The True Cost of Pool Ownership in Kennesaw, Georgia: A 10-Year Financial Analysis
Most swimming pool builders in Georgia provide construction estimates, but rarely present a comprehensive ownership cost analysis. Homeowners focus on initial investment, often discovering the full financial picture only after construction completes. For families considering pools in Georgia, understanding total 10-year expenses prevents budget surprises and enables informed decisions.
Alison Pools has guided Georgia homeowners through pool investments since our commencement. We have a unique insight into actual ownership costs across different pool types, sizes, and features. This analysis reveals what pool contractors in Georgia often omit: the complete financial commitment extending well beyond construction.
Breaking Down True Pool Ownership Costs
Pool ownership expenses are divided into three categories: initial construction investment, ongoing operating costs, and major maintenance cycles. Understanding each component creates realistic 10-year financial projections.
Initial Construction Investment
Georgia pool builders quote construction costs ranging from $50,000 for basic configurations to $150,000+ for custom designs with premium features. This represents the most visible expense but accounts for only 40-50% of the total 10-year ownership costs.
Construction cost components include:
Pool shell and equipment: Excavation, shotcrete or gunite application, plumbing installation, filtration systems, pumps, heaters, and sanitization equipment represent core construction expenses. For a standard 16x32-foot gunite pool in Georgia, expect $45,000-65,000.
Decking and surrounding hardscape: Adequate deck space requires 500-800 square feet of concrete, travertine, pavers, or other materials. Quality decking adds $15,000-30,000, depending on material selection and square footage.
Georgia landscaping integration: Professional landscaping that integrates the pool with existing outdoor spaces, irrigation modifications, and plant installation adds $8,000-20,000.
Water features and enhancements: Waterfalls, fire features, integrated spas, tanning ledges, beach entries, and automation systems each add incremental costs. A well-equipped family pool typically includes $15,000-35,000 in enhanced features beyond basic construction.
Fencing and safety compliance: Georgia law requires barriers around residential pools. Quality fencing meeting code requirements costs $3,000-8,000, depending on materials and property configuration.
For a comprehensive family pool meeting, Alison Pools quality standards, total construction investment typically ranges $75,000-120,000. This establishes the foundation for analyzing ongoing ownership costs.
Year 1-3: Initial Operating Costs
The first three years of pool ownership establish patterns for ongoing expenses. Many homeowners underestimate these costs by 40-60%, creating budget strain.
Monthly Maintenance and Chemicals
Professional weekly maintenance in Georgia costs $120-180 monthly, including skimming, vacuuming, brushing, basket cleaning, water testing, and basic chemical adjustments. Annual professional maintenance costs $1,440-2,160.
DIY maintenance reduces service costs but requires purchasing equipment and chemicals. Budget $60-100 monthly for chemicals (chlorine or salt, pH balancers, algaecides, shock treatments, and specialty products). Annual chemical costs for DIY maintenance: $720-1,200.
Equipment investment for DIY maintenance includes test kits, vacuum systems, skimmers, brushes, and storage for chemicals. Initial equipment purchase: $400-800, with ongoing replacement costs of $100-200 annually.
Electricity Costs
Pool pumps, heaters, and lighting consume significant electricity. Swimming pool builders in Georgia often understate energy costs because they vary dramatically based on equipment efficiency and usage patterns.
Heaters dramatically increase electricity consumption. Gas heaters cost $150-300 monthly during heating season. Heat pumps provide more efficient operation at $80-150 monthly but require longer heating cycles.
LED pool lighting costs $10-20 monthly. Older incandescent systems can exceed $50 monthly during frequent use.
Annual electricity costs for efficiently equipped pools: $900-1,500. Pools with standard equipment and heating: $2,400-4,200.
Water Costs and Evaporation
Heat and low humidity accelerate evaporation. Pools lose 1-2 inches weekly during summer, requiring makeup water.
A 16x32 pool losing 1.5 inches weekly needs approximately 2,500 gallons monthly during peak season (May-September). At average water rates of $4-6 per 1,000 gallons, summer water costs run $50-75 monthly.
Winter evaporation slows but doesn't stop. Annual water costs for typical Georgia pools: $400-700.
Insurance Premium Increases
Homeowner insurance premiums increase $15-35 monthly after pool installation. Insurers view pools as "attractive nuisances" creating liability exposure. Annual insurance increase: $180-420.
Property Tax Impact
Pools increase property assessments, raising annual property taxes. The impact varies by municipality and home value, but expect assessed value increases of $20,000-40,000.
For pools in Georgia with average tax rates, this translates to $300-600 in additional annual property taxes.
Year 1-3 Total Annual Operating Costs: $5,400-9,900 for professionally maintained pools with efficient equipment, or $3,800-7,200 for DIY maintenance with efficient equipment.
Year 4-6: Equipment Replacement and Repairs
Most pool equipment carries 3-5 year warranties. As systems age, repair and replacement costs increase significantly.
Filter Replacement
Sand filters require media replacement every 3-5 years at $200-400. Cartridge filters need replacement every 2-3 years at $150-300. Diatomaceous earth (DE) filters require annual media replacement at $40-80 plus grids every 3-5 years at $200-400.
Pump and Motor Repairs
Variable-speed pumps generally require less maintenance than single-speed models but cost more to replace. Expect pump motor replacement or significant repairs between years 4-7, costing $800-1,500 for quality variable-speed systems.
Heater Maintenance and Replacement
Gas heaters last 5-8 years with proper maintenance. Replacement costs $2,500-4,500. Heat pumps typically last 10-12 years but require compressor replacement at 6-8 years, costing $1,200-2,000.
Automation System Updates
Pool automation technology evolves rapidly. Systems installed 4-5 years ago often need updates or replacement to maintain smartphone connectivity and system compatibility. Budget $500-1,500 for automation updates.
Surface Crack Repairs
Minor shotcrete cracks develop as pools settle and soil shifts. Professional crack repair prevents water loss and structural damage. Budget $300-800 for crack repairs.
Year 4-6 Equipment and Repair Costs: $4,000-10,000 spread across three years, averaging $1,300-3,300 annually beyond regular operating expenses.
Combined Year 4-6 Annual Costs: $6,700-13,200 for professionally maintained pools, or $5,100-10,500 for DIY maintenance.
Year 7-10: Major Maintenance Cycles
Significant maintenance events typically occur between years 7-12, requiring substantial capital investment.
Pool Resurfacing
Gunite pools require resurfacing every 10-15 years. Plaster finishes show wear earlier, typically needing replacement at 7-10 years. Pebble finishes and aggregate surfaces last longer, often reaching 12-15 years before replacement becomes necessary.
Resurfacing costs for a 600-square-foot pool:
Standard white plaster: $5,000-8,000
Colored plaster: $6,000-9,000
Pebble finishes (Pebble Tec, Pebble Sheen): $8,000-12,000
Premium glass bead or quartz: $10,000-15,000
Alison Pools recommends pebble or aggregate finishes for Georgia installations. While initial costs run higher, extended longevity and superior durability in our region's climate provide better long-term value.
Complete Equipment Replacement
By year 8-10, most original equipment approaches replacement. Planning for comprehensive equipment updates prevents emergency failures during peak season.
Major equipment replacement costs:
Variable-speed pump and motor: $1,200-2,000
Filter system: $800-1,500
Heater (gas or heat pump): $2,500-5,000
Salt chlorinator (if applicable): $800-1,400
Automation system upgrade: $1,500-3,000
LED lighting replacement: $600-1,200 per fixture
Total major equipment replacement: $7,400-14,100.
Deck Resurfacing or Repair
Concrete decking requires resurfacing or repair between years 8-12. Georgia’s expansive clay soil and freeze-thaw cycles stress deck surfaces, causing cracking, settling, and surface deterioration.
Deck maintenance costs:
Concrete resurfacing (overlay): $3-6 per square foot
Major crack repair and leveling: $2,000-5,000
Complete deck replacement: $8-15 per square foot
For an 800-square-foot deck, budget $2,400-4,800 for resurfacing or $6,400-12,000 for replacement.
Plumbing Repairs and Updates
Underground plumbing develops leaks as pipes age and the ground shifts. Leak detection and repair costs $300-800 per incident. Major line replacement can reach $2,000-5,000, depending on accessibility and the extent of damage.
Structural Repairs
Soil movement sometimes causes bond beam cracks, coping displacement, or shell structural issues. Professional evaluation and repair costs $1,500-6,000, depending on severity.
Year 7-10 Major Maintenance: Expect one or two significant maintenance events totaling $8,000-20,000 during this period. When combined with ongoing operating costs, annual expenses during major maintenance years can reach $15,000-28,000.
Complete 10-Year Cost Analysis
Compiling all ownership expenses creates a comprehensive financial picture pool contractors in Georgia rarely present to prospective buyers.
10-Year Total Ownership Costs for a $90,000 Pool Investment:
Initial Construction: $90,000
Years 1-3 Operating Costs (3 years × $7,000 average): $21,000
Years 4-6 Operating + Equipment (3 years × $10,000 average): $30,000
Years 7-10 Operating + Major Maintenance (4 years × $12,000 average): $48,000
10-Year Total: $189,000 ($90,000 construction + $99,000 operating/maintenance)
Average Annual Ownership Cost: $18,900 ($9,000 initial construction amortized + $9,900 operating/maintenance)
Monthly Ownership Cost: $1,575 when initial construction is amortized, or $825 monthly ongoing expenses after construction.
This analysis assumes:
Professional maintenance
Efficient variable-speed equipment
Moderate heating usage (May-September)
One major resurfacing event
Normal equipment replacement cycle
Typical repair needs
For pools in Georgia with DIY maintenance and minimal heating, 10-year costs decrease to approximately $145,000-160,000. Pools with extensive heating, additional features, or accelerated wear from heavy use can exceed $220,000 over 10 years.
Hidden Costs Pool Owners Discover Too Late
Beyond predictable expenses, swimming pool builders in Georgia often fail to discuss several cost categories that surprise homeowners.
Algae Treatment and Water Chemistry Disasters
Improper water chemistry allows algae blooms, requiring intensive treatment. Professional algae remediation costs $300-800, depending on severity. The chemicals, labor, and equipment runtime to clear green pools significantly exceed normal maintenance costs.
Prevention through consistent maintenance costs far less than correction. This explains why we emphasize automation systems and professional service contracts during initial planning.
Leak Detection and Repair
Underground leaks are difficult to locate without specialized equipment. Professional leak detection costs $300-600. Subsequent repairs range from minor fixes at $200-500 to major line replacement at $2,000-5,000.
Georgia’s shifting soil frequently causes plumbing leaks. Budget $500-1,000 every 3-5 years for leak-related issues.
Furniture, Accessories, and Outdoor Living Enhancements
Pool furniture, umbrellas, floats, toys, cleaning tools, and safety equipment add $2,000-5,000 initially. Furniture replacement every 3-5 years costs $1,500-3,000.
Many homeowners expand outdoor living areas after pool completion, adding pergolas, outdoor kitchens, fire features, or covered seating areas. These enhancements often total $15,000-50,000 beyond initial pool construction.
HOA and Municipal Compliance
Some HOAs require architectural approval before pool construction, sometimes involving fees of $200-1,000. Municipal permits cost $300-800, depending on jurisdiction.
Post-construction inspections occasionally reveal compliance issues requiring modifications. Budget contingency funds for unexpected compliance costs.
Increased Home Maintenance
Pools increase overall property maintenance. Landscaping around pool areas requires more attention. Deck cleaning, fence maintenance, and equipment area upkeep add time and expense to home maintenance routines.
Cost Reduction Strategies That Actually Work
Alison Pools advises clients on legitimate cost reduction strategies that maintain pool quality while controlling expenses.
Invest in Quality Equipment Initially
Variable-speed pumps cost $400-800 more than single-speed models but save $800-1,500 annually in electricity. The payback period is under one year, making this the single best cost reduction investment.
LED lighting costs more initially but lasts 10-15 years versus 1-3 years for incandescent bulbs while using 75% less electricity.
Salt chlorination systems cost $1,500-2,500 installed but reduce annual chemical costs by $300-600 while providing gentler water chemistry.
Automate Everything Possible
Pool automation systems ($3,000-6,000) optimize equipment runtime, reducing electricity waste. Remote monitoring prevents small problems from becoming expensive repairs. Automated chemical feeders maintain consistent water chemistry, preventing costly correction treatments.
The $300-500 annual savings through optimized operation plus avoided repair costs from early problem detection typically justify automation investment within 3-5 years.
Choose Durable Finishes and Materials
Premium pebble finishes cost $3,000-7,000 more than standard plaster but last 50-100% longer. Amortized across their lifespan, premium finishes cost less per year while providing superior aesthetics and durability in Georgia conditions.
Quality coping materials, tile selections, and deck surfaces cost more initially but require less maintenance and last longer, reducing long-term ownership costs.
Size Equipment Appropriately
Oversized heaters and pumps waste energy. Properly sized equipment matched to pool volume and usage patterns delivers necessary performance while minimizing operating costs.
Georgia swimming pool builders with engineering expertise size equipment correctly initially, preventing ongoing waste from improperly specified systems.
Maintain Consistently Rather Than Reactively
Weekly professional maintenance costs $120-180 monthly but prevents expensive correction treatments, equipment damage from neglected chemistry, and surface deterioration from inadequate cleaning.
Reactive maintenance, where homeowners address problems only when visible, often costs more long-term through accelerated equipment wear, surface damage, and expensive emergency services.
Cover Your Pool
Quality pool covers reduce evaporation by 50-70%, saving water costs and chemical loss. Covers also reduce heating costs by retaining heat and preventing overnight temperature drops.
Manual covers cost $500-1,500. Automatic covers cost $8,000-15,000 but provide superior convenience and effectiveness. The water, chemical, and heating savings can reach $400-800 annually, justifying the cover investment.
Plan for Major Expenses
Creating a dedicated pool maintenance fund prevents financial surprises when major maintenance events occur. Setting aside $150-300 monthly builds reserves for resurfacing, equipment replacement, and unexpected repairs.
This disciplined approach eliminates the need for emergency loans or credit card debt when significant maintenance events occur.
The ROI Question: Does a Pool Add Home Value?
Pool contractors in Georgia often claim pools increase property values, but the reality is more nuanced. For pools in Georgia, understanding realistic ROI expectations prevents financial disappointment.
The True Value: Lifestyle Enhancement
Alison Pools advises clients to view pools as lifestyle investments rather than financial ones. The value lies in daily enjoyment, family memories, entertaining capabilities, and quality of life improvements.
Homeowners who use pools frequently and maintain them as backyard retreats typically report high satisfaction despite negative financial ROI. Those who rarely use their pools or feel burdened by maintenance often regret the investment regardless of any added home value.
Marketability and Sale Speed
Well-maintained pools in appropriate neighborhoods may help homes sell faster during peak spring and summer seasons. The increased marketability benefit sometimes exceeds the direct value addition.
Poorly maintained pools or those in neighborhoods where pools are uncommon can significantly impair sale prospects, sometimes requiring removal to facilitate sale.
Making Informed Investment Decisions
Understanding complete 10-year ownership costs enables a realistic evaluation of pool investments. For a typical Georgia pool requiring professional maintenance:
Total 10-year investment: $180,000-210,000
Potential added home value: $30,000-50,000
Net cost of 10 years ownership: $130,000-180,000
Annual net cost: $13,000-18,000 Monthly net cost: $1,080-1,500
These figures reveal that pool ownership compares to:
Luxury vehicle ownership with associated maintenance
Annual high-end vacations
Country club memberships with initiation and annual fees
Significant home entertainment and recreation budget
For families valuing daily backyard recreation above distant vacations, pools provide excellent lifestyle value despite poor financial ROI. For those rarely home or prefer to travel, pools represent poor value propositions.
Georgia pool builders with integrity present these realities during initial consultations, ensuring clients understand complete financial commitments before construction begins.
Plan Your Pool Investment Wisely
Alison Pools brings unique insight into true ownership costs. We provide transparent financial analysis ensuring your pool investment aligns with lifestyle goals and budget realities.
Serving Georgia with honest guidance since the beginning
Questions to Ask Before Committing
Protect yourself from financial surprises by asking swimming pool builders in Georgia these specific questions:
What are the realistic ongoing operating costs for this specific pool design?
Request detailed breakdowns, including utilities, chemicals, maintenance, and insurance impacts.
What major maintenance events should I anticipate and when?
Understanding resurfacing schedules, equipment replacement timelines, and typical repair needs prevents surprises.
How do equipment choices impact 10-year ownership costs?
Compare the total cost of ownership between different pump, heater, and sanitization options.
What financing options work best for pool investments?
Understand whether home equity loans, construction loans, or cash payment makes the most financial sense for your situation.
How do pools affect property values in my specific neighborhood?
Ask for comparable sales data showing actual value impacts in your market.
What realistic ROI should I expect?
Insist on honest assessments rather than optimistic projections unsupported by local market data.
At Alison Pools, we answer these questions with data from years of building pools in Georgia. Our goal is to inform clients making decisions aligned with their lifestyle priorities and financial capabilities.
Living With Your Investment
Pool ownership delivers the greatest satisfaction when expectations align with reality. Homeowners who understand complete financial commitments, plan accordingly, and prioritize consistent maintenance report high satisfaction levels.
Those who underestimate costs, neglect maintenance, or build pools primarily for resale value often experience disappointment regardless of pool quality.
Georgia offers an ideal climate for pool enjoyment 6-7 months annually. For families valuing daily recreation, outdoor entertainment, and backyard living, pools provide lifestyle enhancements justifying significant investment.
The key is entering pool ownership with eyes open to the complete financial picture rather than focusing solely on construction costs while ignoring decade-long expense streams.
Explore Transparent Pool Building
Alison Pools believes informed clients make better decisions. Browse our portfolio to see pools built with upfront honesty about costs, maintenance realities, and long-term ownership expectations.
View Our Work →Learn More About Pool Planning
Continue your pool investment education with these resources:
Our Construction Process – How we build pools designed for longevity
Company Philosophy – Our commitment to transparency and integrity
Project Portfolio – Examples of pools delivering lasting value
Start With Honest Financial Guidance
Schedule a consultation where we discuss complete ownership costs, realistic ROI expectations, and design choices that maximize value while meeting your budget. Alison Pools's expertise ensures you understand the full financial commitment before breaking ground.
