Key Takeaways
- 1Professional pool maintenance costs €80-€150/month for weekly service on the Costa del Sol.
- 2DIY maintenance costs €40-€80/month in chemicals alone, plus your time.
- 3Annual costs including chemicals, electricity, and repairs average €1,500-€3,000.
- 4Winterizing is essential even in Spain—neglect can cost €500-€2,000 in repairs.
Quick Answer
Professional pool maintenance on the Costa del Sol costs €80-€150 per month for weekly service. DIY costs €40-€80/month in chemicals. Total annual running costs (chemicals, electricity, water, repairs) average €1,500-€3,000 for a typical 8x4m pool.
A pool is one of the best features of Costa del Sol living—but it's not a "fill and forget" asset. Understanding the true costs helps you budget properly and avoid expensive surprises.
Monthly Pool Maintenance Costs (2025)
| Service Type | Monthly Cost | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Weekly Service | €80 - €100 | Skimming, vacuuming, chemical balance, filter check |
| Full Service (Weekly) | €120 - €150 | Above + chemicals included, minor repairs, equipment checks |
| Bi-Weekly Service | €50 - €70 | Same as basic, every 2 weeks (off-season option) |
| Holiday Home Package | €100 - €180 | Weekly service + property check, photos sent to owner |
DIY vs Professional: Real Cost Comparison
DIY Maintenance
- • Chemicals: €40-€80/month
- • Test kit/strips: €5-€10/month
- • Equipment wear: €10-€20/month
- • Your time: 2-4 hours/week
Total: €55-€110/month + 8-16 hours of your time
Professional Service
- • Weekly visit: €80-€150/month
- • Chemicals often included
- • Expert problem spotting
- • Your time: 0 hours
Total: €80-€150/month + peace of mind
Holiday Home Owners: Don't DIY
If you're not living at the property full-time, professional maintenance is essential. A pool can turn green in 3-5 days of neglect in Spanish summer heat. Recovery costs €200-€500.
Need Pool Maintenance?
Find reliable pool technicians on the Costa del Sol. Weekly service, repairs, and winterization.
Annual Running Costs Breakdown
Beyond monthly maintenance, here's what a typical 8x4m pool costs to run annually:
| Cost Category | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Chemicals (chlorine, pH, algaecide) | €400 - €700 |
| Electricity (pump 6-8 hrs/day) | €300 - €600 |
| Water (top-ups, evaporation) | €100 - €200 |
| Professional service (if used) | €960 - €1,800 |
| Minor repairs & parts | €100 - €300 |
| TOTAL (with professional service) | €1,860 - €3,600 |
Winterizing Your Pool (Yes, Even in Spain)
Many expats assume Spanish pools don't need winterizing. Wrong. While we don't get UK-level freezes, temperatures can drop below 5°C overnight in Marbella from December to February.
Lower water level
Below skimmers to prevent freeze damage (€0 - DIY)
Shock treat & balance chemistry
Prevents algae during low-use months (€30-€50)
Drain pump & filter
Prevents pipe damage from any frost (€0 - DIY or €50 professional)
Cover the pool
Reduces debris and algae growth (cover costs €200-€800)
Professional winterization service: €100-€200. A small price compared to €500-€2,000 for pump repairs or liner damage from neglect.
Common Repair Costs
| Repair Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Pump replacement | €400 - €900 |
| Filter sand change | €150 - €300 |
| Leak detection & repair | €200 - €800 |
| Tile repairs (per m²) | €80 - €150 |
| Liner replacement | €2,000 - €5,000 |
| Green pool recovery | €200 - €500 |
Written by
Javier Fernandez
Pool Technician at CostaTrades
Expert contributor covering home maintenance, renovation, and property management on the Costa del Sol. Helping expats navigate Spanish construction and property ownership.
