One of the most common questions we hear from Perth pool owners is straightforward: how much should I be paying for pool maintenance? Whether you have just bought a home with a pool or you are reconsidering your current arrangement, understanding the true cost of pool upkeep helps you budget properly and avoid nasty surprises.
This guide breaks down the real costs of pool maintenance in Perth for 2026, covering everything from regular servicing to one-off treatments and equipment repairs.
Regular Pool Servicing Costs
Regular pool servicing is the foundation of pool ownership. Here is what you can expect to pay in Perth:
Weekly Servicing
- Cost: $50 to $80 per visit
- Includes: Surface skim, vacuum, basket clean, water chemistry testing and adjustment, equipment check
- Best for: Pools with heavy use, tree coverage, or complex features
Fortnightly Servicing
- Cost: $60 to $100 per visit
- Includes: Same as weekly, but often with additional tasks like filter cleaning
- Best for: Lower-use pools with minimal debris
Monthly Servicing
- Cost: $80 to $130 per visit
- Includes: Comprehensive clean, full chemical balance, filter service, equipment inspection
- Best for: Pools with automatic cleaners and covers that need less frequent attention
Most Perth pool owners find that weekly or fortnightly servicing delivers the best value. While it might seem like a significant ongoing cost, regular maintenance prevents the expensive emergency treatments that come with neglect.
One-Off Pool Cleaning Costs
Sometimes you need a single deep clean rather than ongoing servicing. Common scenarios include moving into a new home, preparing a pool for summer, or recovering from a period of neglect.
Standard One-Off Clean
- Cost: $150 to $250
- Includes: Full vacuum, surface skim, basket clean, brush walls and floor, chemical balance
- Timeframe: Usually completed in one visit
Green Pool Recovery
- Cost: $350 to $800+
- Includes: Shock treatment, algae removal, multiple chemical treatments, filter cleaning, follow-up visits
- Timeframe: 3 to 7 days depending on severity
- Note: Severely neglected pools requiring a full drain and clean can cost $800 to $1,500+
Green pool recovery is one of the most common emergency services we provide. The cost varies significantly based on how far gone the pool is. A pool that has been green for a week costs far less to treat than one that has been neglected for months.
End of Lease Clean
- Cost: $200 to $400
- Includes: Full clean, chemical balance, written report for property manager
- Timeframe: 1 to 2 visits
Chemical Costs
If you are managing your own chemicals between professional visits, here is a rough guide to annual chemical costs in Perth:
| Chemical | Annual Cost | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid chlorine | $150 - $250 | Sanitisation |
| Pool salt (saltwater pools) | $80 - $150 | Chlorine generation |
| pH decreaser (acid) | $60 - $100 | pH balance |
| Stabiliser (cyanuric acid) | $40 - $70 | Chlorine protection |
| Algaecide | $50 - $80 | Algae prevention |
| Calcium hardness increaser | $30 - $50 | Surface protection |
| Total | $410 - $700 |
These costs assume a standard residential pool of 40,000 to 60,000 litres. Larger pools, mineral pools, and pools with water features will use more chemicals.
Equipment Repair and Replacement Costs
Pool equipment does not last forever. Here are the typical costs for common repairs and replacements in Perth:
Pool Pumps
- Minor repair (seal, gasket, O-ring): $120 to $250
- Major repair (motor bearing, capacitor): $250 to $450
- Full replacement: $600 to $1,500 (depending on brand and capacity)
- Expected lifespan: 8 to 12 years
Salt Chlorinators
- Cell replacement: $400 to $800
- Control board repair: $200 to $500
- Full unit replacement: $800 to $2,000
- Expected lifespan: Cell lasts 3 to 7 years; unit lasts 7 to 12 years
Filters
- Sand change (sand filter): $250 to $450
- Cartridge replacement: $100 to $300 per cartridge
- Full filter replacement: $500 to $1,500
- Expected lifespan: Sand filters 7 to 10 years; cartridge filters 8 to 15 years
Automatic Pool Cleaners
- Suction cleaner replacement: $300 to $700
- Robotic cleaner: $800 to $2,500
- Repairs (hoses, diaphragms): $50 to $200
What Affects Pool Maintenance Costs?
Several factors influence what you will pay for pool maintenance in Perth:
Pool Size
A 25,000-litre plunge pool costs less to maintain than an 80,000-litre family pool. Larger pools need more chemicals, longer cleaning times, and bigger equipment.
Pool Location and Surroundings
Pools in leafy suburbs like Mount Claremont, Cottesloe, and Claremont tend to cost more to maintain due to increased debris. Pools in newer estates with less vegetation generally need less frequent attention.
Pool Type
- Concrete pools need more chemical management and occasional acid washing
- Fibreglass pools are lower maintenance but can develop osmotic blistering
- Vinyl-lined pools need careful chemical balance to protect the liner
Equipment Age and Condition
Older equipment works harder and uses more energy. A pump that is past its prime might cost you an extra $200 to $400 per year in electricity alone.
Season
Summer maintenance costs more due to higher chemical consumption, more frequent cleaning needs, and increased equipment wear. Winter costs drop but should not be skipped entirely.
The True Annual Cost of Pool Ownership in Perth
Here is a realistic annual breakdown for a standard residential pool with professional fortnightly servicing:
| Expense | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Professional servicing (fortnightly) | $1,560 - $2,600 |
| Additional chemicals | $200 - $400 |
| Equipment maintenance/repairs | $200 - $500 |
| Energy (pump, chlorinator) | $400 - $800 |
| Water (top-up) | $100 - $200 |
| Total | $2,460 - $4,500 |
How to Reduce Your Pool Maintenance Costs
While pool ownership always involves some expense, there are practical ways to keep costs down:
- Invest in a pool cover: Reduces evaporation, chemical use, and debris by up to 50 per cent
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient pump: Variable speed pumps can cut energy costs by 60 to 70 per cent
- Keep up with regular servicing: Prevention is always cheaper than cure. A $70 weekly service is far cheaper than a $600 green pool recovery
- Run your pump at optimal times: Running your pump during off-peak electricity hours and for the right duration saves money without compromising water quality
Get a Custom Quote for Your Pool
Every pool is different, and the best way to know exactly what your pool maintenance will cost is to have it assessed by a professional. Pool Cleaning Perth offers free, no-obligation pool assessments across the Perth metropolitan area. We will inspect your pool, test your water, check your equipment, and provide a transparent quote tailored to your specific needs. Call us on 08 7943 6637 or request a quote online today.
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