plaster · 15,000 gal

In-Ground Saltwater (Plaster) - 15,000 gal

saltwater (SWG)Unheated~20 yr life

Best for: LA families wanting proven reliable pools with good water quality; HOAs; property managers preferring established technology

10-year total$46,000–$81,000install + 10 years of running costs

Install$35,000–$60,000

Per year$1,100–$2,100chemicals, power, reserves

Per month$92–$175yearly ÷ 12

Typical annual maintenance: $800–$1,800 (mid $1,200). 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.

Chemicals$200–$400
Electricity$400–$700
Repair reserves$500–$1,000

What wears out, and when

Salt cell calcification (5-7yr replacement $700-1200)
plaster staining/etching (8-10yr acid wash $300-500, 15-20yr resurfacing $3000-8000)
pump wear (8-10yr $1200-2500)
tile staining (calcium deposits)

Your time and effort

About 150 hours of upkeep a year
Difficulty 3 out of 5
Peak costs spring (opening chemicals $100-200) and fall (closing preparation). Summer highest chlorine demand. Winter minimal. Annual: Q1 $200-300, Q2 $400-600, Q3 $300-500, Q4 $100-200

Popular upgradesVariable-speed pump ($1200-2500, saves $500-1000/yr)automation system ($1500-4000)heat pump heater ($3000-6000)robotic cleaner ($500-2500)solar heater ($2500-4500)

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