How Much Does Pool Maintenance Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Pool maintenance costs an average of $235, with most homeowners paying between $116 and $354. The total price will vary depending on the frequency and level of service, the size and location of your pool, as well as local labor rates. Regular tasks, such as cleaning, testing the water pH, and checking filters, are essential to keep your pool in top condition. By budgeting for these ongoing costs and hiring a pool maintenance professional, you can ensure your pool remains a safe and enjoyable feature of your home.

Pool Maintenance Cost Factors

The cost of pool maintenance depends on several factors, including the frequency and level of service, the size, type, and location of your pool, necessary repairs, and local labor rates.

Frequency

The frequency of pool cleaning plays a significant role in determining the overall cost. The more frequently you clean it, the higher your annual expenses will be. Monthly pool maintenance costs an average of $30 to $260 per month.

If you need professional help, opening your pool costs between $150 and $300, and the same goes for closing it for the winter. If you're looking to save money, consider tackling most maintenance tasks yourself.

Level of Service

Pool cleaning and water testing services cost between $80 and $150 per month. During a professional visit, your technician will perform tasks such as:

• Check your water pH and filters

• Brush the pool walls

• Vacuum

• Skim debris

• Check robotic cleaners

• Empty baskets and traps

The more services your pool requires, the higher the cost of the maintenance visit will be.

Size

The larger your pool, the more you'll spend on cleaning. With a larger surface area to skim, technicians will require more time to complete the job. You'll also need larger, more expensive filters, which can cost up to $75 each.

In-Ground vs. Above-Ground

Rates for cleaning in-ground and above-ground pools range between $50 and $100 per hour. However, above-ground pool costs are slightly lower overall, as they are often smaller. Expect in-ground pool costs to be higher due to their larger size and more complex installation requirements.

Chlorine vs. Saltwater

Both saltwater pools and chlorine pools incur routine maintenance costs. However, saltwater pools tend to be less expensive on average to maintain than chlorine pools. You’ll spend an average of $100 per year on salt and chemicals and $800 every three to seven years for a new salt cell. In contrast, chemicals for a chlorine pool can cost $65 for 25 pounds of tablets, which may need to be replenished multiple times a year.

Indoor vs. Outdoor

Indoor pools cost $15 a month for cleaning chemicals or $25 to $50 per hour for professional maintenance, while outdoor pools cost up to $100 per hour for overall maintenance.

Unsurprisingly, indoor pools tend to be less expensive to maintain than outdoor pools. While they do require similar chemicals, they don’t require many other maintenance tasks, such as skimming the water to remove debris.

Repairs

Even with regular maintenance, you may occasionally need to repair common pool parts. Pool repairs cost an average of $250 to $1,200, depending on the extent of the required work. Replacing a pump motor or filter can be more expensive, while fixing a drain or skimmer is less costly. Other repairs you might encounter include fixing a pool leak, replacing lights, or swapping out broken tiles.

Labor

When you hire a pool technician to maintain your pool, labor is the main expense, ranging from $75 to $100 per hour. Pool chemicals and equipment are relatively affordable, but labor costs can add up.

Opening and Closing a Pool Cost

Opening and closing your pool are essential seasonal tasks that ensure your pool remains in good condition throughout the year. Professionals charge between $150 and $300 for each service. The timing and specific procedures may vary depending on your climate and pool type.

Opening a Pool

When preparing your pool for summer, a professional can help with tasks such as:

• Removing the cover

• Reassembling the filter system

• Cleaning and testing the water chemistry

• Refilling the water

• Turning on the pump and other equipment

Closing or Winterizing a Pool

When closing your pool for winter, standard services include:

• Shocking the water

• Lowering the water levels

• Cleaning

• Backwashing the filter

• Closing and storing filter elements

• Clearing water lines

• Installing the cover

A professional often performs the closing service in two or more visits, as the water must be shocked several days in advance of closing. For an experienced homeowner, closing is a full day's work.

Cost to Own a Pool Per Year

Your average annual pool maintenance cost falls within the $960 to $1,800 range, depending on the electricity and water required.

Electricity

Homeowners pay as much as $300 per year in electricity to operate their pool pumps. The exact pricing depends on the type you have. Newer structures feature variable-speed pumps that operate at reduced horsepower, thereby reducing energy consumption and operating costs. Older models may still feature single-speed pumps that operate intermittently at high horsepower, consuming more energy and incurring higher operating costs.

Water Bill

Expect to pay between $60 and $120 to fill a standard, 15,000- to 30,000-gallon structure with city water. After the initial fill, homeowners pay an average rate of $0.004 per gallon when adding water during opening or due to evaporation.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pool Maintenance Pro

By cleaning your pool yourself, you can save up to $1,000 per year in maintenance fees—enough to offset the initial investment in cleaning equipment. However, a professional service will likely use higher-end equipment and bring more expertise. If you'd rather spend your time enjoying your pool instead of maintaining it, hiring a local pool maintenance pro helps you save time and effort.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.