Pool Care Costs
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vinyl liner · 20,000 gal

In-Ground Saltwater (Vinyl Liner) - 20,000 gal

saltwater (SWG)Unheated~18 yr life

Best for: Budget-conscious LA buyers, renters, temporary installations, pools where concrete not ideal

10-year total$41,000–$74,500install + 10 years of running costs
Install$25,000–$45,000
Per year$1,600–$2,950chemicals, power, reserves
Per month$133–$246yearly ÷ 12

Typical annual maintenance: $1,400–$2,600 (mid $1,900). 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$300–$550
  • Electricity$500–$900
  • Repair reserves$800–$1,500

What wears out, and when

  • Liner tears/punctures (5-10yr $10-500 patch or $1500-5000 replacement)
  • wrinkles (6-8yr $200-800 repair)
  • seam leaks (8yr $300-800)
  • salt equipment issues (standard SWG maintenance)

Your time and effort

  • About 170 hours of upkeep a year
  • Difficulty 3 out of 5
  • Q1 $250-450 (liner checks), Q2 $600-900, Q3 $400-700, Q4 $200-350. Liner requires close monitoring.
Popular upgradesDual-drain safety systemautomation systemrobotic cleanerheat pumpsolar heater

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