Taking care of a pool is not always easy, especially if the owner is a busy person. Depending on the type of pool, they would have to take care of several factors to ensure that it's always safe to use for them and their family.
One of the factors that most people consider when buying a swimming pool is their maintenance requirements. Some types of pools are considerably easy to keep in shape, whereas others require more care and attention to detail.
Ultimately, the decision is up to the person, as everyone has unique needs, budget, and time restraints. Our team can help you answer the question of Is it hard to maintain a pool in Arizona?
This article answers the question: "What is the easiest pool to maintain?" It will also provide some insights about which factors to keep in mind when taking care of a pool.
The Pool with the Lowest Maintenance: Fiberglass Pool
The short answer is that fiberglass pools are the easiest to maintain. On top of that, they're considerably easy to install. Fiberglass pool owners don't have to worry too much about maintenance over time.
Here's a list of reasons why a prospective pool owner may consider this option:
Simple Maintenance
Generally speaking, this type of pool requires fewer chemicals for maintenance, as well as less electricity for the filtration system. This factor alone will make maintenance costs much lower compared to other pools.
Most people won't need an abrasive steel brush or other harsh tools to keep their pool in shape. All it takes is enough knowledge and simple tools like a soft brush, a vacuum, etc.
Usually, the owner should check their water chemistry levels each week, as well as run the filter system one time per day.
Fiberglass pools require about one or two hours per week on maintenance tasks. That is about 10-20 minutes of work per day. In other words, they can spend more time focusing on having fun instead of worrying about providing regular maintenance.
Since fiberglass pools require the least maintenance, a professional service is much more affordable compared to others. On average, this type of pool maintenance may cost about $700 for chemicals and $400 for electricity annually.
Warm Water
Fiberglass pools have an interesting feature: They have the ability to heat water quickly and sustain that warmth over the day, which is great for many pool owners.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, pool water temperatures often range from 78ºF to 82ºF (25.56ºC to 27.78ºC). A fiberglass pool can easily reach and maintain these temperatures.
Non-porous Surface
This pool surface is smooth and non-porous, which is great for resisting algae growth. It offers much better resistance compared to concrete or plaster pools.
What this means is that owners won't need to get the pool covered in chemicals to keep it in shape.
Great Durability
On average, fiberglass is less prone to structural damage compared to concrete pools. If the owner takes care of the pool correctly, they won't have to worry about expensive repairs all the time, such as resurfacing projects.
Fiberglass pools feature a gel coat that seals the surface of the material. Besides resistance to cracks, this material will also protect the fiberglass layers from fading.
Low Chemical Usage
The gel coat that fiberglass pools feature is algae-resistant. Since there aren't many seams in this material, there's no need to worry about algae finding its way to the pool. However, this doesn't mean that owners can forget about maintenance entirely.
Due to the presence of these materials, owners don't need as many chemicals to keep the water chemistry balanced. Not only does this save a lot of time, but it also saves money.
Keeping a Fiberglass Pool in Check
There are three crucial steps to maintain this pool type in perfect shape:
Weekly checks for water chemistry
Having a solid filtration system
Taking enough preventive measures
Chemistry Checks
Water chemistry checks are crucial to keep the pool safe for everyone. While the process may depend on which pool the owner has, here's a list of the most common steps to follow:
Run the pump on its highest possible setting. This should be running for at least an hour.
Get a water sample from deep in the pool.
Use a pool test kit to measure different elements of the water, such as chlorine levels, pH balance, and alkalinity.
To keep everything in check, the owner should compare the test results with what the suggested ranges for each element are. Then, they can adjust the water chemistry levels by adding a few chemicals.
Filtration Systems
An excellent filtration system will include a pump, filter, and skimmer. The pump will circulate water through the filter, ensuring there are no contaminants or debris around.
Owners should pick a filtration system depending on their preferences and what the pool needs. Asking a professional may help them choose the perfect option right away.
Preventive Measures
The key to having great fiberglass pools is to inspect them regularly. It's crucial to check for signs of wear and tear, water chemistry imbalances, and failures in the filtration system.
Taking enough preventive steps will ensure that the fiberglass pool looks amazing and also lasts as long as possible.
An Overview of Other Pools and Their Maintenance Requirements
While fiberglass pools are known for their easy maintenance, they're not the only options out there.
Below is a breakdown of two other types that may be harder to maintain but are still a decent option to consider for many pool owners:
Vinyl Pools
Vinyl liner pools are amazing for those wanting to be more creative with the design. Depending on the case, owners can add sitting benches and ledges, among other extra features.
Unfortunately, vinyl-lined pools come with a few problems worth considering. The vinyl surface, for example, is prone to ripping. Many objects can cause damage to this material. Of course, the more dedicated the owner is to the maintenance, the more likely they'll be to keep algae growth to a minimum.
Generally speaking, vinyl liner pool maintenance can be considered "moderate" in difficulty. The process involves:
Checking water chemistry levels.
Circulating the filter once per day.
However, there are two extra factors to consider. The first one is that algae growth is unlikely, but it may still happen. The liner is considerably non-porous, making algae growth hard on the walls and floor. Still, there are a few corners and seams in the stairs where algae can develop. Owners should also check for areas with poor water circulation.
Another factor is the liner. In most cases, owners will have to replace their pool's liner eventually. Even with proper maintenance, they may expect to replace the liner after five to nine years. Not only is this process hard, but it's also expensive. Owners who don't take much care of their pool can expect higher replacement costs. For more information, a pool service company Tucson may be able to help.
Concrete Pools
Concrete pool owners can expect the most flexibility and creativity when setting their space up. Usually, the owner can choose their preferred look, shape, size, depth, etc. Unfortunately, it comes with a few maintenance risks worth considering.
As with the other pools, owners of a concrete one will need to check their water chemistry weekly and run their filters. In this case, however, they'll have to run it two times per day.
Here's when it gets complicated, though. The average concrete pool maintenance will require a few extra steps:
Scrubbing
Concrete pools feature porous surfaces, meaning that algae are more than welcome if there's not enough maintenance. To get rid of algae, owners may have to scrub the pool with a steel brush every week. This is among the only tools that can get in those tough spots where algae might be growing.
The worst part is that, if algae can get in the pool surface, it'll be very hard to prevent it from coming back in the future.
Acid Washing
Owners of a concrete pool will need to get a professional acid wash every three to five years. This process removes a layer of the plaster, penetrating the pores, which can remove stains and get rid of algae.
The price for acid washing will depend on the pool's size, location, and accessibility. Some professionals will also charge different prices depending on the time of year.
Refinishing
Owners will have to refinish their pool every 10 to 15 years. This process involves redoing the pool's entire surface, and it's among the most expensive maintenance tasks out there.
In most cases, owners can expect to pay a minimum of $10,000 for refinishing.
Which Pool Is Better for You?
It depends on what the person's budget and needs are. Those looking for the easiest pool to maintain may go for the fiberglass one.
Other easy-to-maintain options may include:
Saltwater pool
Above-ground pool
Also, pools with automated or robotic cleaning systems could make the process much easier, whether they're made of fiberglass, concrete, or other materials.
However, those considering other factors like durability may want to go for more expensive options like the concrete pool. Talking to an expert may help owners come up with the best solution for them.
Bottom Line
Getting an inground pool involves committing to its care. Although installing one can take long, and most of them require regular maintenance, they often fit a property's aesthetics better compared to above-ground options.
Regardless of the type of pool, it's important to create a solid maintenance schedule that keeps it in the best shape possible. This will ensure that the space is safe and fun for everyone using it.
If taking care of the pool seems too complicated, it may be time to hire a professional. These experts can help owners come up with a great maintenance schedule that doesn't cost too much.
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