Litra PoolCare — Pool & Spa in Carrum Downs

Regular pool maintenance by a professional costs $80–$200/month depending on pool size and visit frequency. A one-off green pool clean-up costs $200–$600. Pool equipment servicing (pumps, filters, heaters) costs $150–$400 per call-out. Many homeowners maintain their own pools with monthly chemical testing costing $30–$60.

Test your pool water at least weekly during summer and fortnightly in winter. Key parameters to test: free chlorine (1–3 ppm), pH (7.2–7.6), total alkalinity (80–120 ppm), calcium hardness (200–400 ppm), and cyanuric acid (30–50 ppm). Most pool shops offer free water testing and will advise on chemical corrections.

A green pool is caused by algae growth, triggered by insufficient chlorine, high pH, poor circulation, or phosphate contamination. Treatment involves shocking the pool (superchlorinating to 10+ ppm), running the pump 24/7, brushing all surfaces, and adding an algaecide. A severely green pool may need flocculation and vacuuming to waste.

A pool safety certificate confirms your pool barrier (fencing, gates, windows) complies with Australian Standard AS1926. It's required when selling or leasing a property with a pool in QLD, NSW, ACT, TAS, SA, and WA. In VIC, a barrier compliance certificate from Council is required. Inspections cost $150–$250.

Pool resurfacing costs $3,000–$8,000 for a standard 40,000L pool. Pebblecrete/quartzon costs $4,500–$9,000. Fully tiled pools cost $8,000–$20,000+. Resurfacing is needed every 10–15 years depending on the surface type and water chemistry. Cracks, staining, and rough surfaces are signs it's time to resurface.