As the summer heat begins to rise, there is nothing that can soothe the discomfort quite like a pool in your very own backyard. Many people stray away from this route because they think having a pool can be too expensive for the family budget. There is, however, many different ways to help cut back on the cost of your pool, so you can easily keep one without having to worry about dealing with financial setback. With these tips you will easily be able to surprise your kids with a pool so the entire family can bond together as you enjoy swimming and avoiding the heat together.

1. Run Filter at Night
A lot of people keep their pool filter running constantly which can really make your electric bill jump. The filter is a necessary part of keeping a pool clean, but the fact is it doesn’t have to be left on all of the time. During the day most pool owners will want to spend time in their pool, meaning the water will constantly be moving and getting dirty. So, if you’re looking to save money then you might want to keep your filter off during the busier portions of the day. One thing to factor in, of course, is your electric company’s peak hours. This is why running your filter at night is the best options. This way you are running on a smaller rate for your electric bill and the filter won’t have to work around all of the body’s in the pool.

2. Use a Smaller Pump
A lot of prepackaged pools come with a pump that is actually too large for the pool. Yes, it is always great to have a big pump for hygiene reasons, but you can settle for one that is smaller. This is particularly true with the prepackaged above ground pools. While your oversized pump is working to keep your pool clean it is using up a lot more electricity than it should. With a smaller pump you minimize the amount of electricity needed to clean while still allowing the job to get done. A larger pump also processes the chemicals too fast, so you will constantly have to workout your chemical balance while replacing the chemicals the pool has already pumped out. This can be one of the most expensive aspects of pool cleaning! So, with a smaller pump your pool will be able to maintain the proper levels while using up less of your resources.

3. Pool Covers
Utilizing a pool cover can be one of the wisest and cheapest decisions on your part. In some areas these covers are required because they help protect neighborhookd children and animals. Of course, even if they aren’t required you should consider having on your pool whenever it isn’t in use. It is not only a safety factor, but a financial one too. When you put a cover over your pool you are actually preventing bugs, dirt, leaves and other things from polluting your pool. This means that the chemicals and filter don’t have to work as hard to keep your pool clean, so you won’t have to deal with purchasing a lot of new chemicals or dealing with a higher electric bill. Covers can also be used to keep in the warmth of your heated pool. This will help the heater stay off for longer as the thermostat will stay higher with the cover locking in all the heat.

4. Don’t Build Your Own
Spending the time and money to put in your own pool can cost you a small fortune. After you gr through all of the permits to get the job started you will still have to wait quite some time before you actually get to dip your toes in the water. An in ground pool can actually run you thousands of dollars so you might want to try opting for something a bit cheaper. There are a wide assortment of above ground pools that can help you save while still enjoying the pool. One of the best things is these pools are easy to set up so you don’t have to deal with the long wait. So, if you have a family that likes to stay active in the pool then you might check out one of the charger liner pools. Of course, it might be easier to grab an smaller inflatable pool if you have younger children who just want to splash around. These pools take less to fill and are easy to store away off season.

5. Don’t Drain the Pool
One of the major financial factors when it comes to having a pool is filling it up. A lot of people believe they have to completely drain the pool when they clean it which is a total waste of resources and money. Instead of dumping out your pool water you should always try to treat it with chemicals that can get the job done for a lot cheaper. Draining your pool can also lead to flooding within the neighborhood. Usually, neighbors are very understanding, but if you damage their possession or destroy their gardens you could be sued. So, when it comes to having pool water that looks too bad to dive into you should always try to find the best combination of chemicals or hire a professional to help you get your pool back in order. This is especially important if you have an in ground pool that is tricky to clean up.

6. Larger Isn’t Better
When it comes to choosing a pool you don’t have to pick the largest on the market. In fact, it is best to try to choose a pool that is quite a bit smaller than your yard. Generally when choosing a pool you should consider your family’s needs. Most family’s want a place for their children to cool down in the summer or to sit and relax with friends while enjoying a nice barbeque. A standard sized above ground pool is one of the easiest ways to meet these needs. If you want to swim laps in your pool then it might be better to have a training pool instead. You don’t have to opt for the in ground pool or super large pool that will take up your entire yard. Remember, the bigger your pool is the more water you will to provide for it, as well as chemicals and equipment to keep the pump going. So, going smaller not only saves on the initial price of the pool but on the yearly cost as well.

7. Add on Slowly
One of the major mistakes people make when they purchase a pool is they think they need to accessorize all at once. Usually when you get a pool children are happy just to enjoy splashing and playing in the water. So, get accustomed to the pool before you start to feel out the accessories you need to buy. Sometimes, families enjoy the pool without having to have extras for a number of years. If you really think you need to add on to your pool then you can pick noodles or scuba gear that will add a little extra to your children’s games. Once you really get used to the way your pool feels you can start to plan out a slide or other big toys that will make your pool more fun.

8. Watch Ph Levels
A lot of people don’t know a whole lot about ph levels when they buy a pool. One of the most cost effective things you can do is educate yourself on the matter, so you can monitor your own ph levels. These levels work out really well when it comes to keeping your pool clean. The important thing about monitoring levels is you know the correct balance for your system. If you can find a good balance then you will be able to reduce the chemicals you put in your system. This will help save you a lot of money as you won’t have to constantly go out and buy chemicals to keep your pool clean.

9. Fence Your Pool In
You might not think about it, but one great way to avoid spending on your pool is to fence it in. Yes, this help keeps the neighbors out of the pool, but the real reason for doing this is to help prevent wind damage on your pool walls. Many above ground pools can take in a lot of damage while they are under heavy winds. In fact, some wind storms can totally knock over a pool, or at least rip the liner and dump out the water. Adding a fence will slow down the wind that hits your pool so the damage will be totally minimal. If you’re worried about how it will look to keep the pool fenced in then have no fear. You don’t have to use a big and bulky fence, but can choose something that suits your home. You can even add shrubbery as a fence to help improve your pools maintenance cost.

10. Watch for Leaks
Leaks are one of the major problems with pools, especially if you’re using a pool that requires a liner. One of the best things you can do is monitor your pool for leaks every other day. This will allow you to catch any leaks before they cost you a lot of water or before a tear forms in your liner. Fixing a tear or replacing the liner can be expensive, so by simply looking out for your pool you can save yourself hundreds of dollars. Leaks are easy and cheap to fix if you can find them in time, so act fast. All you have to look for when it comes to pool leaks is excess water in certain areas or an abnormality in liner. Once you’ve found a leak patch it and move on to enjoy your pool without worry.

Maintaining a pool can be a lot of fun when you stop worrying about the costs. With these ten tips you can take care of your pool and enjoy having it up and running without having to feel guilty about the budget cuts you’ve made in other areas. So, from now on your summers don’t have to be as hot and uncomfortable. Instead, you can soak up some sun in a nice cool pool that will keep you satisfied.

Author: Chelsey McQuitty