Congratulations, you are the proud owner of a new swimming pool. Now you have to decide if you want to keep track of all of that maintenance yourself, or hire a professional pool service. Here are some basic things to know about what’s involved in pool maintenance to help you make your decision, and why Premier Pool Service may be the right fit for you.
Regular pool and spa maintenance tasks
Skimming your pool surface removes any debris that may have made its way into your pool or spa. This needs to be done a few times a week. A net usually costs $10 to $20.
Pool walls need to be brushed at the waterline or they will acquire buildup over time. Some pool types — namely concrete and vinyl — are more prone to algae growth than others. To remove it, walls need to be brushed once a week. The type of brush you’ll need will depend on your pool type. Concrete walls lined with plaster will need a brush with stiff bristles. Fiberglass, tile, and vinyl pools will need a brush with soft bristles. These usually cost anywhere from $10 to $20.
Vacuuming is essential. All kinds of debris falls to the bottom of the pool and can definitely detract from the beauty of your pool. Vacuums cost, on average, about $400. These are typically automatic and just need to be put on a schedule. You can save on costs and get a manual vacuum, but, you’ll have to add vacuuming once a week to your list of chores.
Balance your pool
It’s not just about the skimming and the cleaning of debris. Pool and spa maintenance also means keeping an eye on your chemicals. Pools should generally maintain a pH level of about 7.0. Testing kits can be purchased at your local pool supply store for about $15. Your pool water should be tested at least once a week.
You can get a 25-pound container of chlorine for about $70. It’s also about $7.70 for two gallons of liquid chlorine. Keep in mind, you will also need to “shock” the pool or spa by adding a larger amount of chlorine about twice a month. This pushes chemical costs even higher.
Common repair costs
If you notice the water levels decreasing dramatically you may be experiencing a leak. A vinyl pool will need a patch, which will cost about $200. A fiberglass pool will require a repair to the liner, which costs about $300. If you own a concrete pool, however, a leak means the pool has to be drained and sanded, which can cost between $800 and $1,500.
If your filter gets too worn down, you will need to replace it to ensure your pool stays clean. Cartridge filters cost from $15 to $75. Sand filters range from $150 to $500, and DE filters can cost between $600 and $700.
Premier Pool Service
If all of these costs and responsibilities have you feeling like you might be in over your head, don’t worry. Premier Pool Service has your back. The pool professionals at Premier Pool Service will email you before and after photos, log chemical readings, and let you know what services were performed. It’s the kind of exceptional customer service you’ve come to know from Premier Pools & Spas. Contact us today!
