About Pool Care Costs

Why we made it

Pools feel mysterious mostly because nobody explains the costs, the repairs or the schedule up front. We put those answers in one place, with ranges instead of false precision, and we tell you when a job is fine to do yourself and when to call a licensed pro.

What you will find here

• Repairs: green water, a pump that won't prime, a leak you can't find. What causes it, what it costs, and whether it's a DIY job.
• Equipment: pumps, filters, heaters and salt cells. What each part does, how long it lasts, and when to replace it.
• Maintenance: daily, weekly and seasonal checklists for saltwater, chlorine, plaster, fiberglass and vinyl pools, and spas.
• Costs: what a pool really costs each year and over ten years, by type and size.
• Calculators: volume, chemical doses, running costs and budgets, with the math shown.

How we write

We write the way a good pool tech talks over the fence: short, plain and honest. When we use a term like pH, CYA or TDS, we explain it. When a problem is urgent, we say so plainly, without scare tactics. When it can wait until the weekend, we say that too.

Every price is a low-to-high range with the region stated. Most figures are Los Angeles-area. Your pool size, equipment and contractor will move the number.

DIY or a licensed pro?

Plenty of pool care is yours to do: skimming, brushing, testing water and cleaning baskets. Gas lines, high-voltage wiring, replastering and handling strong acids in bulk are different. Those need a licensed professional, and we flag them wherever they come up.

Who is behind it

This site is created by R.D. Pools, a family-run Los Angeles company that has served pools since 1983. The guides come from four decades of fixing pumps, balancing water and helping owners plan repairs.

If you ever want a hand locally, you are welcome to ask R.D. Pools for a free quote. There is no pressure, and the guides are here either way.

Curious how we get our numbers? Read How We Estimate.