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| | | In-ground backyard pools require regular service including skimming the pool's surface, vacuuming the pool floor, brushing the walls, emptying baskets and the filter trap, and backwashing the circulation system, according to Better Homes and Gardens. The water must also be tested for sanitization and to maintain a balanced pH level. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Once a week pool cleaners cost $75-$165 per month, based on four visits.
- Do-it-yourself pool cleaning runs $20-$100 per month for chemicals during the summer after initial purchase of pool tools including a vacuum head and hose from $50, and a maintenance kit with a wall brush, leaf skimmer, test kits and telescopic pole for around $60.
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| What should be included: | - A regular weekly pool service package generally includes brushing walls and steps, skimming debris off the water surface, checking and adjusting chemicals, backwashing the filter as needed and emptying the skimmer and pump baskets. Some companies include vacuuming the bottom and brushing the tiles.
- Each pool runs on a filter system--cartridge, diatomaceous earth or sand. As the filter becomes clogged with debris, the back pressure on the filter system rises and the overall flow rate of the swimming pool circulation system drops. Cartridge filters are removed from the unit, then cleaned with a running house, according to About Swimming.
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| Additional costs: | - Regular filter cleaning costs around $60-$65. Power vacuuming is intense cleaning for a neglected pool and runs $55-$124 per hour.
- Pools that are properly covered during the winter will require an opening service that prepares the pool for summer use. Opening costs are around $100-149 which includes an initial chlorine shock, removing cover, re-installing pump, filter, chlorinator, re-installing ladders and diving board.
- Closing a well-maintained pool runs about $100-$159 and requires draining the water level below the freezing level, clearing water out of the plumbing lines, removing the ladders and diving board and attaching a pool cover.
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| Discounts: | - Senior discounts are available at a variety of pool services.
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| Shopping for pool cleaning: | |
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Article updated April 2007 |
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