Swimming pools are great fun in the warmer months. They allow one to cool off at will, get some exercise and socialize around the pool. But beyond all the fun and games that a swimming pool can offer there are the more serious concerns to take into account. Consider things such as cleanliness and the cost to run such an operation. When asked, “Are inground pools expensive to maintain?” many factors must be accounted for. “Expensive” for some people may be just a drop in the bucket for others. It also depends on where you’re located, how much you pay for electricity and how easily accessible the necessary pool chemicals are to you. In this article, we’ll go over a list of costs generated by running a pool. Of course, these are just estimates, but at least you’ll get a general idea of the costs you’d be looking at.
Water Heating
After the initial outlay of installing a pool, one of the biggest costs you’ll experience as a pool owner is the cost of heating the pool water. How much it costs to heat your water will depend on how much you pay for electricity where you live, the outdoor temperatures you experience and the type of water heating system you have. But to give a ballpark estimate you should plan to pay anywhere from fifty to several hundred dollars per month in extra electricity bills.
Water Costs
Of course, you’ll need to fill your pool with water and keep it filled if you want to enjoy your pool. Once again, what this costs will really depend on where you live. Some areas allow you to use as much water as you want for an annual fee. Others are based on water meter readings.
Weekly Testing and Maintenance
If you hire a professional to come test your water and apply the necessary chemicals on a regular basis you could be looking at under a hundred to several hundred dollars per month. It really depends on how much you plan on doing yourself or if you want someone else to take care of every aspect of the pool maintenance.
Pool Startup and Closing
It’s very possible to open and close a pool by yourself, but many people choose to bring in professional services as it can sometimes take a bit of time and energy to get things right. You’d probably be looking at several hundred dollars at the lower end of the price scale for a pool opening or closing. For many new pool owners, this is a small cost for the peace of mind it gives them. However, once you’ve had a pool for awhile you may become familiar enough with the process to easily do it yourself.