Should You Hire a Pool Service or DIY?

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, pool supplier’s sales have skyrocketed. More people than ever are enjoying the privacy and benefits of having their own backyard pool.

Whether you are a new, or seasoned swimming pool owner, you might be considering if you should do pool maintenance yourself or hire a professional pool maintenance company, like Coastal Luxury Outdoors.

Does DIY pool maintenance really cost less?

Depending on the equipment used, cleaning a pool yourself can easily take more than an hour weekly. A pool maintenance service utilizes professional-grade tools and normally completes the service quicker. Taking care of your own pool maintenance could slightly reduce costs, but not necessarily to the degree most people expect. You’ll always need to purchase all the cleaning supplies, chemicals, and equipment.

So how much does this cost? A cleaning technician will use expert tools, they can complete the entire job more efficiently, and in less time. Examples of the necessary costs to service your own pool includes: testing kits, chemical and container costs, filter replacement cartridges, replacement sand, Diatomaceous Earth, a pool vacuum, and more.

All in, according to the most recent surveys most owners say they pay between $800 and $1,200 per year to clean their pool in Florida. This price excludes the cost of buying a pool vacuum or pool service equipment and does not include the time and travel expenses to purchase equipment. Most importantly, this figure does not consider the time it takes for you to do the work. Additionally, many people find the odor, bulk, and damage due to spilled chemicals can add up quickly as can the cost and frustration of rebalancing and shocking a green pool should you be unable to properly maintain your own pool properly.

Checking that water levels are correct, scooping leaves off the pool, inspecting equipment and cleaning at the end of a long day can be a lot. While on vacation you must schedule someone to handle cleaning your pool when you are away so you can arrive home to a sparkling pool instead of a green mess. For some people, the modest savings of DIY pool care is worth the effort, while for others, hiring a professional is a must.

What services do pool services include in a monthly contract?

The average pool company maintenance service generally covers the routine tasks including maintaining water level, removing debris, emptying the skimmer baskets, checking filters and PH levels and finally, vacuuming the pool surface.

Pool technicians also add the correct amount of chlorine to prevent algae and bacteria build up and adjust any timers. Filter backwashing then helps to dislodge and remove any trapped debris.

What is the average monthly cost of pool maintenance?

As with any outsourced service, fees depend on the pool service business you hire, pool size, and frequency of service. Generally, the cost ranges between $200 to $250 depending on the type of pool. Factors that impact maintenance costs are the size of the pool, pool proximity to wooded areas, or high rainfall areas, all which take more time and chemicals to service. The type of pool also impacts maintenance costs depending on whether your pool is saltwater, chlorine, or a natural pool. Usage is also a factor as any pool that is used frequently will cost more to maintain than a pool that has occasional use. If you have added equipment for your pool such as heating and lighting, it may impact the cost of service for repairs. Water features like spas, fountains, and waterfalls usually require special attention. Pools without screening won’t protect your pool from falling leaves, insects and dirt and cleaning takes longer.

How to find the right company for you.

Google reviews, Neighborhood social media boards, and home advisor sites can all give insight into a company’s reputation. Check for insurance and licensing in the event your pool is damaged, or an issue arises.

What to avoid.

Things to watch for when choosing a pool company include missed scheduled pool cleanings. Using old parts for repairs, constant extra chemical charges that have been included at the beginning of your contract are warning signs. Do they respond to texts or calls in a timely manner? Do they pride themselves on no green pools? Some of the best pool companies will restore your pool without a large charge if it turns green for any reason aside from weather or faulty pool equipment.

Get sparkling today!

At Coastal Luxury Outdoors, we take pride in our unbeatable service and values, that keep our customers coming back year after year. Contact us today for a FREE quote on your pool maintenance and cleaning. Our friendly team of experts are ready to discuss your options and provide you with excellent monthly pool service – starting right away!