Pool Care Costs
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acrylic or fiberglass · 300 gal

Spa/Hot Tub (200-400 gallons)

salt or chlorineUnheated~12 yr life

Best for: LA couples/small families wanting relaxation/therapy benefits, year-round warm water enjoyment, smaller backyards

10-year total$17,000–$36,000install + 10 years of running costs
Install$3,000–$8,000
Per year$1,400–$2,800chemicals, power, reserves
Per month$117–$233yearly ÷ 12

Typical annual maintenance: $400–$1,200 (mid $700). 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$300–$600
  • Electricity$800–$1,600
  • Repair reserves$300–$600

What wears out, and when

  • Heater failure (8yr $400-1200)
  • pump wear (8yr $800-1500)
  • acrylic crazing/cracks (10yr $500-2000)
  • jet failure (8-10yr $200-500 per jet)

Your time and effort

  • About 100 hours of upkeep a year
  • Difficulty 2 out of 5
  • Electricity highest in winter (heated year-round). Q1-Q4 relatively stable ($600-850/q electricity). Chemical usage consistent year-round.
Popular upgradesAutomation systemaromatherapy systemsLED lightingozone systemcover upgradesadditional jets

Maintenance schedules

Related cost items

  • Annual Pump Operation (Variable-Speed, 1.5HP, 8 hrs/day): $400–$600
  • Shock Treatment (weekly): $20–$50
  • pH Adjustment (muriatic acid or soda ash): $30–$100
  • Alkalinity Adjustment (sodium bicarbonate): $20–$60
  • Algaecide (preventative or treatment): $30–$100
  • Filter Cleaning (professional service): $150–$300
  • Pump Replacement (variable-speed, 1.5-2.5 HP): $1,200–$2,500
  • Pump Motor Repair (capacitor, seal, bearing): $50–$600
  • Professional Pool Service (monthly): $100–$200
  • Professional Weekly Service (full-service contract): $400–$800

Equipment and repairs

Calculators