Learn about unexpected pool maintenance costs and how you can prepare to deal with pool emergencies and the expense that comes with them.
Unexpected pool maintenance costs are among the biggest hassles of pool ownership. If you’re like most pool owners, you budgeted for the cost of routine maintenance. You’ve accepted that owning a pool can be pricey, even under the best circumstances. But when something unexpected occurs? It can be financially devastating. And the worst part is, these unexpected costs can pop up even if you’re diligent about pool maintenance.
The good news is that there are things you can do to help with unexpected pool maintenance costs. These tips help you reduce your risk of surprise expenses and budget for unavoidable ones.
If you’re concerned about unexpected costs denting your budget or you want to avoid “downtime” with your pool, here’s what you need to know.
Common Unexpected Pool Maintenance Costs
First and foremost, it helps to understand what unexpected costs are usually associated with pool ownership. You can’t predict everything, but most pool emergencies fall into one of a few categories.
Equipment Failures
Your pool is similar to your vehicle. No matter how diligent you are about maintenance, you’ll likely have equipment failures at one point or another over the life of the appliance. When it comes to pools, the most frequent equipment failures affect:
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Pumps
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Filters
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Heaters
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Salt systems
Equipment failures are more common as things age. The older your pool and its features, the greater the likelihood of failure, just like with a vehicle. Failures are also among the most financially devastating aspects of unexpected maintenance costs, as parts and labour are expensive.
Leak Detection
Another common cause of unexpected costs is leaks. Small leaks might not seem like a major deal until you get your water bill and you realize a small trickle adds up to big money. The situation is even more devastating if leaks cause structural damage to your pool or your home’s exterior. When leaks occur underground, the costs can be astronomical due to the excavation required.
Storm or Weather Damage
Even with the most diligent pool maintenance schedule, pool owners incur repair expenses if an external factor causes damage. This is especially true in Ontario and across Canada, where homeowners face freeze-thaw cycles and freezing temperatures, and the risk of unexpected repairs increases during certain times of the year.
Proper winterization of your pool protects it when it isn’t in use. We offer tools like the Pentair Commercial IntelliChem Winterizing Kit (521622) and more to help you protect your pool during cold Canadian winters.
Reducing Your Risk of Unexpected Maintenance Expenses
You can’t control everything about unexpected maintenance, but there are things that some pool owners do that increase their risk of major costs. Some of the most common reasons unexpected pool expenses occur include:
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Delaying maintenance too long: Ignoring small issues might seem smart and budget-friendly, but it can turn into major, expensive repairs.
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Aging systems: Delaying upgrades until you feel you can afford it can seem financially prudent, but it increases the risk of needing an immediate repair if something breaks.
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DIY repairs: Fixing it yourself can save labour costs, but unless you really know what you’re doing, it can lead to greater expense in the long run. There are also risks associated with electrical or chemical injuries.
How to Financially Prepare
Your best bet when it comes to unexpected pool maintenance costs? Assume they will happen and prepare for them financially whenever possible.
You can do this by creating a dedicated emergency fund for pool maintenance. If you set aside a small amount of money each week or month, the savings can help to offset major costs when they pop up.
Another good idea is to include professional inspections as part of your routine maintenance. This allows you to bring in an expert who can assess your current situation and identify what could be at risk of failing. At least you’ll have an idea of the potential repairs on the horizon so that you can plan financially.
One of the best options you have is to replace equipment before it fails. This proactive approach means you won’t be caught off guard. It can also save you energy and water that older equipment often wastes.
Finally, make sure you keep up with routine maintenance. Consistent maintenance, such as keeping chemicals balanced and removing debris, doesn’t eliminate the risk of unexpected maintenance costs, but it does reduce that risk.
Removing debris is easier when you automate it with a tool like the Dolphin Skimmi 200 Automated Solar-Powered Robotic Pool Skimmer (SKIMMI - 9997001-US).
Managing Pool Maintenance
Pool maintenance, whether it’s unexpected or anticipated, can feel overwhelming. Having a resource that provides the tools you need to maintain your pool makes a big difference. Our experts are ready to help you get the tools and supplies you need to maintain your pool.