So, you’ve just moved into your first home and it’s got a pool. Nice one! But now you’re wondering—how much is this thing actually going to cost to look after? Owning a pool can be awesome in the summer, but it’s not a “set and forget” type deal. Like owning a pet, it needs regular attention to stay healthy (and by healthy, we mean clean and safe).

Here’s what matters…

1. Water Treatment – You’ll Always Need Chemicals
   You’ll be buying things like chlorine, pH balancers, algaecide, clarifiers… the list can grow depending on the setup. On average, expect to spend around $500–$800 a year just on chemicals in New Zealand. If you’ve got a saltwater pool, you’ll still need to manage chemicals, but generally less than with a traditional chlorine pool.

Check out Kiwi suppliers like Poolwerx NZ or Para Pools for prices. They often have “pool packs” designed for the season, and they can give you a rough idea what you’ll need weekly.

Pro Tip: Get a water testing kit or take a sample down to Mitre 10 or Bunnings—they usually test it for free and tell you exactly what to add.

2. Power Bills Will Creep Up
   Running a pool pump sucks electricity. You’re probably looking at an extra $300–$600 a year in power. Heat pumps? Add more. A pool cover will help keep the heat in and stop water evaporating too fast.

It’s kind of like running a dehumidifier non-stop—small day-to-day cost, but it adds up.

Pro Tip: Run your filter overnight or in off-peak power times (some power companies like Contact Energy or Electric Kiwi have free hours) to save a few bucks.

3. Cleaning—Like Vacuuming, but Wetter
   You’ve got to clean your pool regularly or it’ll start looking (and smelling) like a swamp. Manual vacuums are cheaper, but take time. Robotic pool cleaners are easier but can set you back $1,000+. Budget a few hundred a year if you’re doing it yourself.

Or, if you’re time-poor, hire a pool service. In NZ, you’re looking at around $70–$120 per monthly visit, depending on where you live. Check local listings or services like Green Acres or Jim’s Pool Care.

Think of it like getting your car washed—you can do it for cheap at home or pay someone to get it sparkly with no effort.

4. Repairs and Replacements Sneak Up
   Pumps break. Filters need replacing. Lights short out. Stuff happens.

A new pump could land you back $400–$1,000 depending on size and model. Filters and accessories need replacing too, usually every few years. It helps to put aside a little “just in case” fund—say $300–$500 a year, even if you don’t use it every year.

It’s like when the washing machine breaks—it always happens at the worst time.

5. Water Top-Up and Replacement
   Evaporation, splashing, and backwashing your filter all mean you’ll need to top up the water. Depending on where you live, this might not cost much, but in areas with water restrictions or metered supply (like parts of Auckland), that can sting.

Also, every few years you might need to completely drain and refill the pool—that’ll spike your water bill. Plan for that if your pool’s more than 5 years old.

6. Equipment & Accessories – Not Always Optional
   Test kits, pool brushes, skimmer nets—you’ll need these. And if you’ve got young kids, you need to think about fencing and covers. Pool safety is a big deal in NZ, and local councils are strict.

Check the rules on the New Zealand Government Building Performance site for what’s required: https://www.building.govt.nz.

You might need to budget for updating or fixing fencing if it doesn’t meet current regulations.

7. Winter Prep – Still Needs Attention
   Don’t just throw a cover over it and forget about it in winter. You still need to monitor the chemicals and maybe run the pump now and then to keep things from getting nasty. It’s less effort, sure, but not zero.

You can buy pool winterising kits online—from stores like Swimart or The Warehouse during seasonal promos.

So, what should you plan for?
All in, the baseline yearly cost to maintain your pool in NZ is somewhere between $1,200 and $2,000. It depends hugely on the setup, how much you DIY, and how efficient your gear is.

Here’s the rough breakdown:

• Chemicals: $500–$800
• Power bills: $300–$600
• Cleaning/tools/service: $200–$800
• Repairs/contingency: $300–$500
• Water top-ups: Varies by region
• Fence/upgrades/safety: One-off, but check local regs

This is what you should do…
Start by doing a full check of what equipment you’ve got (pump, heater, chlorinator, etc.), then head down to your local pool supply shop and ask for their “starter list.” You’ll learn heaps from their advice—and probably score a water test and a basic care guide too.

Oh, and before you go buying heaps of gear online, make sure you know what suits your pool’s setup. An oversized pump or the wrong chemicals can cause more pain than good.

Last thing—don’t stress! Like anything new, it feels overwhelming at first. But once you get into a routine, it’s just another part of home life. Kind of like mowing the lawn… but with togs.