Swimming Pool Maintenance on a Budget
Swimming Pool Maintenance on a Budget
Swimming Pool Maintenance on a Budget
Once the initial investment in a swimming pool is complete, many families save money by hosting cookouts for friends in their backyards instead of eating out and "staycationing" instead of traveling to pricey resorts. However, pool maintenance is an ongoing process that homeowners must be diligent about if they want to enjoy their swimming pools throughout the season. And of course, with pool maintenance comes some costs: For chlorine, shock, and other chemicals; for convenience items such as automatic pool cleaners; and for pool equipment and supplies such as filters and pumps. While some costs are incurred only on an occasional basis, such as for the purchase of liners and covers, others, such as for pool chemicals, are ongoing. It's those costs that can make pool owners feel that they are losing the budget battle with their pools. With this in mind, here are some tips for keeping swimming pool maintenance on a budget.
Keep up with maintenance: The most important thing you can do for your budget where pool maintenance is concerned is to dedicate yourself to a good maintenance program. If you don't maintain your pool with the regular application of the right chemicals in the proper quantities, it will become an unsightly, unsanitary, unbalanced mess. It will cost you more to rid yourself of the problems that result, such as the growth of algae and stubborn pool stains, than it would have cost to prevent them. The financial outlay for a supply of chemicals when your pool looks healthy may seem counter-intuitive; if your pool is in good shape, why put chemicals in it? But remember it's the one-two punch of sanitation and water balancing that keep your pool water healthy in the first place. Put swimming pool maintenance on your calendar, just as you do maintenance for your car, and stick to the program.
Take advantage of discount pricing programs: If you keep your pool maintenance program on your calendar, it will be easy to schedule the purchase of chemicals so that you take advantage of coupons and special offers in the way that will save you the most money. For example, if you calculate how much chlorine you'll need for the season, you can buy it in a larger, better-value quantity, use a coupon, and save on handling charges (most online pool supply companies offer free shipping with a flat-fee handling charge, so making larger purchases less frequently saves you money). You're also most likely to find special offers, like free or reduced-priced add-ons, when you buy in bulk.
Buy pool kits and multi-purpose products: Instead of looking for the cheapest price when you shop for pool products, look for the best value. Seasonal pool kits can be purchased that contain larger quantities of items, like shock and algaecide, that you'll need as long as your pool is open to keep it healthy. If you'll use those chemicals in your maintenance program (you should be able to calculate the quantities needed by looking at your calendar), compare spring pool kits and buy the best option that way you'll have the chemicals you need on hand, and at the best price possible. Multi-purpose products offer a similar value: You can buy an all-in-one chlorine product that also contains a water clarifier, an algae preventer, and a descaler, saving not only money, but time.
Look for manufacturer's rebates: There are manufacturer's rebates available on many pool products, such as automatic cleaners, so if you're in the market for a particular piece of equipment, be sure to ask your pool supplies company if any rebates are available. Your utilities company may also offer rebates for the purchase of energy-efficient equipment, so it may pay to contact them before making your purchase too.
Shop clearance and off-season closeouts: Just as in most other industries, pool supply companies have off-seasons, and just as with other industries, that means sales. It may seem odd to be purchasing pool toys in November or a liner for a pool you won't even see the inside of for three months, but that's how you save! Buying the pool supplier's excess inventory can save you hundreds of dollars on items you would eventually purchase anyway. For an added value, present swimming pool closeout items as holiday gifts and stocking stuffers to your family.
Become your pool supplier's "friend": Pool supply companies are making their way into the world of social media too. Many of them offer special, online-only discounts via their Twitter and Facebook accounts. So it pays to quickly check their websites for those icons and follow or "Like" their pages. You'll like the deals on swimming pool supplies even more!
Swimming pool maintenance can be done on a budget it just takes a little planning and creative thinking. If you have tips on how to save money on pool maintenance, please share them below!
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