How much does it really cost to maintain a pool?
We’ve all been there. Seeing a crystal-clear pool, with calm water and spotless edges, and thinking: “this must cost a fortune to keep like that.” And yes, having a pool has its costs, but there’s also a lot of exaggeration around the topic.
The key is to clearly understand what you’re facing—without drama or guesswork. Because a well-maintained pool, with reasonable planning, doesn’t have to throw your budget off balance.
Of course, there’s a huge difference between the expenses of a neglected pool—with irregular filtration and poorly chosen products—and one that runs like clockwork, with just enough care and no waste.
What nobody tells you: costs go beyond water and chlorine
When people talk about maintenance, many just think of water and chlorine. Period. But in reality, keeping a pool operational involves many more items that should be considered.
There’s water consumption, of course. Though if the pool is well-covered and leak-free, that expense is limited: filling it at the start of the season and topping up slightly due to evaporation.
Then, the chemical treatment: chlorine, pH regulators, algaecides… depending on your system, it can be more or less economical. And don’t forget electricity: the pump runs non-stop during the season, and if you also have a heat pump or lighting, the bill adds up.
On top of that, there’s equipment maintenance: inspections, filter cleaning, small part repairs… and in some cases, hiring a professional to handle everything if you don’t want the hassle.
In short: there’s more to it than just a chlorine floater in the skimmer basket.
Estimated annual cost: real numbers and main expenses
Let’s talk numbers, which is what most people care about. While costs can vary greatly depending on size, usage, and location, there are reference ranges that serve as useful guidelines:
- Water: filling an average pool (30-40 m³) can cost between €30 and €60 if starting from empty. Afterwards, top-ups are minimal if the pool is covered.
- Electricity: running the filtration pump constantly during the season can cost between €150 and €250 per year. Add lighting, a robot, or heating, and the number goes up.
- Chemicals: with traditional chlorine, pH regulators, and algaecides, costs are around €100–€200 annually. Saltwater or automated systems require higher upfront investment but reduce monthly spending.
- Professional cleaning or maintenance: if you hire a service, expect €50–€100 per month during the swimming season.
- Small repairs or replacements: skimmers, valves, baskets, lights… it’s wise to budget €50–€100 per year for minor unexpected costs.
Total approximate annual cost: between €300 and €700, depending on whether you handle maintenance yourself, use heating, or opt for automation.
Factors that significantly affect what you’ll pay
Pool maintenance is not a fixed, unchangeable expense. Many factors can make you pay more—or much less.
The first, of course, is size. The more liters of water, the more chemicals, filtration time, and electricity needed. Usage also matters: it’s not the same having a pool for two people as for a family with four kids using it daily in summer.
Heating has a big impact too. It extends the swimming season, yes, but it increases electricity bills. The same goes for automatic covers, solar showers, or complex lighting systems.
And then there’s the human factor: some people check pH daily, use covers, set timers on the pump—and spend very little. Others neglect it for weeks, then end up draining half the pool, pouring in liters of chemicals, and calling a technician.
In the end, a pool is like a car: the better you care for it, the less it costs in the long run.
Tips to reduce costs without giving up enjoyment
Maintaining a pool doesn’t have to be a money pit. Here are some simple habits that can save you a lot over the year:
- Use a cover: reduces evaporation, prevents debris, and helps maintain chemical balance.
- Optimize filtration cycles: the pump doesn’t need to run 24/7. With timers, you can schedule it for the most effective hours.
- Invest in quality: a salt chlorinator or variable-speed pump costs more upfront but pays off quickly in reduced consumption and maintenance.
- Monitor pH: balanced water makes chlorine more effective, reducing the need for extra products.
- Keep the pool clean daily: remove leaves, check baskets, clean the floor. Small actions prevent bigger problems.
Because yes, owning a pool costs money. But with smart planning, organization, and a little routine, it’s far from unaffordable. And the reward—you already know: those moments of warm water, endless summer afternoons, that corner that makes your home feel even more like your own.
