Do you have a pool, or are you considering one? Are you jealous of your neighbors who get to take a dip anytime they’d like throughout summer, and you want that too? If you’ve thought about a pool, you’ve no doubt thought about what it takes to maintain one. Or if you haven’t, now is a good time to do so. Keeping your water clean and sparkling is more than using a skimmer to remove leaves. No, it goes far beyond that. Let’s take a look at the real cost of maintaining a pool and why you might want to consider professional pool service in maryland instead.

Adding Chemicals to Balance

Proper water chemistry is fundamental to maintaining a clean and safe pool. This involves regularly adding chemicals to balance the water's pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels. The cost of these chemicals can add up over time, but it's a necessary expense to ensure your pool water remains safe for swimming and free from harmful bacteria.

Adding Clarifiers

Pool clarifiers are used to improve water clarity by helping to eliminate small particles that can make the water appear cloudy. While not required as frequently as other chemicals, clarifiers are an additional expense to consider in your pool maintenance budget.

Chlorine Costs

Chlorine is a primary sanitizer used to keep pool water free from harmful microorganisms. Whether you opt for liquid, tablet, or granular chlorine, you'll need to budget for its ongoing purchase. Additionally, if you choose to use a chlorine generator (saltwater pool), there will be initial installation costs and periodic salt replenishment expenses.

Pool Filters: Sand vs. Cartridge

Pool filtration is essential for removing debris and contaminants from the water. Two common filter types are sand and cartridge filters, each with its associated costs. Sand filters typically require less frequent media replacement but consume more water during backwashing. Cartridge filters, on the other hand, involve occasional cartridge replacements but generally have lower water consumption.

Final Thoughts

There you have it. A look at what you might be dealing with if you have a pool. Honestly, it isn’t as bad as it seems. Stock up on a reliable testing kit and do some research on how to maintain a pool. Or better yet, invest in professional pool maintenance and simply enjoy your new pool! They will usually bring the chemicals too, which is a huge bonus not having to store buckets of chemicals.