Green Pool Cleanup Cost: Is DIY Actually Cheaper?
It's the classic homeowner dilemma: "I can probably fix this myself for $50." But once you factor in the 10 gallons of chlorine, the algaecide, the clarifier, and your weekend... the math changes.
The Hidden Costs of DIY Cleanup
We visited a local pool store in Ormond Beach to price out the chemicals needed for a standard 15,000-gallon green pool. Here is the receipt:
DIY Shopping List (Round 1 Only)
- 4 Gallons Liquid Chlorine $32.00
- 2 lbs Cal-Hypo Shock $18.00
- 1 Qt Algaecide (Copper-Free) $24.00
- 1 Qt Flocculant/Clarifier $22.00
- Filter Cleaner Spray $15.00
- Phosphate Remover $35.00
- Round 1 Total $146.00
Wait... You're Not Done Yet.
Most green pools require at least 3 rounds of treatment to fully clear. One trip to the store is rarely enough.
That's over $400 just for chemicals. This assumes you already own a vacuum head, a working hose, and a pole. If you don't, add another $100.
The "Sweat Equity" Factor
Cleaning a green pool isn't just pouring jugs. It involves:
- Brushing the entire pool walls (30 mins)
- Backwashing the filter 3-4 times a day (20 mins each)
- Vacuuming dead algae to waste (1-2 hours)
- Testing water every 4 hours
Most homeowners spend their entire Saturday and Sunday babysitting the filter. What is your weekend worth?
The Professional Advantage
When you hire Float On Pools, you aren't just paying for chemicals. You are paying for:
- Industrial Vacuums: We have Riptide vacuums that suck up debris without clogging your filter.
- Chemical Knowledge: We know exactly how much to dose based on your CYA levels, so we don't waste product.
- Guarantee: If it doesn't clear, we keep working until it does.