People get pools for many reasons including the convenience they provide, the ability to swim in private, and the added exercise that they get from using their pool. Saving money is never a factor and pools have a reputation of being expensive, particularly from a maintenance standpoint. People have even called a pool that whole in the ground that you throw money into. While pools are irrefutably more expensive than a grass-covered yard, there are ways to cut down on your costs with affordable maintenance steps.

The most essential way to save money with pool maintenance is to perform the maintenance yourself and without the assistance of a pool maintenance company. To do so you will obviously need to get acquainted with the basics of pool maintenance including using the right chemicals, the untracked of pool ph levels, and the appropriate pool filters and equipment needed to maintain your pool.

All of this takes time and patience but is hardly impossible to do. To maintain a pool on your own spend time reading the manufacturers’ recommendations for your pool equipment. Learn about the pool pump and make sure you understand what maintenance you need on the equipment and the typical life for each part.

The key to maintaining your pool is planning and regularity. Use a good quality pool cover during the winter and off months and be sure to skim your pool for debris every few days even if you aren’t planning on using your pool. If reasonable to do so, remove all foliage and nearby trees and purchase a high-quality pool vacuum that you use regularly. Test your pool regularly and don’t be afraid of using chemicals in your pool to kill off unwanted pool invaders.

Next, you should consider pool chemicals and what is typically involved in maintaining the pool ph balance. Pool chemicals will likely make up a significant portion of the cost of your pool maintenance and finding ways to purchase pool chemicals cheaply can save you a lot of money. Find out where pool maintenance stores buy their supplies and don’t be afraid to buy pool chemicals in bulk as they don’t go bad for many years.

Finally, be sure to consider the amount of time that you spend on pool maintenance and see if paying the premium for a maintenance contract is worthwhile. While professional pool maintenance is expensive it may be worth it if you are able to use your pool for its intended purpose; resting and relaxing.