For many people, having a swimming pool is a dream come true. It provides diverse workouts and family moments of fun. Proper maintenance of the filtration system, heater, and pump is necessary to keep the water clean and prevent the growth of algae. Education is essential for everything from installation to routine weekly, monthly, and seasonal upkeep tasks.
How Long Do In-Ground Pools Last?
One of the most frequently asked questions by homeowners is: what is the expiration date of my in-ground pool? The lifespan of a properly maintained in-ground pool varies, but it can range from 20 to 30 years. Nevertheless, the specific lifespan of a pool could vary from a few years to tens of years based on factors such as the quality of the construction work, materials used, and how well the pool is maintained.
Pool Maintenance and Wear
An underground pool can stand for a long time, provided that it’s occasionally renovated and properly maintained. Typically, an above-ground pool is designed to endure for 25–30 years if it’s meticulously maintained before requiring any major repair or refurbishing.
What to Expect Over the Years
The first 5 years of your pool will be almost maintenance-free. The only thing that may be done frequently is disinfecting the water and cleaning the inside of the pool. You may have a minor cosmetic problem, but there’s nothing major to anticipate with routine maintenance.
About 5 years later, you might start to notice some signs that indicate you need small interventions to solve basic aging problems. Over time, you may notice that your pool surface is losing some of its color and there might be some faded and worn-out areas. Water from the pool may be giving rise to some stains. Meanwhile, the joints of the concrete decking slabs could be sealed from time to time. Filters, pumps, and other accessories may require the repair or replacement of specific parts from time to time as well.
It is necessary to calculate possible maintenance costs to guarantee perfect pool condition after around 7–10 years of use, as well as the cost of a first resurface, which is likely to be done during that time. The process involves removing the plaster or existing tile topcoat and subsequently applying a fresh plaster or tile finish onto the surface.
The period of 5–25 years old is when the pool starts to age. This will make your budget rise significantly for repairs or even as preventive measures where you may have to replace the filter, pump, heater, and leaking underground plumbing. Not including lighting systems and automatic covers, most of the parts are bound to fail after around 15–20 years.
As for the structure of the shell, it will be able to withstand and protect itself for 25–30 years, provided no major ground settling issues or tree roots cause damage. After this time frame, major renovations and replacements are typically necessary.
Get Started Today
Before you get started, be sure to consult with a professional pool installation and services professional in the area. They can provide you with in-depth details that make it easier to understand what to expect from the beginning of the life of the pool until it ages after a few decades.
Being informed and knowing what steps to take to ensure its longevity and prevent deterioration and failures with the structure and pump systems is a priority. If you’d like to learn more about custom pools in PA or outdoor living in PA, please reach out to us at Scott Payne Custom Pools. We can give you the pool you want and help you maintain it over the years.