8 Tips for Saving Money on Pool Maintenance

Owning a swimming pool is often a dream come true. It offers endless opportunities to relax, have fun, entertain guests, and make cherished memories with loved ones. However, along with the joys of pool ownership come the inevitable maintenance responsibilities. Keeping your pool clean, safe, and in perfect condition can quickly add up in costs, but smart maintenance doesn’t have to break the bank. 

The pool experts at Aqua Leisure Pools and Spas will provide you with practical, cost-saving strategies to minimize pool maintenance costs. You’ll discover the benefits of preventative care, energy optimization, balanced water chemistry, and how to wisely choose what to DIY versus when to call in the pros. With these tips, maintaining your pool will be easier, more cost-effective, and stress-free.

Preventative Measures That Save Money

The best way to lower your pool maintenance costs is to prevent problems before they occur. With regular care, you can ensure your pool stays in great shape without constant repairs or replacements.

1. Regular Cleaning

Staying on top of cleaning tasks is a simple and effective way to prevent costly issues. This includes:

• Skimming debris off the water’s surface to keep it clean.
• Vacuuming the bottom of the pool regularly to remove dirt and algae.
• Brushing the pool walls to prevent buildup and stains.
• Filter cleaning to maintain proper water circulation and filtration.

Frequent cleanings go a long way in preventing algae growth and keeping your pool’s equipment functioning well.

2. Use a Pool Cover

A pool cover is your pool’s best friend when it comes to saving money. Pool covers help by:

• Reducing evaporation, minimizing water loss, and the need for refilling.
• Keeping debris out, which means fewer hours spent cleaning.
• Preventing heat loss, cutting energy costs for heated pools.

Investing in a quality pool cover can save both time and money in the long term. Don’t be afraid to use your pool cover during the spring and summer when it’s particularly windy or there’s a storm. While you shouldn’t use a pool cover all the time, you don’t have to leave it open until winter comes. Consider leaving it open during the day and closing it at night.

3. Regular Equipment Maintenance

Neglecting your pool equipment can result in costly repairs down the road. Be proactive by:

• Inspecting pumps, filters, and heaters regularly for wear and tear.
• Addressing minor issues immediately to prevent them from escalating.
• Scheduling routine professional maintenance for advanced systems.

These preventative measures will help you avoid unexpected expenses.

Energy Optimization for Lower Costs

Running a pool can significantly increase your energy bill, but optimizing energy use can make a big difference.

4. Variable Speed Pumps

Variable speed pumps allow you to adjust water flow based on your pool’s needs. Unlike single-speed pumps, these maximize energy efficiency by using lower speeds for regular filtration. Many pool owners see significant savings on their energy bills by upgrading to variable speed pumps.

5. Strategic Filter Runs

Instead of running your pool’s filter during peak energy usage hours (usually daytime), run it:

• During off-peak hours (nighttime), electricity rates are lower.
• For 6-8 hours, which is typically sufficient for most pools.

By managing your filter runs wisely, you can reduce energy usage without compromising water quality.

5. Solar Heating

Heating your pool is one of the most significant energy costs. Solar heating offers a sustainable alternative by harnessing the power of the sun. Options include:

• Installing solar panels specially designed for pool heating.
• Utilizing solar covers, which also help retain heat at night.

Though solar heating involves an upfront investment, it pays off in reduced energy bills over time.

Water Chemistry Simplified

Balanced water chemistry is essential to maintaining a healthy pool while keeping costs in check.

6. The Importance of Balanced Water

Properly balanced water prevents damage to your equipment, reduces chemical usage, and keeps your pool safe to swim in. Failing to maintain balance can lead to issues like corrosion, algae blooms, or cloudy water, which are costly to fix.

7. Testing and Adjustments

To save money:

• Test your pool water regularly using test kits or strips.
• Monitor chlorine levels, pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness.
• Make small, frequent adjustments to avoid larger chemical imbalances.

Consistency is key to avoiding costly repairs or chemical overloads.

8. Buy Chemicals in Bulk

Pool chemicals, such as chlorine and pH balancers, are necessary but can be pricey over time. Consider purchasing these in bulk. Not only does this offer cost savings, but it also ensures you won’t run out when you need them most.

Enjoy Long-Term Pool Savings and Fun With Help From Aqua Leisure Pools and Spas

By implementing these tips, you’ll notice a significant reduction in your pool maintenance costs, freeing up time and money to simply enjoy your pool. Whether it’s consistent cleaning, investing in energy-efficient technology, or managing water chemistry, small changes can lead to big savings over the years. 

Remember, the main goal is to maintain your pool responsibly while maximizing both value and enjoyment. And if maintaining that perfect balance gets overwhelming, there are always skilled inground pool pros at Aqua Leisure ready to offer support. Contact us today to learn more.

Posted by Aqua Leisure Pools & Spas in Pools