Owning a pool should feel manageable, not mysterious.
Find out what pools really cost, which repairs to expect, how the equipment works, and what upkeep looks like through the year. Written for Los Angeles-area owners, and useful anywhere.
- RangesLow and high figures, never false precision
- DIY or proAn honest answer on every repair
- Since 1983Built on R.D. Pools' local experience
Where would you like to start?
Where our numbers come from- Pool Equipment GuidesWhat each part does, what it costs, and when to repair or replace it.35 entries
- Common Pool Problems and RepairsLook up a problem, see the likely cost, and learn if it's DIY or pro work.26 entries
- Maintenance SchedulesDaily, weekly and seasonal checklists for your kind of pool.27 entries
- Pool Ownership CostsYearly and ten-year cost of ownership by pool type and size.8 entries
- Pool CalculatorsVolume, dosing, running cost and budget, with worked examples.14 entries
Pool Equipment Guides
See all- circulationVariable-Speed Pump (1.0-2.5 HP)$1,200–$2,500~8 yr life
- circulationSingle-Speed Pump (legacy)$600–$1,200~5 yr life
- filtrationSand Filter Tank$500–$1,200~15 yr life
- filtrationCartridge Filter Tank (24-96 sq ft)$800–$1,800~10 yr life
- filtrationDE (Diatomaceous Earth) Filter$1,200–$2,500~12 yr life
- filtrationReplacement Filter Cartridge$100–$300~3 yr life
Common Pool Problems and Repairs
See all- circulationPump Motor Failure / Not PrimingPro $200–$300DIY: yes
- filtrationCartridge Filter Degradation / TearsPro $200–$500DIY: yes
- circulationSkimmer Basket Damage / MissingPro $50–$100DIY: yes
- chemistryCloudy Water / Poor FiltrationPro $0–$0DIY: yes
- chemistrySalt Cell Failure / Low Chlorine ProductionPro $300–$900Call a pro
- electricalMotor Capacitor FailurePro $50–$150Call a pro
Maintenance Schedules
See allPool Ownership Costs
See all- plasterIn-Ground Saltwater (Plaster) - 15,000 galUpkeep $800–$1,800/yr
- plasterIn-Ground Saltwater (Plaster) - 20,000 galUpkeep $1,000–$2,200/yr
- plasterIn-Ground Traditional Chlorine (Plaster) - 15,000 galUpkeep $1,200–$2,200/yr
- fiberglassIn-Ground Saltwater (Fiberglass) - 18,000 galUpkeep $700–$1,600/yr
- vinyl linerIn-Ground Saltwater (Vinyl Liner) - 20,000 galUpkeep $1,400–$2,600/yr
- acrylic or fiberglassSpa/Hot Tub (200-400 gallons)Upkeep $400–$1,200/yr
Pool Calculators
See all- Sizing and flowPool Volume CalculatorInteractive
- Water chemistryChemical Dosing Calculator (Comprehensive)Interactive
- Water chemistryChlorine Dosing CalculatorInteractive
- Water chemistrypH Adjustment CalculatorInteractive
- Water chemistryAlkalinity Adjustment CalculatorInteractive
- Water chemistryAcid Demand CalculatorInteractive