Total Cost of Pool Ownership Over 10 Years: 2026 Data
The purchase price of a swimming pool is only the beginning. According to SEC filings from the industry's largest manufacturers and distributors, pool owners face a predictable "equipment cliff" between years 8 and 11 where major components reach end-of-life simultaneously.
Key Statistics
The 10-Year Cost Timeline
Pool ownership costs follow a predictable pattern: steady annual maintenance for the first 7-8 years, followed by a concentration of major replacement expenses as core equipment ages out.
Sources: Leslie's 10-K, Latham 10-K, Pool Corp Q4 2024
The $36,000 total represents a realistic decade of pool ownership, combining $9,000 in recurring maintenance ($900/year) with the capital expenses that hit when equipment reaches end-of-life.[1]Leslie's, Inc. 10-KFiscal year ended September 28, 2024SEC Filing
The "Equipment Cliff" at Years 8-11
According to Hayward Holdings' SEC filings, the typical replacement cycle for pool equipment is 8 to 11 years.[3]Hayward Holdings 10-KFiscal year ended December 31, 2024SEC Filing This creates a concentrated replacement window where multiple major components fail simultaneously.
The Latham Group SEC filings confirm that vinyl liners and all-season covers must be replaced every 8 to 10 years.[2]Latham Group, Inc. 10-KFiscal year ended December 31, 2024SEC Filing When these costs coincide with equipment pad replacement ($14,000-$15,000) and potential resurfacing ($9,000-$10,000), pool owners face a concentrated capital outlay.[4]Pool Corp Q4 2024 Earnings CallFebruary 21, 2025Transcript
Key Insight
A pool's construction price is only the beginning. Pool owners must budget for an "equipment cliff" between years 8 and 11, where vinyl liners, safety covers, and core equipment pads can all reach end-of-life simultaneously, requiring up to $27,000+ in a single refresh cycle.
Major Equipment Replacement Costs
Pool Corporation's Q4 2024 earnings call provided specific replacement cost benchmarks that pool owners should plan for:
| Component | Replacement Cost | Typical Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment Pad (pump, filter, heater, chlorinator) | $14,000-$15,000 | 8-11 years |
| Pool Finish/Resurfacing | $9,000-$10,000 | 10-15 years |
| Vinyl Liner Replacement | $4,000-$6,000 | 8-10 years |
| Safety Cover | $1,500-$2,500 | 8-10 years |
Source: Pool Corp Q4 2024 Earnings Call
Fiberglass vs. Concrete: Long-Term Cost Comparison
Pool construction material significantly impacts total cost of ownership. According to Latham Group's SEC filings, fiberglass pools offer substantial long-term savings:
- 25-30% lower upfront costs compared to concrete[2]Latham Group, Inc. 10-KFiscal year ended December 31, 2024SEC Filing
- 35-40% lower total cost of ownership over time[2]Latham Group, Inc. 10-KFiscal year ended December 31, 2024SEC Filing
- 30% less chlorine consumption vs. concrete surfaces[2]Latham Group, Inc. 10-KFiscal year ended December 31, 2024SEC Filing
The chemical efficiency of fiberglass surfaces compounds over time. Requiring 30% less chlorine translates to approximately $120-$150 in annual savings on chemical costs alone, or $1,200-$1,500 over 10 years.
Annual Maintenance Breakdown
The $900/year baseline maintenance cost covers chemicals, filter media, and minor repairs that pool owners must purchase regardless of economic conditions.[1]Leslie's, Inc. 10-KFiscal year ended September 28, 2024SEC Filing
| Year | Maintenance Cost | Capital Expenses | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Years 1-7 | $6,300 | $0 | $6,300 |
| Year 8 | $900 | $2,000 (cover) | $2,900 |
| Year 9 | $900 | $5,000 (liner) | $5,900 |
| Year 10 | $900 | $15,000 (equipment) | $15,900 |
| 10-Year Total | $9,000 | $22,000 | $31,000 |
Note: Excludes resurfacing which may push total to $40,000+
Planning for the Equipment Cliff
Smart pool owners can prepare for the equipment cliff by:
- Starting a replacement fund early — Setting aside $200/month from year 1 builds a $24,000 reserve by year 10
- Staggering replacements — Replace safety covers in year 7-8, liners in year 9, and equipment in year 10-11
- Investing in energy-efficient equipment — Variable speed pumps pay back in 1-2 years through energy savings[3]Hayward Holdings 10-KFiscal year ended December 31, 2024SEC Filing
- Choosing fiberglass when building new — 35-40% lower TCO over the pool's lifetime[2]Latham Group, Inc. 10-KFiscal year ended December 31, 2024SEC Filing
For more industry data, see our annual pool maintenance cost breakdown or complete 2026 pool industry statistics.
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- [1] Leslie's, Inc. Annual Report (Form 10-K) — Fiscal year ended September 28, 2024. SEC Filing
- [2] Latham Group, Inc. Annual Report (Form 10-K) — Fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. SEC Filing
- [3] Hayward Holdings, Inc. Annual Report (Form 10-K) — Fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. SEC Filing
- [4] Pool Corporation Q4 2024 Earnings Call Transcript — February 21, 2025. Transcript