10 Money Saving Tips for Pool Owners

Owning a swimming pool is a great luxury. It can also be one of the more expensive parts of home ownership if you’re not careful.

The good news? With a little planning and some smart pool maintenance habits, you can keep your water clear and your wallet happy.

Here are ten practical ways to save money while still enjoying your pool all season long.

Maintaining Your Own Pool

One of the biggest money-savers is doing your own pool maintenance. Hiring a service every spring and fall, particularly to open and close the pool, can cost hundreds of dollars.

However, once you understand the maintenance process and the basics of pool chemistry, it’s very doable on your own.

If you’re not sure where to start, we are here to help! Our eBook walks you through everything step-by-step, including how to open, close, and care for your pool the right way.

And who knows, maybe you’ll even enjoy taking care of the pool on your own! What’s better than swimming in a clear and healthy pool knowing it’s you who is keeping it that way.

Buying Only Chemicals You Need…And Not the Pool Store Mark Ups!

When it comes to pool chemicals, many pool owners are surprised to learn that the active ingredients in pool-specific products are often the same as household items.

Next time you are at a pool store, check the ingredients of “total alkalinity increaser.” You’ll see it’s 100% sodium bicarbonate. That’s just baking soda. Yes, the same kind from the grocery store, for a fraction of the price!

Also, there are only a handful of pool chemicals you actually need. You don’t really need the start-up kits, algaecides, metal suppressors on the shelves.

Knowing which chemicals you need and which have cheaper equivalents can cut your chemical bill dramatically without sacrificing water quality.

Routine Water Testing

Pool testing is another area where diligence pays off. You don’t know what is potentially growing in your water without testing.

With testing, you can spot problems early before they get expensive to clear up. Water can be crystal clear but in the early stages of an algae outbreak.

Investing in a reliable test kit and getting familiar with your pool’s normal chemistry will help you make small corrections instead of big ones.

Keeping the Water Balanced

A pool that is clean, clear, and healthy for all swimmers is the ultimate goal. Keeping your water balanced is not just for swimmer comfort, but for protecting your pool’s surface, equipment, and wallet!

The testing and chemical usage go hand-in-hand when it comes to your pool water’s health

Balanced water is safer, easier to manage, and ultimately much cheaper in the long run.

Use a Solar Cover

Using a solar cover is a simple but often overlooked money-saver. These covers, reduce water evaporation, and help maintain chlorine levels by blocking UV rays.

You’re not going to need to add as much fresh water as you normally would with evaporation. This means reducing the amount of chemicals needed to balance the pool after water additions.

Overall, you’ll spend less on heating the pool, topping off lost water, and replacing chemicals.

Even a basic solar blanket can make a noticeable difference in your pool’s monthly costs.

Routine Pool Cleaning

Regularly scheduled pool cleanings which include skimming debris, brushing the walls, and vacuuming the floor helps keep the pool as clean as possible.

When leaves and dirt are allowed to build up, it creates places for algae to grow and forces your sanitizer to work harder.

Staying on top of cleaning keeps your pool running smoothly and reduces wear and tear on your equipment.

Equipment Checks and Cleanings

Cleanliness doesn’t stop at the water. Routine equipment checks are another great habit to develop.

Pool filters need periodic cleaning depending on how dirty your pool gets over the course of a season. Depending on the filter, you’ll need to either backwash or clean the filter grids when the pressure rises.

Take a few minutes each week to inspect your pump, filter, chlorinator, and heater for leaks, clogs, or unusual noises.

Catching a problem early can prevent major repairs later.

Check Leaks From Pipes

Along with the equipment, checking your pool’s plumbing should also be part of your routine.

One of the hidden sources of wasted money in pool ownership is leaks. Not only does it cost money to refill the pool, you’ll be adding chemicals more often.

If you find yourself constantly adding water or see soggy spots in your yard, it’s worth investigating further. Fixing a leak now might involve a simple repair clamp or tightening a joint. Letting it go could mean higher water bills, increased chemical use, and even damaged pool equipment over time.

Switching to a Variable Speed Pump

One of the most cost-effective purchases you can make is switching to a variable-speed pump. They are more efficient and offer greater flexibility in controlling pump speed.

Instead of a single-speed pump that constantly runs at full power, or a dual-speed that only has 2 different settings, variable-speed pumps can adjust the speed to whatever setting you feel necessary for your pool at that moment.

While the upfront cost is higher, many pool owners see the difference in their utility bill almost instantaneously and paying for itself in a few years.

In some areas, there are energy rebates available that make the upgrade even more affordable.

Switching to a Saltwater Pool

Finally, if you’re planning a major update or looking to simplify your maintenance a bit more, switching to a saltwater system might be worth considering.

While it’s not necessarily cheaper upfront, salt systems generate chlorine automatically which can reduce your ongoing chemical costs and keep your water more stable with less effort.

For some pool owners, it’s a worthwhile investment that pays off in savings over the years.

Saving Money While Still Having Fun in the Pool

Saving money as a pool owner doesn’t mean cutting corners. It’s making smarter choices and understanding how your pool works.

The right habits can make pool ownership more affordable and just as enjoyable.