Before you build a pool, it's important to understand what ownership really costs. Beyond the initial investment, pools require ongoing maintenance, utilities, and occasional repairs. Here's what Pennsylvania pool owners actually pay.
The Quick Answer
Annual Pool Ownership Cost
Your actual cost depends on pool type (fiberglass vs concrete), whether you do maintenance yourself or hire professionals, and how much you use features like heating.
Annual Cost Breakdown
| Expense Category | Fiberglass Pool | Concrete Pool |
|---|---|---|
| Chemicals | $300 - $500 | $500 - $800 |
| Electricity (pump) | $400 - $700 | $500 - $900 |
| Opening/Closing | $400 - $600 | $400 - $600 |
| Routine Supplies | $100 - $200 | $200 - $400 |
| Minor Repairs | $100 - $300 | $200 - $400 |
| DIY Total | $1,300 - $2,300 | $1,800 - $3,100 |
Add for Professional Service
- Weekly service (May-Sept): $125-$200/month = $625-$1,000/season
- Bi-weekly service: $75-$125/month = $375-$625/season
- Full-season contract: $1,500-$3,000 (includes opening, weekly service, closing)
DIY vs Professional Maintenance
DIY Maintenance
Time: 2-4 hours/week
Annual Cost: $1,300-$2,500
- You control quality and timing
- Must learn proper chemistry
- Need time commitment weekly
- Equipment purchases required
Professional Service
Time: Nearly zero
Annual Cost: $3,000-$5,500
- Expertise and consistency
- Problems caught early
- No time commitment
- Higher overall cost
Our Recommendation
Many new pool owners start with DIY maintenance, then upgrade to professional service after a season or two when they realize the time commitment. Others go professional from day one. Neither is wrong - it depends on your time, interest, and budget.
Seasonal Cost Calendar
Spring (March-April): $300-$500
- Pool opening service: $200-$350
- Startup chemicals: $75-$150
- Cover cleaning/storage: $0-$50
Summer (May-August): $100-$200/month
- Chemicals: $50-$100
- Electricity: $50-$100 (pumps running)
- Supplies: $0-$50
Fall (September-October): $300-$500
- Pool closing service: $200-$350
- Winterizing chemicals: $50-$75
- Cover installation: $0-$100
Winter (November-February): $0-$50
- Minimal costs if properly winterized
- Occasional cover maintenance
Long-Term Maintenance Costs
Beyond annual maintenance, budget for these periodic expenses:
| Item | Frequency | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Pool pump replacement | Every 8-12 years | $800 - $1,500 |
| Filter replacement | Every 5-10 years | $500 - $1,000 |
| Heater replacement | Every 10-15 years | $2,500 - $5,000 |
| Pool cover replacement | Every 7-12 years | $500 - $3,000 |
| Liner replacement (vinyl) | Every 8-12 years | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Replastering (concrete) | Every 10-15 years | $10,000 - $20,000 |
| Gelcoat restoration (fiberglass) | Every 15-25 years | $3,000 - $6,000 |
Ways to Reduce Maintenance Costs
- Use a pool cover: Reduces evaporation, chemical loss, and debris - saving $200-$400/year
- Run pump off-peak: Lower electricity rates can save $100-$200/year
- Choose fiberglass: Lower chemical and maintenance costs than concrete
- Install variable-speed pump: Uses 50-70% less electricity than single-speed
- Saltwater system: Higher upfront cost but lower ongoing chemical costs
- Learn basic maintenance: Handle simple tasks yourself, call pros for complex issues
Maintenance Included With New Pools
Tri-State includes 1-2 years of maintenance service with every pool installation, giving you time to learn ownership before deciding on long-term maintenance approach.
Learn About Our PoolsFrequently Asked Questions
Annual pool maintenance costs in Pennsylvania range from $1,300-$2,200 for fiberglass pools and $1,800-$3,100 for concrete pools when doing basic maintenance yourself. Professional weekly service adds $1,500-$3,000 per season, bringing total annual costs to $3,000-$6,000.
Professional maintenance is worth it if you value your time, travel frequently, or want peace of mind. Professionals catch problems early, maintain proper chemistry, and handle seasonal tasks. Many homeowners find the $150-$250/month cost worthwhile for the convenience.
The largest ongoing costs are electricity (for pumps and heaters) at $400-$900/year, chemicals at $300-$800/year, and seasonal opening/closing at $400-$600/year. Major long-term costs include equipment replacement every 8-15 years.