How Much Does Pool Water Cost? Initial & Ongoing Fees

The cost of water is a significant financial consideration for swimming pool ownership, encompassing both the initial fill and ongoing replenishment. Homeowners should budget for these expenses.

Calculating Initial Fill Costs

Estimating the cost to fill a swimming pool for the first time begins with determining its volume. For a rectangular pool, this calculation typically involves multiplying the length by the width by the average depth to find the cubic feet, then converting that to gallons (one cubic foot equals approximately 7.48 gallons). For example, a common pool size of 17,000 gallons would require that much water. Homeowners can find their local municipal water rates on utility bills or by contacting their water company, with pricing often presented per gallon, per 1,000 gallons, or per centum cubic feet (CCF), where one CCF equals 748 gallons.

Using municipal water via a garden hose is generally the most economical method for an initial fill, costing approximately $4 to $10 per 1,000 gallons. For a 17,000-gallon pool, this could range from $68 to $170. In contrast, opting for water delivery by truck can be a faster alternative, though it comes at a higher per-gallon rate. This service typically costs $30 to $100 per 1,000 gallons, translating to a range of $500 to $1,700 for a 17,000-gallon pool. Some companies may charge by the truckload, with a single 6,000-gallon truckload costing between $200 and $600.

Ongoing Water Costs and Influencing Factors

After the initial fill, pools continuously lose water through several mechanisms, leading to recurring replenishment costs. Evaporation stands as the primary factor, with pools typically losing about 0.25 inches of water per day, though this can vary significantly. Environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and wind directly influence evaporation rates; warmer water, lower humidity, and increased wind speed accelerate water loss. For instance, a 400-square-foot pool might lose as much as 10,000 gallons annually due to evaporation.

Beyond evaporation, water is also lost through splashing during use, as water is displaced from the pool onto surrounding surfaces. Another contributing factor is backwashing, a process necessary for cleaning pool filters. This operation can consume a substantial amount of water, often between 200 to 300 gallons per backwash cycle. While minor leaks can also lead to increased water consumption, they represent a less common, though still possible, source of water loss. These continuous losses necessitate regular additions of water, which contribute to the homeowner’s monthly utility bill.

Water Sources and Their Pricing

The choice of water source significantly impacts both the cost and convenience of filling and maintaining a pool. Municipal water, supplied by local utility companies, is the most common option. It is typically priced by volume, and many municipalities employ tiered pricing structures where the cost per unit of water increases as consumption rises.

Well water presents another alternative, particularly for properties not connected to municipal systems. While there is no direct per-gallon charge for the water itself, homeowners incur costs related to running the well pump, which consumes electricity. The electricity cost to operate a well pump can range from a few dollars to upwards of $50 per month, depending on pump size, depth of the well, and usage. Additionally, well water may require specific filtration or treatment before being suitable for pool use, adding to the overall expense.

Trucked water delivery involves purchasing water from a private company that transports it directly to the property. This service is often considerably more expensive than municipal water. However, it offers benefits such as speed of delivery and can be a practical solution in areas without access to municipal water or when a rapid fill is desired. The cost can also vary based on the distance from the water source and the volume delivered.