How Much Does Pool Cleaning Cost?

Budget about $80 to $140 per visit for routine pool cleaning services, $150 to $400 for a one off deep clean, and roughly $600 to $1,500 per year for ongoing care in Australia, depending on pool size, service frequency, debris load and what is included. Prices rise with heavy debris, poor access, cloudy or green recovery, and any parts replacement. Always confirm whether chemicals are included or billed separately.

Pool Cleaning Services Cost Factors

Pool cleaning prices vary because every swimming pool is different. These are the major cost drivers for regular maintenance a professional pool cleaning service will assess before quoting.

• Pool volume and surface type: Larger or deeper pools take longer to skim, brush and vacuum. Pebble and older plaster can hold more dust than smooth fibreglass, which increases brushing time.
• Access, steps and ledges: Tight side access, narrow gates and lots of internal steps add minutes to each visit.
• Service frequency and plan type: Weekly or fortnightly full service usually costs more per month but can reduce one off recovery fees. Chemical only plans are cheaper per visit but leave cleaning to the owner.
• Filter type and condition: A healthy cartridge or sand filter speeds up visits. A clogged or undersized filter slows everything down and can increase pool cleaning costs.
• Presence of a cover: A pool cover cuts debris and chemical demand, which shortens visit time and reduces monthly pool maintenance costs.
• Level of automation: Variable speed pumps, salt water chlorinators and basic automation can stabilise water chemistry and shorten labour, although there is equipment upkeep to budget for.

One Off Pool Clean Pricing

A standard one off clean and balance typically ranges from $150 to $400 for an average inground pool. That usually includes a site test, chemical balancing, skim, brush, vacuum, basket emptying, and a basic backwash or cartridge rinse, along with any additional services.

Expect extra labour and materials for the following situations.

• Post storm debris or party clean ups: Heavy leaves, dust and sunscreen increase time on site.
• Vacuum to waste: Needed after floc or heavy silt. This uses more water and takes longer to set up.
• Cloudy or green water recovery: Multiple visits may be required, with shock, brushing and extended filtration.
• Line items: Clarifier, floc, detailed cartridge degrease and stain treatments are commonly itemised.

If you need help right away, you can book a once off clean here: One time pool service.

Regular Service Plans And What They Cost

For routine pool maintenance services, pricing is usually structured per visit, with the total monthly pool maintenance cost depending on how often you book.

• Weekly or fortnightly full service: About $80 to $140 per visit for most residential pools. Weekly is best for uncovered pools or high bather load. Fortnightly suits covered pools with moderate debris.
• Monthly service: Works for covered or low use pools, although you may need to skim and empty baskets between visits to keep your pool looking good.

Whatever you choose, ask for a written scope that sets the inclusions per visit so the average price does not creep later. If you are deciding between doing it yourself and hiring help, see DIY pool cleaning versus engaging a professional pool cleaner.

Chemical Only Vs Full Service

• Chemical only: Onsite testing and dosing to keep water safe, with no brushing or vacuuming. Least expensive option per visit, but you handle debris removal and baskets.
• Full service: Test, dose, skim, brush, vacuum, empty baskets and maintain the filter. Higher per visit cost, lower risk of build up and better water quality during peak use.

What Is Included Vs What Is Extra

Typical inclusions for full service

• Water test and chemical balancing
• Skim, brush, vacuum and basket emptying
• Basic backwash for sand filters or quick cartridge rinse
• Visual equipment check and flow observation

Common extras

• Phosphate remover, stain treatment, clarifier or floc
• Detailed cartridge degrease and scale removal
• Replacement parts such as o rings, unions and broken baskets
• Minor plumbing repairs or leak diagnosis

Deep cleaning a cartridge properly takes time and the right products, leading to less maintenance in the long run.

Chemical Only Vs Full Service

• Chemical only: Onsite testing and dosing to keep water safe, with no brushing or vacuuming. Least expensive option per visit, but you handle debris removal and baskets.
• Full service: Test, dose, skim, brush, vacuum, empty baskets and maintain the filter. Higher per visit cost, lower risk of build up and better water quality during peak use.

What Is Included Vs What Is Extra

Typical inclusions for full service

• Water test and chemical balancing
• Skim, brush, vacuum and basket emptying
• Basic backwash for sand filters or quick cartridge rinse
• Visual equipment check and flow observation

Common extras

• Phosphate remover, stain treatment, clarifier or floc
• Detailed cartridge degrease and scale removal
• Replacement parts such as o rings, unions and broken baskets
• Minor plumbing repairs or leak diagnosis

Deep cleaning a cartridge properly takes time and the right products, leading to less maintenance in the long run.

Saltwater Vs Chlorine Running Costs

A saltwater pool reduces manual dosing but introduces specific upkeep.

• Pros: Stable daily chlorination, fewer trips to the shop for liquid chlorine, easier to keep water balanced once dialled in.
• Cons: Cell cleaning and power use, plus eventual cell replacement on older systems. Keep CYA in range to protect production and control cost.

Understanding how your chlorinator works will help many homeowners forecast running costs and avoid overspending.

Green Or Cloudy Recovery Costs

Recovery is almost always more expensive than prevention, especially when considering other contaminants .

• Diagnostic and shock: Extra testing, correct shock dosage and brushing increase labour time.
• Extended filtration: Pumps may need to run 24 hours for a day or two after severe blooms, adding electricity costs.
• Floc and vacuum to waste: Used for heavy fallout across multiple visits when necessary.

If your pool water is already dull or milky, follow the step by step process in How to clear cloudy water in pool. Routine balancing is still the cheapest way to avoid green pool recovery work.

Seasonal Factors And Emergencies

• Summer: Higher UV and temperature increase chlorine demand and evaporation, so you may need weekly visits and more chemicals. Availability tightens in peak season and after storms.
• Off peak winter: With a cover and reduced bather load you can extend intervals and run the pump less, which lowers cost.
• Emergencies: Clarify response times and after hours rates in advance so there are no surprises.

If you keep your pool open year round, consider a winter mode that saves money without sacrificing safety. See How to winterise a pool.

Pump Runtime And Energy As Hidden Costs

Labour is only one piece of the cost to maintain a pool. Electricity costs and filter performance influence both water quality and how often you need a professional pool cleaning service.

• Turnover target: Aim for 1 to 1.5 turnovers per day and increase for heat, parties and dust events.
• Variable speed pumps: These cut power use while maintaining clarity with longer low speed runs.
• Circulation quality: Poor circulation leaves dead spots, increases chlorine use and inflates labour time.

For practical runtime settings across seasons, see How long should a pool pump run.

Ways To Save Without Hurting Clarity

You can save money on pool maintenance costs and manage overall costs without sacrificing a safe swimming environment by focusing on prevention.

• Fit a cover: Reduces debris and chemical consumption, especially on salt water pools and heated pools.
• Empty baskets often: Keep flow up and protect the pump.
• Use skimmer socks: Capture sunscreen and fine debris before the filter.
• Brush weekly: Stops biofilm on pool walls and steps that would otherwise consume chlorine.
• Keep filter media healthy: Replace worn cartridges or old sand to maintain efficient filtration.
• Choose the right cleaner: Match robotic or suction cleaners to your debris profile to reduce callouts.

When To Hire A Pro Vs Do It Yourself

• Hire a pro when you face recurring algae, unclear test results, equipment faults, suspected leaks or you are short on time. A technician will get the pool cleaned quickly and can spot issues before they become pool repairs.
• DIY works well if debris is light and you are comfortable testing and dosing accurately, especially in winter when demand is lower.
• Hybrid approach: Many pool owners use a professional during peak summer and manage a simpler schedule in winter.

If things have already slipped and you need the pool swim ready fast, a recovery service can pay for itself by avoiding extra wasted chemicals, reducing how much does pool maintenance cost in the future.

Example Price Scenarios

These simple scenarios illustrate how variables affect pool service costs. Actual quotes may vary locally.

• Covered 35,000 L fibreglass pool, fortnightly full service: $90 to $110 per visit. Minimal leaves, stable chemistry. Annual spend around $1,000 to $1,300 plus electricity and any parts.
• Uncovered 50,000 L plaster pool under trees, weekly full service in summer, fortnightly in winter: $100 to $140 per visit in summer and $90 to $110 in winter. Expect periodic cartridge degrease or more frequent sand backwash. Annual spend often $1,300 to $1,800 plus chemicals and energy.
• One off post storm clean, uncovered 40,000 L: $220 to $380 depending on debris, need for vacuum to waste and clarifier or floc.
• Green recovery on 45,000 L saltwater pool: Initial visit with shock, brush and filter clean $220 to $350, followed by one or two shorter follow ups. Additional chemicals and extended runtime add to total cost.

What To Ask Before You Book

To get an accurate average pool cleaning cost from any pool maintenance company, clarify the following details as they may vary depending on specific services .

1. Is chemistry included or billed separately and which brands are used
2. Exact visit inclusions from test and balance through to vacuum and baskets
3. Filter maintenance approach and frequency for your model
4. Photo reports or checklists after each visit
5. Labour warranty and response times for problems
6. Parts pricing for common consumables like o rings and baskets

Bottom Line

• Routine visit range: $80 to $140 per visit for most full service plans
• One off clean: $150 to $400 depending on debris and clarity
• Annualised care: About $600 to $1,500 per year for typical residential pools, excluding power and parts
• Biggest money savers: Good filtration, a cover, correct pump runtime and consistent testing

With a clear scope and the right plan, pool services keep your pool water safe, reduce the risk of green water and control long term costs.

Ready To Get A Precise Quote?

If you want predictable pricing and clear water all year, book an assessment with our local team that handles testing, balancing, cleaning, filter care and pool equipment advice in one visit. You can request a pool service to reset water quality before you step into a regular plan.