DIY (Do It Yourself)
Full Professional Service (Weekly)
Partial Service (Opening/Closing Only)
Estimated Annual Costs
Pool Volume:0 Gallons
Chemicals & Supplies:$0
Electricity (Pump/Filter):$0
Water (Evaporation/Refills):$0
Labor/Service:$0
Total Estimated Yearly Cost:$0
function calculatePoolCost() {
var length = parseFloat(document.getElementById('poolLength').value);
var width = parseFloat(document.getElementById('poolWidth').value);
var depth = parseFloat(document.getElementById('poolDepth').value);
var typeMult = parseFloat(document.getElementById('poolType').value);
var laborCost = parseFloat(document.getElementById('laborType').value);
if (isNaN(length) || isNaN(width) || isNaN(depth)) {
alert("Please enter valid numbers for pool dimensions.");
return;
}
// Calculation Logic
// 1. Volume in Gallons (L * W * D * 7.48)
var volume = Math.round(length * width * depth * 7.48);
// 2. Chemicals: ~$0.04 per gallon per year (adjusted by type)
// Concrete requires more chemicals for pH balance and algae control
var chemicalBase = volume * 0.04;
var totalChemicals = chemicalBase * typeMult;
// 3. Electricity: Variable speed pump costs ~ $300-$600/yr for avg pool
// Scaled by volume
var electricCost = (volume / 20000) * 450;
// 4. Water: evaporation and splash out
var waterCost = (volume * 0.005);
// 5. Labor already set by input select
var total = totalChemicals + electricCost + waterCost + laborCost;
// Display results
document.getElementById('resVolume').innerText = volume.toLocaleString() + " Gallons";
document.getElementById('resChemicals').innerText = "$" + Math.round(totalChemicals).toLocaleString();
document.getElementById('resElectric').innerText = "$" + Math.round(electricCost).toLocaleString();
document.getElementById('resWater').innerText = "$" + Math.round(waterCost).toLocaleString();
document.getElementById('resLabor').innerText = "$" + laborCost.toLocaleString();
document.getElementById('resTotal').innerText = "$" + Math.round(total).toLocaleString();
document.getElementById('poolResults').style.display = 'block';
}
Understanding Your Swimming Pool Maintenance Expenses
Owning a pool is a dream for many homeowners, but it is important to understand the ongoing financial commitment required to keep your water crystal clear and your equipment running efficiently. The average pool owner spends between $1,200 and $5,000 annually on maintenance alone, depending on the size and type of the pool.
Key Cost Factors
Chemicals: Sanitizers like chlorine, pH balancers, and algaecides are non-negotiable. Concrete pools often require more chemicals because the porous surface can harbor algae and affect pH levels.
Electricity: The pool pump and filtration system must run for 8-12 hours a day. Transitioning to a variable-speed pump can reduce these costs significantly compared to single-speed models.
Pool Surface Type: Fiberglass pools are the least expensive to maintain due to their non-porous gel coat. Vinyl liners are mid-range, while concrete (gunite) pools require more intensive chemical balancing and occasional acid washing.
Professional vs. DIY: Hiring a weekly service usually costs $100-$150 per month. While DIY saves money, it requires a significant time investment and knowledge of water chemistry.
Example Maintenance Scenarios
Pool Size
Type
Service
Est. Annual Cost
12′ x 24′ (Small)
Fiberglass
DIY
$600 – $900
16′ x 32′ (Standard)
Vinyl
Partial Pro
$1,800 – $2,500
20′ x 40′ (Large)
Concrete
Full Weekly Service
$4,000 – $6,000
Tips to Lower Maintenance Costs
One of the most effective ways to save money is using a solar cover. It reduces water evaporation by up to 95% and helps retain heat, lowering your water and energy bills. Additionally, testing your water weekly allows you to catch chemical imbalances early, preventing expensive "algae blooms" that require heavy shocking and cleaning.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides an estimate based on industry averages. Local utility rates, climate conditions, and specific equipment efficiency will impact your actual costs.