Combined Pool + Spa (15k pool + 300g spa)
saltwater pool, separate spa chlorineUnheated~18 yr lifeBest for: Premium LA properties, families wanting both swimming and soaking, therapeutic/medical uses, high-value homes
10-year total$77,000–$135,000install + 10 years of running costs
Install$50,000–$85,000
Per year$2,700–$5,000chemicals, power, reserves
Per month$225–$417yearly ÷ 12
Typical annual maintenance: $1,500–$3,200 (mid $2,200). LA-area estimates, not quotes. See How We Estimate.
Where the yearly money goes
The light part of each bar is the low estimate. The full bar is the high estimate.
What wears out, and when
- All pool failures plus all spa failures. Shared equipment (pump, filter, heater) increases failure correlation.
Your time and effort
- About 250 hours of upkeep a year
- Difficulty 4 out of 5
- High electricity in winter (spa heating). Summer peak pool costs. Q1 $400-700, Q2 $800-1200, Q3 $600-1000, Q4 $300-600.
Popular upgradesFull automation (pool + spa integrated)dual heaterspremium SWG systempremium robotic cleaners for each basinsolar heating for pool
Maintenance schedules
Related cost items
- Annual Pump Operation (Variable-Speed, 1.5HP, 8 hrs/day): $400–$600
- Shock Treatment (weekly): $20–$50
- pH Adjustment (muriatic acid or soda ash): $30–$100
- Alkalinity Adjustment (sodium bicarbonate): $20–$60
- Algaecide (preventative or treatment): $30–$100
- Filter Cleaning (professional service): $150–$300
- Pump Replacement (variable-speed, 1.5-2.5 HP): $1,200–$2,500
- Pump Motor Repair (capacitor, seal, bearing): $50–$600
- Professional Pool Service (monthly): $100–$200
- Professional Weekly Service (full-service contract): $400–$800
Equipment and repairs
- Variable-Speed Pump (1.0-2.5 HP)
- Single-Speed Pump (legacy)
- Sand Filter Tank
- Cartridge Filter Tank (24-96 sq ft)
- DE (Diatomaceous Earth) Filter
- Replacement Filter Cartridge
- Gas Heater (200K-400K BTU)
- Heat Pump (electric, 50K-100K BTU equivalent)
- Pump Motor Failure / Not Priming
- Pump Motor Wear / Bearings Failure
- Pump Shaft Seal Leakage
- Pool Leak (Shell Crack/Liner)
- Plumbing Line Leak (Buried)
- Salt Cell Failure / Low Chlorine Production