Pool Care Costs
Back to Pool Ownership Costs
fiberglass · 18,000 gal

In-Ground Saltwater (Fiberglass) - 18,000 gal

saltwater (SWG)Unheated~25 yr life

Best for: Upscale LA homes, owners prioritizing low maintenance, pools in high-wind areas, vacation rentals

10-year total$51,000–$92,000install + 10 years of running costs
Install$40,000–$70,000
Per year$1,100–$2,200chemicals, power, reserves
Per month$92–$183yearly ÷ 12

Typical annual maintenance: $700–$1,600 (mid $1,100). 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.

  • Chemicals$250–$450
  • Electricity$450–$850
  • Repair reserves$400–$900

What wears out, and when

  • Fiberglass gelcoat blistering/cracking (15yr $300-1000 repair, 25yr $2000-5000 resurfacing)
  • salt cell issues (5-7yr $700-1200)
  • pump wear (8yr $1200-2500)
  • surface cracks (8-12yr $200-600 repair)

Your time and effort

  • About 130 hours of upkeep a year
  • Difficulty 2 out of 5
  • Lower seasonal variation than plaster. Q1 $150-250, Q2 $300-500, Q3 $200-400, Q4 $100-150. Fiberglass more stable temperature.
Popular upgradesVariable-speed pumpautomation systemheat pumprobotic cleanersolar heaterLED lighting with color effects

Maintenance schedules

Related cost items

  • Annual Pump Operation (Variable-Speed, 1.5HP, 8 hrs/day): $400–$600
  • Shock Treatment (weekly): $20–$50
  • Salt (annual top-up): $100–$300
  • pH Adjustment (muriatic acid or soda ash): $30–$100
  • Alkalinity Adjustment (sodium bicarbonate): $20–$60
  • Cyanuric Acid / Stabilizer (annual or less): $25–$80
  • Algaecide (preventative or treatment): $30–$100
  • Filter Cleaning (professional service): $150–$300
  • Salt Cell Replacement: $400–$1,200
  • Pump Replacement (variable-speed, 1.5-2.5 HP): $1,200–$2,500

Equipment and repairs

Calculators