Before you start planning your dream swimming pool, you should know the hidden costs involved in it so that you can fix the budget accordingly. It keeps you informed, and you don’t have to hear sudden costs from the swimming pool builders while constructing a pool. It also makes you ready to face the maintenance and cleaning costs that come with owning a pool.
Here’s the list of hidden costs that you have to bear when you own a pool:
Additional water costs
You must change the water in the pool frequently whether you use it or not. The water, if left unchanged for a long time, gathers dust, mould, animal or bird faeces, debris, etc. You obviously can’t swim in such water, hence you should change the water frequently, which means you have to bear the additional water costs.
Even if you use a pool cover (an extra expense) that effectively protects the water beneath, you should still change the water to protect yourself from harmful microorganisms that might develop in the water due to lack of sunlight.
So, if you own a pool, prepare yourself to see a rise in your water bills.
Chemicals
The water in which you swim must be harmless. It’s even more important if you have kids who tend to swallow water accidentally while swimming. So, you have to invest in chemicals to sanitise the pool and maintain balanced water chemistry.
In addition to it, you also have to buy testing kits, utilities for running the water filter, water pump, etc.
And you also have to think about the repairs that come with prolonged usage of filters and pumps. It’s an additional expense that you might not think to have while owning the pool. Even though these are not major repairs, it’s still an expense that you have to bear from time to time.
Cleaning costs
To be honest, cleaning costs are not hidden as you will certainly consider its price while constructing the pool. However, you have to know that it’s not a one-time investment. You have to do it repeatedly as long as you have the pool.
Moreover, cleaning includes not only water cleaning but also the entire area such as pool pavers, pool furniture, etc. It’s an expense that you might not give major thought to at first.
Maintenance and repairs
Maintenance of the pool is not only cleaning but also includes adjusting chemical levels, removing leaves and twigs, maintaining filters, servicing water pumps, and other general repairs. These repairs include pool plumbing leaks, concrete plaster cracks, vinyl pool liner tears, structural concrete cracks, collapsed pool walls, and vinyl pool liner replacement.
Also, you have to hire a pool cleaning person who charges depending upon the extent of cleaning, pool size, the level of dirtiness in the water, etc. However, you can save this expense if you can do it all by yourself.
Energy costs
Energy costs of a swimming pool include the electricity consumed for heating the pool, turning on the pool lights at night, and for using electric grills, water pumps, and chlorine filters.
Don’t panic once you see a rise in your power bills as it would be due to all the electric usage involved with your pool. You may overlook the electric charges upfront for building a pool but it’s an expense that you have to pay for as long as you use a pool.
Safety upgrades
Safety upgrades are a must for homeowners who have children and pets. The safety features include the pool cover, balustrades, pool fencing, pool pavers, anti-skid tiles in the pool, etc. These features help your children and pets prevent injuries and accidental falls. For the extra security, you can also invest in security cameras and alarm systems to monitor the persons entering your pool.
Having a pool is fun and relaxing but it comes with the price of all the hidden costs mentioned above. Once you’re ready that you can bear these expenses, you can go ahead and have your own pool in the next new home construction or renovation project.
