You bought the testing kit. You watched the YouTube videos. You stocked up on chlorine and shock. Six months later, your swimming pool still turns green every other week. Sound familiar?
The pool service vs DIY debate isn’t really about whether you can handle diy pool maintenance yourself. You can. The real question is whether it makes sense for your situation when it comes to pool maintenance. And that answer depends on four costs many pool owners don’t consider until they’re knee-deep in algae.
At Adam’s Pool and Spa, we’ve spent 15 years in the pool industry and 10 years serving Long Beach independently. Some folks prefer diy and do it well. Others try the diy route, struggle, and wish they’d considered hiring a professional pool service sooner. This guide breaks down the pros and cons of diy pool care so you can make the right choice for your pool.
Is Professional Pool Service Worth It?
Professional pool service is often worth considering when you factor in all four costs: time investment, pool chemical expenses, risk of costly repairs, and the learning curve for proper water chemistry.
Here’s what the full picture typically looks like based on our experience serving Long Beach pool owners:
- Time: Diy pool care often requires an estimated 4-6 hours monthly for proper pool maintenance
- Hidden costs: Chemicals, cleaning products, and equipment wear from improper use can add up over time
- Mistake costs: A green pool, equipment damage, and surface staining may lead to repair bills
- Learning curve: In our experience, many homeowners need an estimated 6-12 months to develop consistent results
For busy Long Beach families, the math often favors professional service. But your situation may differ based on pool size, complexity, and how you value your time.
Want to see what’s included? Check out our weekly pool maintenance service to compare.
The Real Time Cost of DIY Pool Care
Time is the first cost most people don’t calculate accurately. Many assume an hour a week is enough. The reality? Maintaining your own swimming pool often requires closer to an estimated 4-6 hours monthly when done properly.
Weekly maintenance tasks can add up:
- Skimming debris (estimated 15-20 minutes)
- Brushing walls and tile (estimated 20-30 minutes)
- Vacuuming to clean your pool floor (estimated 30-45 minutes)
- Testing pool water chemistry (estimated 10-15 minutes)
- Balancing pool chemicals (estimated 15-30 minutes)
That’s roughly 90 minutes to 2 hours every single week. And that’s when everything goes smoothly with your maintenance routine. Your actual time may vary based on pool size, tree coverage, and usage.
Monthly tasks add to the workload:
- Filter cleaning and maintenance or backwashing
- Equipment inspections
- Deeper tile and waterline regular cleaning
- Pool pump basket and skimmer cleaning
Then there’s troubleshooting time. When your pool water turns cloudy, figuring out the cause can consume entire weekends. Long Beach’s year-round swimming pool season means you’re doing this 12 months a year. No off-season break. Opening and closing isn’t really a thing here like it is in colder climates.
In our experience serving Long Beach homeowners, many people underestimate their time investment. They think “quick skim” and end up spending their Saturday morning addressing algae instead of enjoying a sparkling pool.
Hidden Money Costs Most DIY Pool Owners Miss
“I’ll save money doing it myself.” We hear this often. And there may be potential for cost savings with the diy approach. But the actual numbers sometimes surprise people, and the cons of diy pool maintenance can accumulate.
Pool chemical costs typically range from an estimated $50-150 monthly depending on pool size, water conditions, and how often corrections are needed. That range is wide for a reason. When chemical balance gets off, you usually spend more bringing it back into line.
Testing equipment has ongoing costs. A quality testing kit typically costs an estimated $30-80. Replacement reagents are an ongoing expense. Inexpensive test strips may give inconsistent results that won’t help keep your pool in top condition.
Tools need periodic replacement:
- Brushes, poles, and vacuum heads wear out over time
- Leaf rakes and skimmers can break
- Hoses may crack in the sun
Overcorrection can become costly. Handling pool chemicals incorrectly sometimes creates a cycle. Add too much chlorine? Now you may need more chemicals to bring it down. Drop the pH too low? More chemicals to raise it. This diy maintenance cycle can burn through supplies over time.
Energy costs are worth considering. Running your pool pump at suboptimal times or speeds can waste electricity. According to the Department of Energy, pool pumps are among the larger energy users in homes with pools. Variable speed pumps may reduce those costs by an estimated 30-40% when properly programmed. In our experience, they can often pay for themselves within an estimated three to four years, though actual savings depend on your specific situation and energy rates.
Care of your pool personally allows you more control, but some diy pool owners we meet actually spend more on chemicals than professional pool service would cost. Sometimes maintenance can save money. Other times, the fees of a professional service may be comparable to or lower than ongoing diy expenses.
Pool Equipment Damage and Repair Risks
This is where diy pool care can become expensive. One mistake may cost more than a year of professional pool maintenance.
Pump damage can occur quickly. Running a pump dry or priming it incorrectly may burn out the motor. Repair or replacement costs often range from an estimated $400-800 or more for the pump alone, plus labor. Actual costs vary based on pump type, brand, and local labor rates. We recommend getting quotes from licensed contractors for any major repair.
Heaters can be sensitive to pool water chemistry. Low pH may contribute to corrosion. High calcium may contribute to scale buildup. Either condition can potentially shorten heater life. Minor heater repairs might be manageable, but replacement can range from an estimated $1,500-3,000 or more depending on the unit, installation requirements, and local pricing.
Filters may suffer from irregular maintenance. Cartridge filters need regular pool cleaning. DE filters need proper backwashing. Sand filters need occasional media replacement. Skipping these aspects of pool care may lead to earlier replacement than expected.
Surface damage can sometimes be difficult to reverse. Low pH may etch plaster and pebble surfaces over time. High metal content can contribute to staining. Calcium scaling leaves white deposits. Resurfacing costs vary widely but may range from an estimated $5,000-15,000 or more depending on pool size, finish type, and condition. We always recommend getting multiple quotes from licensed contractors for any major resurfacing project.
Long Beach’s coastal salt air tends to create more challenging conditions for equipment compared to inland areas. We’ve observed that equipment in coastal neighborhoods like Belmont Shore and Naples sometimes experiences wear differently than similar equipment in Lakewood or Downey. Improper pool maintenance may compound wear issues. The EPA’s guidance on pools and spas notes that regular maintenance can help extend equipment lifespan. A well-maintained pool system typically lasts longer than one that’s neglected.
A repair call in the $200-500 range is frustrating. But it’s often less costly than replacing equipment that failed earlier than expected due to preventable cleaning and maintenance issues. Protecting your investment means keeping your swimming pool equipment in good working order.
The Learning Curve Nobody Talks About
Pool care isn’t overly complicated. But maintaining the pool isn’t as simple as “add chlorine when it looks cloudy” either. Knowledge of pool chemistry takes time to develop.
Understanding how these factors interact takes practice:
- pH and alkalinity relationship
- Chlorine and stabilizer balance
- Calcium hardness levels
- Total dissolved solids
- How temperature affects chemical demand
Seasonal adjustments matter. What works in February may not work in August. More swimmers means more demand. Hotter weather affects how your pool stays balanced.
Problem diagnosis takes experience. Green water could indicate algae, metals, or pollen. Cloudy water has many possible causes. Knowing the difference can save time and money and helps you maintain your pool effectively.
In our experience, many homeowners need an estimated 6-12 months of consistent effort before developing confidence. Your timeline may vary depending on pool complexity, how quickly you learn, and how much time you can dedicate. Many diy pool owners tend to make their costliest mistakes in year one. Online resources can help, but they’re not available when problems arise at 9pm on a Friday.
This is why we spend approximately 30-40 minutes with every new customer teaching them how their pool’s system works. We call it “Pool School” – a session where we explain the components of your system, why each maintenance step matters, and how to spot potential problems early. After we leave, customers typically have a better understanding of their pool than they had before. Our goal is to help you understand your pool, not keep you dependent on us.
Whether you hire a professional or not, understanding your pool’s maintenance needs helps you make better decisions.
If you’d rather skip the learning curve, our professional weekly service handles the chemistry for you. A professional pool cleaner offers expertise developed over years – knowledge we’ve built during 15 years and thousands of service calls in Long Beach.
How to Decide: DIY vs Professional Pool Maintenance
Neither choice is wrong. The benefits of hiring a professional differ from the benefits of diy. It depends on your circumstances.
The diy approach might work well if you:
- Enjoy hands-on home projects
- Have flexible time in your schedule
- Are willing to invest time in learning
- Have a straightforward pool setup without complex equipment
Consider hiring a professional pool service company if you:
- Have a busy schedule with limited weekend time
- Keep dealing with recurring pool problems
- Own older equipment that may benefit from careful monitoring
- Want consistent results and peace of mind without the weekly time commitment
A hybrid approach works for some families. Handle the basic skimming and debris removal yourself. Hire a professional for chemical balancing and equipment checks through maintenance services. You stay connected to your pool without carrying the full load. Pool personally allows you this flexibility.
Questions to consider:
- How much do you value your Saturday morning?
- How many times has your pool gone green this year?
- Are you enjoying pool care or dreading it?
- Is your pool equipment older than 10-15 years?
Long Beach homeowners with pools in coastal areas like Naples, Belmont Shore, or Seal Beach may experience different equipment wear patterns due to salt air exposure. Older pools in established neighborhoods like Bixby Knolls or Los Altos may benefit from professional oversight. Aging equipment typically benefits from closer monitoring than newer systems. A reliable pool maintenance company can sometimes spot potential problems before they become emergencies, which may help keep your pool running smoothly.
Making the Switch: Benefits of Hiring a Professional Pool Service
If you’re leaning toward professional service, here’s what to generally expect from a quality pool maintenance service.
A thorough first visit typically includes:
- Full pool water chemistry testing and baseline assessment
- Equipment inspection and condition report
- Recommendations for any needed repair work
- Clear explanation of what the cleaning service covers
As certified installers for both Jandy and Pentair, we can service and install equipment from both major manufacturers. This certification typically qualifies our installations for extended warranty coverage, though specific warranty terms vary by product and installation. We also handle a full range of pool system needs – pumps, heaters, filters, plus electrical, plumbing, and gas line work that some pool companies may need to subcontract out.
Questions worth asking any pool maintenance company:
- What’s included in weekly service? What maintenance tasks are covered?
- How do you communicate about problems?
- What happens if something goes wrong?
- Will you explain what you’re doing and why?
That last question matters. Education should be part of the relationship. You shouldn’t feel uninformed about your own swimming pool. A professional pool service company offers more than just service. They can offer expertise and peace of mind.
We stand behind our work with a satisfaction guarantee, and we provide a one-year parts and labor warranty on repairs we perform. Terms and conditions apply, and we’re happy to explain the details. We also aim to respond to service calls within 24 hours because we know pool problems don’t wait for convenient timing. Response times may vary during peak season.
When we take over a pool, we don’t just address issues and disappear. We explain what we’re seeing and why it matters. That way to keep your pool healthy becomes clearer. You can potentially spot small issues before they become larger problems. Our goal is to be your pool partner from digging the hole till forever – not just another company that disappears after a few months.
After our Pool School session and first month of service, many customers tell us they understand their pool better than they did before – and they stop dreading weekends.
A regular pool cleaning schedule from a professional can help keep your pool in top shape year-round. Whether you clean your pool yourself or hire help, the goal is the same: a sparkling, safe swimming pool for your family.
Ready to see where your pool stands?
Schedule a pool maintenance assessment with our Long Beach team. We’ll provide an honest evaluation and help you decide the best approach to keep your pool clean and healthy. Our company offers complimentary consultations so you can make an informed decision.
Questions? Call Adam’s Pool and Spa at (562) 522-2203.
FAQs
Q: What are the true costs of DIY pool maintenance vs hiring a professional service?
A: The true costs extend beyond simple service fees. DIY maintenance requires investing in equipment ($300-800 initially), chemicals ($50-100 monthly), and your time (4-8 hours monthly). Professional pool service company rates range from $80-150 monthly but include expertise that prevents costly mistakes. Hidden DIY costs include potential equipment damage from improper chemical balancing, which can lead to expensive repairs of $500-3,000. Professional services often catch small issues early, protecting your investment and ensuring your pool remains in optimal condition.
Q: What are the pros and cons of DIY pool maintenance compared to professional service?
A: The pros of DIY pool maintenance include immediate cost savings and complete control over your pool care routine. You can clean on your schedule and learn about taking care of your pool systems. However, the cons of DIY pool care are significant: time commitment, learning curve for chemical balancing, equipment storage needs, and risk of mistakes that lead to expensive repairs. You may also lack access to professional-grade tools and expertise for diagnosing complex pool problems. Many pool owners find that while DIY seems cheaper initially, the convenience and expertise of a professional pool service company often justify the service fees.
Q: How much time does DIY pool maintenance really require compared to hiring a professional pool cleaner?
A: Regular pool maintenance through DIY typically requires 4-8 hours monthly for basic tasks like skimming, vacuuming, testing water chemistry, and cleaning filters. During peak season or after storms, this can double. Additional time is needed for trips to the local pool shop for supplies and troubleshooting issues. In contrast, professional maintenance services handle everything in 30-60 minutes per visit, usually weekly. For busy homeowners, the time saved by hiring a professional pool cleaner can be worth far more than the service fees, allowing you to actually enjoy your swimming pool rather than constantly maintaining it.
Q: What equipment and supplies are needed for effective DIY maintenance versus professional pool service?
A: DIY pool maintenance requires significant upfront investment: telescopic pole ($30-60), skimmer net ($15-40), vacuum head and hose ($100-200), water testing kit ($20-100), and brushes ($15-40). You’ll also need ongoing chemicals including chlorine, pH adjusters, algaecides, and shock treatments ($50-100 monthly). Storage space is essential for this equipment. Professional pool service companies arrive with commercial-grade equipment and bulk chemicals, often achieving better results. They also have diagnostic tools for complex pool issues that would be impractical for homeowners to purchase, making their service valuable for protecting your investment.
Q: When should I prefer DIY pool care over hiring professional maintenance services?
A: You should prefer DIY pool care if you have a simple, small pool with straightforward equipment, enjoy hands-on maintenance, have flexible time availability, and want to minimize monthly expenses. DIY works well for mechanically-inclined owners willing to learn proper chemical balancing and equipment maintenance. It’s also suitable if you use your swimming pool infrequently and can maintain a consistent care routine. However, if you have a complex pool system with features like saltwater generators, heaters, or automation, limited time, or difficulty keeping the pool clean and balanced, professional services become the better choice for your pool’s longevity.
Q: How do professional pool cleaners protect your investment better than DIY approaches?
A: Professional pool cleaners protect your investment through early problem detection, proper chemical balancing that prevents surface damage, and equipment expertise that extends system lifespan. They identify issues like pump problems, filter inefficiency, or surface deterioration before they lead to expensive repairs. Professionals understand how factors like weather, usage, and water source affect your pool chemistry, keeping your pool sparkling while preventing costly damage. Their experience means they rarely make the chemical or equipment mistakes common with DIY maintenance that can damage plaster, liners, or mechanical systems, potentially saving thousands in premature replacement costs.
Q: What are the hidden costs and risks in the pros and cons of DIY pool maintenance?
A: Hidden DIY costs include chemical imbalances causing surface etching or staining (repair: $1,000-5,000), improper equipment maintenance leading to premature failure (replacement: $500-3,000), algae blooms requiring expensive remediation, increased water and energy bills from inefficient operation, and potential health risks from improperly sanitized water. There’s also the cost of mistakes; over-chlorination can bleach liners, while under-sanitization creates unsafe conditions. Time spent troubleshooting problems, and multiple trips to the local pool shop, add hidden expenses. Professional maintenance services eliminate these risks through consistent, expert care that keeps your pool healthy and extends equipment life.
Q: How can I decide which is the right choice for your pool: DIY or professional pool maintenance service?
A: Evaluate these factors to make the right choice for your pool: your available time and schedule flexibility, mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn, pool complexity and special features, budget for both upfront and ongoing costs, and how frequently you use your swimming pool. Calculate the true cost, including your time value. If you earn $50/hour and spend 6 hours monthly on maintenance, that’s $300 in time alone. Consider a hybrid approach: hire professional maintenance services during peak season and handle basic tasks yourself off-season. Many owners find that taking care of their pool professionally during summer ensures a free pool experience for family enjoyment, making it worth the cost savings sacrifice.
