What is the annual cost to maintain a pool and spa in the Tucson area? (how much, buying a house)

[bkolodzi]

I am looking for cost if I have the pool and spa maintained professionally vs doing it myself. How much hassle is it? How hard is it to learn to do the maintenance myself? I am sure it depends on size and I do not know what to tell you other than a medium size for homes that have pools.

Thanks in advance!

[Windwalker2]

You can learn to do ordinary maintenace. Major repairs probably need to be done by professionals. Cost depends on too many factors to give an overall estimate.

[jksn75]

I have a spa only (stand-alone) and it is very cheap to take care of. I imagine the in-ground versions cost more to maintain, especially to heat it in the winter. A friend told me during the winter, they pay $300 a month just to heat it. Mine adds nothing to the electic bill since it is well insulated and has a thick cover on it. I would also be interested in knowing what the monthly maintenace cost is for a pool. We would like to install one as well.

[LittleGirly]

Our 40 yr old house has a medium sized pool (deepest point is about 7 feet) and we pay 55 bucks a month for maintenance. He comes once a week, cleans the filters, checks the machinery, tests the water, adds chemicals as needed and will do the repairs when needed. The equipment replacement costs will be additional to that. He's teaching me how to do things and I got my own testing kit to test the water in between. It's too cold right now to get into the water (temp 70ish) and unheated. Because the pool is old and he's been coming here for 14 years, we decided to keep him when we bought this house. I've never taken care of a pool before so this cost is worth it for me and I'm getting an education in the process. We will need to replace the sand in the filter next month and I plan to watch and learn. If you'd like his name and business number, I can provide that in a personal note.

[jksn75]

I just asked two coworkers what they pay. They both have medium sized pools. Both people have it serviced weekly. One pays $110/mo and the other pays $95/mo. Neither will heat their pools in the winter because it is too expensive for them. They are both looking into solar options. Hope this helps.

[borregokid]

You might consider moving to a neighborhood with a community pool. I live in a community with 169 homes and a pool that is heated year round thats a short walk from the house. There is rarely anyone in the pool. The HO fees are about $115 per month outside water and sewer. This includes considerable maintenance of common areas.

[bkolodzi]

Thanks for all the feedback! I have not yet decided on buying a house with a pool or not. This feedback will help me make that decision!

[Windwalker2]

I have a non-chlorine lap pool that I maintain myself. My cost is mainly test kits and muriatic acid which isn't much. However, more major things require a pool repair guy and that is costly - broken pipes, automatic pool cover breaking, etc. etc. Something is always breaking. With solar heating and the cover, I get close to 8 months a year use at 3200'.

[kit12]

Thanks for all the feedback! I have not yet decided on buying a house with a pool or not. This feedback will help me make that decision!
Where can I find a list of neighborhoods with community pools and workout/exercise equipment available via their community center?

[AlaskaErik]

My wife really wanted a pool, but after hearing about how they attract rodents, reptiles and bugs she decided she really didn't want one after all. With GVR, there are 13 pools we have to choose from and the annual cost is much less than having our own. I know GVR is not an option for you, but consider what kind of creatures will be visiting.