Pool Care Costs
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plaster · 20,000 gal

In-Ground Saltwater (Plaster) - 20,000 gal

saltwater (SWG)Unheated~20 yr life

Best for: Larger LA families (6-10+ users), residential rentals, small HOAs preferring saltwater economics

10-year total$58,500–$101,000install + 10 years of running costs
Install$45,000–$75,000
Per year$1,350–$2,600chemicals, power, reserves
Per month$113–$217yearly ÷ 12

Typical annual maintenance: $1,000–$2,200 (mid $1,500). LA-area estimates, not quotes. See How We Estimate.

Where the yearly money goes

The light part of each bar is the low estimate. The full bar is the high estimate.

  • Chemicals$250–$500
  • Electricity$500–$900
  • Repair reserves$600–$1,200

What wears out, and when

  • Salt cell calcification (5-7yr replacement $700-1200)
  • plaster staining (8-10yr acid wash $400-600)
  • pump wear (8yr $1200-2500)
  • motor burnout (10yr $500-1200)
  • tile staining

Your time and effort

  • About 180 hours of upkeep a year
  • Difficulty 3 out of 5
  • Peak costs spring (opening $150-250), summer (highest chlorine use $100-200/mo). Fall (closing prep $100-200). Winter low. Q1 $250-400, Q2 $500-800, Q3 $400-700, Q4 $150-300
Popular upgradesVariable-speed pump (saves $600-1200/yr electricity)automation systemheat pumprobotic cleanersolar heaterLED lightingsafety covers

Maintenance schedules

Related cost items

  • Annual Pump Operation (Variable-Speed, 1.5HP, 8 hrs/day): $400–$600
  • Shock Treatment (weekly): $20–$50
  • Salt (annual top-up): $100–$300
  • pH Adjustment (muriatic acid or soda ash): $30–$100
  • Alkalinity Adjustment (sodium bicarbonate): $20–$60
  • Cyanuric Acid / Stabilizer (annual or less): $25–$80
  • Algaecide (preventative or treatment): $30–$100
  • Filter Cleaning (professional service): $150–$300
  • Salt Cell Replacement: $400–$1,200
  • Pump Replacement (variable-speed, 1.5-2.5 HP): $1,200–$2,500

Equipment and repairs

Calculators