A pool is an impressive feature of a home, but it can also be the most difficult and expensive to maintain. When it comes time to decide between DIY pool care and using a professional pool cleaning service, consider such tasks as maintaining the filter, surface skimming and chemical testing.
On average, indoor pools cost between $25 and $50 per hour of pool maintenance. Similarly, saltwater pools cost between $25 and $45 per hour of pool maintenance. There is not a significant difference between the costs to maintain an inground or above ground pool.
You can expect a concrete swimming pool to last about 25 to 40 years, average 30 years. The quality of construction and maintenance, specifically maintaining balanced pool chemistry, are the variables that affect pool lifespan the most.
Pool Maintenance
Above-ground pools are generally considered easier to maintain than inground pools, if only due to smaller size and water volume.
Resale Value
A pool can increase not only your social worth but also the value of your home. However, the increase is probably not as much as you think. According to HouseLogic, there's no real guarantee that you'll make your money back. In fact, adding a swimming pool may only increase your home's value by 7%.
A semi inground pool is exactly what it sounds like: a swimming pool that is partially installed in the ground and partially installed above ground. Usually, most of the pool is still inground, but part of the pool will be raised a few feet or more.
It generally takes between three and 12 weeks to install a concrete pool. That's longer than other types, but concrete is considered the strongest, most durable type of pool. And unlike other in-ground pools, existing concrete pools can be rebuilt, refinished, enlarged, or updated.
Typically, some last from 5 to 10 years and others that are in ideal settings and properly taken care of may just very well last over 15 years. Since you've made the investment, ensuring that you make the best of your investment will include properly caring for that vinyl liner.
When to Replace the Pool Water
You should replace pool water every five to seven years. As much as possible, you should drain and refill your pool during mild weather. It's to avoid pool damage caused by direct sunlight and heat. Moreover, a pool maintenance company can recommend the ideal time to drain your pool.
8. You may be paying for weekly service but the guy is coming every other week, or even every three weeks. Since pool guys usually come when you're at work, you have very little way of verifying if and when they're there.
A fiberglass pool is not prone to growing algae, which is one of the main reasons why this pool is easier to maintain. Anyone who is looking for a pool that doesn't require a lot of maintenance may want to consider going with a fiberglass pool.
Pool Capacity
A 12-by-24-foot rectangular pool with an average depth of 5 feet will hold approximately 10,800 gallons of water. A 16-by-32-foot pool with the same depth will hold about 19,200 gallons, and a 20-by-40-foot pool will hold 30,000 gallons.
When it comes to construction, take note: Rectangular pools typically cost more than curved pools. The reason why is increased perimeter footage. Rectangles may require more square footage in a backyard.
A well-maintained concrete pool should last around 50 years or more. And a well constructed in-ground concrete swimming pool should last a lifetime. But, a pool's liner or finish won't last long. And thus, an in-ground concrete pool will need to be resurfaced every 10 to 15 years.
Fiberglass pools are exceptionally durable and can last the lifetime of a home. Vinyl liner pools can also last the lifetime of a home. However, the liner itself will need to be replaced on average every ten years, but provides a unique opportunity to completely refresh the look of your pool.
If you have a vinyl liner, you'll be happy to know you can use a salt chlorinator system in your pool without taking any extra precautions. The liner will be exposed to lower levels of chlorine, so it may even extend your liner's lifespan. However, many inground pools have galvanized walls behind the liner.
Fiberglass pools need the least maintenance, and they cost the least ($3,750 over 10 years).
Pools with vinyl liners will last more than 20 years, as long as you replace your liner every 6-12 years. Concrete pools have exceptional longevity, but you need to resurface the concrete every 10 years or so. Fiberglass pools have the longest lifespans of any in-ground pool, often easily surpassing 30 years.
Keep in mind that Fiberglass pools are the quickest to install of the three inground pool types while concrete swimming pools take the longest.
Can You Build Your Own DIY Pool? The short answer to this question is yes. If you wanted to, you could dig a big hole in your backyard and, with a little effort, turn it into a swimming pool.
Semi-inground pools offer the best of both worlds. You'll find that a semi-ground swimming pool is significantly deeper than a regular above-ground pool, but doesn't cost nearly as much as a traditional in-ground pool.
Dependent upon pool shape and size, depth ranges available are from approximately a 36" shallow end to an 8' deep end. The pool wall, equipment and materials are like that of an inground pool but competitively priced like a higher end above ground pool.
Chlorine pools are more traditional and are also cheaper than most saltwater pools. However, they can be more difficult to maintain over time. Because there is no generator making chlorine, you will need to add chlorine into the pool on your own.