintaining the right chemical balance can help keep your water safe to swim in while decreasing algae growth and preventing germs from growing in your pool.
- Check over your equipment and make sure that everything is running properly. A clogged pump or drain could cause a build-up in dirt and grime very quickly.
- Check your filters. Any time the filters get clogged, they can no longer remove grit from your pool efficiently, which could mean that you end up with cloudy or dirty water.
Monthly maintenance generally costs between $30 and $95, depending on what you need to have done to the pool and who you have coming out to take care of it.
Winterizing Your Pool
If you live in a region where the winter months roll around and bring frigid temps, you may need to winterize your pool in order to keep it safe during those cold months. This will ensure it's ready for you to return to its oasis-like sparkle when summer returns. There are several steps that go into winterizing your pool:
- Remove any pool accessories. Pool accessories need to be deep cleaned and stored during the winter so that they'll be ready to use when summer returns.
- Make sure that you have conducted a full deep clean on the pool. You may need to skim, vacuum, and scrub your pool completely.
- Drop the water level in your pool. Check the guidelines for your specific pool to determine how much you may need to reduce water levels.
- Check your pool's chemicals. You may need to make sure that you have your pH, calcium, and chlorine set properly before you fully winterize the pool. Add shock and algaecide to keep the pool clean and algae-free over the winter.
Once you've finished preparing the pool for winter, you'll need to cover the pool. Consider whether you might want or need a safety cover, which can help provide protection against people or animals falling into the water. Winterizing your pool will cost an average of $250, but may cost as much as $400 or as little as $150, depending on the size of your pool and your specific maintenance needs.
Opening Your Pool
Once summer arrives, it's time to open up your pool and start using it again! Before you can start swimming, however, it's important to make sure that your pool is ready for the season. Make sure you are prepared by addressing the following:
- Remove any debris from the cover. Check for wear and tear.
- Remove and store the cover.
- Check your pool chemicals if you'll be opening the pool yourself. You may need your test kit, chlorine, shock treatments, and algaecide treatment.
- Look over the pool to make sure it does not have any damage. Check for overall wear and tear as well as cracks.
- Clean the pool, including scrubbing it down and removing any stains or algae.
- Turn on the filter. Let it run for at least 12 hours before you add any chemicals.
- Test the water and add chemicals as needed.
- Add any accessories or equipment that you may have stored for the winter.
Having someone come in to open your pool for you will cost an estimated $250-$300, on average.
Pool Maintenance Tips
1. Keep up with routine maintenance.
It's easy to let your routine pool maintenance get away from you. After all, you'd rather be sitting back and enjoying your pool than taking care of cleaning it! However, if you let that routine maintenance go, it can be much harder to clean the pool later.
2. Take care of any potential problems quickly.
As with many types of maintenance, a little problem with your pool can quickly turn into a big one. If you're worried about cracks, you may need to bring in a local professional to take care of the damage quickly before you end up with a larger leak or more serious issues.
3. Choose the right pool maintenance contract.
Be realistic about what you can and can't handle for yourself when it comes to pool maintenance as well as what you're willing to take care of. Working with a qualified pool maintenance company can go a long way toward helping you get more enjoyment out of your pool at a lower cost. Choose a contract that includes the services you need, whether that means a contract that includes opening or winterizing your pool for you or one that includes regular weekly or monthly inspections and maintenance.
Do You Have the Right Pool for Your Needs?
Choosing the perfect pool is an exciting investment in your home. Making sure you care for your investment properly is important. At California Pools, we help our clients choose and build the best pools for their needs. Contact us today to discuss the pool of your dreams.
