How Much Do Pool Maintenance Services Cost?

If you fail to maintain your pool properly, your clear blue oasis could quickly transform from sparkling to swampy. Therefore, careful budgeting is essential for keeping your investment in good condition — whether you're a DIY enthusiast or you prefer to hand it over to a professional pool guy.

Read More Home Improvement Articles

Many professional pool cleaning companies offer monthly, weekly and biweekly maintenance contracts for residential swimming pools. These services typically include basic checks, such as inspecting your pool filters, testing the chemical balance of the water and checking the skimmer and pump baskets. 

Which services your maintenance professional offers depends on which company you use, and the most expensive contracts usually include the broadest range of upkeep tasks. It's worth comparing the services provided by several companies to ensure you get a package that suits your needs. Examples of covered services a company may offer include:

• Auto pool cleaner bag emptying
• Brushing and vacuuming the pool
• Surface skimming
• Winterizing
• Opening the pool

Most pool maintenance contracts exclude repairs. Therefore, you should factor common pool issues into your pool maintenance budget, such as fixing the liner or resolving plumbing issues.

How Much Do General Pool Upkeep Services Cost?

How much swimming pool services cost depends on several factors, according to HomeGuide, including the going rate for labor in your area and how frequently the company visits your home. As a rule of thumb, you should expect to pay a professional around $60 to $90 (CAD 82 to CAD 123) per hour.

Professional swimming pool maintenance typically costs between $50 and $200 (CAD 68 and CAD 274) per month. You can purchase budget-friendly contracts from around $50 to $80 (CAD 68 to CAD 109), but these packages only include basic checks. Contracts costing $75 to $90 (CAD 103 to CAD 123) per month typically include a broader range of services but usually exclude winterizing, opening and deep-cleaning your pool. Therefore, you may need to purchase add-on services to keep your pool in good condition. 

Comprehensive pool upkeep costs between $100 and $200 (CAD 137 to CAD 274) per month for weekly or biweekly visits. While these packages are more expensive, they usually include more thorough cleaning services and cover winterizing and opening tasks.

Alternatively, you can pay for services as a one-off or to complement a basic pool maintenance contract. Typical pool upkeep costs include:

• Pool winterizing: $300 to $650 (CAD 411 to CAD 889)
• Pool opening: $350 to $500 (CAD 479 to CAD 684)
• Pool cleaning: $200 to $400 (CAD 274 to CAD 547)
• Drain and clean: $650 (CAD 889)
• Brushing or vacuuming: $85 (CAD 116) per hour

Bear in mind that these prices are average pool maintenance costs. Maintaining a small plunge pool could cost significantly less, while caring for an extra-large pool may be pricier.

More Related Articles: 

• How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost? 
• 4 Tips for Hiring a General Contractor for Your Next Remodeling Project 
• Should You Hire a Contractor or a Handyman? 
• 5 Things to Look For When You're Hiring an Electrician 
• What to Look for When Hiring an Exterminator 

Talk to a Pro

(877) 468-1525

How Much Does It Cost to Maintain a Pool Yourself?

You can significantly reduce your swimming pool maintenance costs by doing it yourself, but you'll need to invest in the right equipment to keep your pool clean. According to Fixr, a surface skimmer costs around $10 (CAD 14), while a long-handled pool brush costs $30 (CAD 41) on average. 

Purchasing a pool vacuum can make cleaning your pool quicker and easier. Most homeowners spend around $600 (CAD 821) on a pool vacuum, but prices vary between brands. 

Which chemicals your pool needs depends on several factors, including its size and material. Most pool chemicals retail for between $10 and $80 (CAD 14 and CAD 109). You'll also need a testing kit to check the balance of chemicals in the water, which typically costs around $15 (CAD 21).

Depending on your manufacturer's instructions, you'll likely need to change your pool filter every 2 to 3 years. While you should hire a professional to install a pool filter the first time, replacement is often DIY-friendly. Expect to pay between $30 and $2,000 (CAD 41 and CAD 2,737) for a replacement pool filter.