Pool Maintenance: Should You DIY Or Hire A Pro?

Apart from all the fun and relaxation, pool ownership comes with its fair share of obligations in terms of maintenance and upkeep. But should you attempt the DIY route or leave it to the professionals when it comes to pool maintenance? Let’s dive into the pros and cons of both options, helping you decide which option better suits your needs.

DIY Pool Maintenance

Many pool owners choose to take on the responsibility of maintaining their pool themselves – primarily to save money. While this might seem like an attractive option, there are certain factors to consider before you grab your skimmer net.

Pros:

1. Cost-Efficient: Handling pool maintenance on your own can save you some cash in the long run. Professionals can charge regular fees for routine services or higher prices for extensive repairs.
2. Customized Schedule: You have complete control over your maintenance schedule, allowing you to work around your own availability and preferences.
3. Familiarity with Your Pool: Doing it yourself helps you understand all aspects of your pool. This familiarity helps you keep an expert eye on any changes, quickly identifying issues before they escalate.

Cons:

1. Time-Consuming: Completing regular cleaning tasks, checking chemical levels, and addressing other maintenance requirements can be time-consuming – especially if you lack experience or encounter unexpected problems.
2. Risk of Mistakes: Without the proper professional expertise, there’s always a chance of making mistakes that could worsen existing problems or create new ones.
3. Limited Knowledge: Most pool owners don’t have access to all the information required for comprehensive maintenance – like understanding how various chemicals interact or identifying algae strains.

Hiring a Pool Professional

On the other hand, hiring a professional pool maintenance service allows you to sit back and relax while someone else takes care of the nitty-gritty details. But is it worth the extra investment?

Pros:

1. Expertise: A benefit of hiring pool professionals is their extensive knowledge and experience in dealing with all types of issues that may arise with your pool.
2. Time-Saving: A professional pool service will keep your pool in top condition, leaving you free to focus on other things or simply enjoy more leisure time.
3. Peace of Mind: Knowing that your pool is regularly checked for any potential problems by trained specialists gives you peace of mind and confidence in its safety and cleanliness.

Cons:

1. Costly: Engaging a professional for pool maintenance can be relatively expensive, considering their monthly fees or per-service costs.
2. Inflexible Scheduling: Hiring a professional company means you’ll likely have to work around their schedule rather than your own.
3. Dependence: Relying on a third party for maintenance might lead to feelings of helplessness when faced with minor issues or if your professionals are not available at short notice.

Making Your Decision

DIY may be an excellent choice if you enjoy learning new skills and take pride in maintaining your investment personally. On the other hand, if you lack the time or desire to immerse yourself in pool maintenance tasks or simply prefer to rely on a trained professional’s expertise, outsourcing this responsibility might be the best route for you.